What is a Chaplain?

Inspire

The first military Chaplains gave a call for victory in battle:

“When you prepare for battle, the priest must come forward to speak to the troops. He will say to them, ‘Listen to me, all you men of Israel! Do not be afraid as you go out to fight your enemies today! Do not lose heart or panic or tremble before them.  For the Lord your God is going with you! He will fight for you against your enemies, and he will give you victory!’ ” ~ Deuteronomy 20:2–4 (NLT)

Chaplains are God’s ambassadors.

A Chaplain is there when someone is under attack, is off-track, or overwhelmed – facing an uphill battle. A Chaplain steps into the gap between those in crisis and the Lord to intercede with the only one who can truly help. Not with their own resources or words, but standing on promises to appeal to God.

“So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” ~ 2 Corinthians 5:20 (NLT)

Chaplaincy is a ministry of availability and presence, crisis intervention, counseling, advocacy, family support services, community services, and community activities. Of significant importance, Chaplains are visual representatives of the Lord through their presence in each situation they serve. Organizations desire Chaplains for their ability to empower individuals, or family members in distress by sharing the hope that enables their coping strategies. Chaplains who serve in these situations will tell you, that this can be an exciting, challenging, surprising, and rewarding way to fulfill a calling. 

Chaplaincy is called a ministry of presence since the main purpose of a chaplain is to listen, care and respond appropriately to a person’s needs. This may include actively listening, crying, laughing, comforting, mourning, and sharing.  They hear what people are really saying and what they are asking for. They make meaningful connections because people understand that they care. It also includes praying with individuals, families, staff; conducting funeral services, providing bereavement support, and general counseling. 

Chaplains are ordinary people, from all walks of life, but generally, they are blessed with unique skills. They are encouragers, motivators, and people who inspire. They spur people to be the best versions of themselves and make good life decisions. They celebrate the accomplishments and fresh starts of others and are blessed with extraordinary hearts and an abundance of compassion. They are the guide for some of life’s difficult moments. In short, God can call anyone. He calls the willing and equips them accordingly.

A Chaplain usually ministers in specialized settings such as hospitals, military bases, police stations, and fire departments. Chaplains, like, Pastors, have similar callings, to minister to people’s needs and to share hope with them. However, Pastors have a church as their base, and Chaplains are based in the community, rather than in a building. Although Chaplains are sponsored through their church, they are trained to minister to all faiths. They often work in areas or facilities where people cannot attend a church. 

They serve a secular community who may have a limited, if any understanding of God, but strongly desire the Lord’s intervention in their situation. While Chaplains are religious leaders, either clergy or lay individuals, endorsed by a particular religious community. they need to provide ministry and enable the free exercise of religion for all persons. No one should ever be asked to violate their religious beliefs or convictions. They are expected to remain sensitive to the personal, moral, and spiritual needs of all.

Chaplains have training and skills that congregational pastors usually do not have. Since clergy usually is not called to minister to high crisis environments, most clergies are not trained with the skills needed when they endeavor to help.

Chaplains bring compassionate care to those in despair. In the midst of calamity, Chaplains shine the light of hope in Jesus Christ. They offer comfort and support to those who are struggling in chaos. Utilizing active listening as a path to compassionate understanding, they bring a ministry of presence to create peace in the midst of crisis Chaplains always conduct themselves with the highest levels of integrity.