Become A Chaplain

“ This is What Chaplaincy Mean To Me”.

Every Thing You Need Is Behind The Veil”

"As a chaplain, I have a singular focus, because God has a singular focus as a former co-pastor of House Of Prayer Holiness Church under the leadership of the late Bishop Robert Evans And Bishop Reginald Smith and Also Pastor Anna Louise Eaddy my grandmother they were speakers on marriage. "God is in the transformation business. He's in the business of transforming sinners into saints, and then he's in the business of transforming saints into the image of his son and daughters I remember grand ma saying Child Seek FirstThe Kindom Of God And All Will Be Add Unto You“. 

 

"Even when I'm working with people who are going through extremely difficult situations, like a bad divorce with an abusive spouse, we're counseled by the Lord to love our enemies and to do good to those who persecute us. So the most important thing I tell them is, 'I know you're hurt. I know you've been betrayed. But the most important thing in this transaction is not your feelings but your spouse's soul.' 

 

"So I will always treat everyone the same because God is more interested in your eternal salvation than anything else." 

 

 

My thought if a parishioner came to me and asked what to do with my anger when a family member steals from you It's hard,I must admit , but the things one would tell you to do would be difficult to do unless you're a follower of Christ, because he empowers us to do the supernatural. The supernatural thing would be to forgive and to love. The classy thing to do would be just to root for your team. It's like they tell the people in high school: 'There's no booing in high school. Root for your team and leave the other team alone.' "

 

Chaplin are appointed and chosen and picked from the hands of God and are foreordained by the knowledge of God .(Jeremiah chapt1) as a chaplain I am appointed by God to oversee his kingdom I am called to be an intercessor for Pastors, ministers, evangelists ,and to rebuke those which may come against the kingdom of God.

 

With this Master degree in chaplain Studies this will be the key to open many many doors . Take the enemy’s camp by storm. Lead God people out of captivity into into the gates of freedoms . When I was called into the chaplaincy I heard God say I need someone not just anyone but some one to go behind the Veil and I responded and said” 

Lord Here Am I Send Me“

Submitted

Pastor Donald Eaddy

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have various classes in Christianity, one on Wicca, along with several Pagan courses, more than a few courses about Metaphysics with more being added regularly.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free, legal and lasts for life, so please take advantage of our Free Online Ordination.

The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of minister supplies.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and am proud to have started the Seminary.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

 

Chaplaincy Program

I would have to say my friend Mike. I remember back when went to college we would spend the long nights ups having fun and hanging out. As the years went by we both began to change how we think. After a while we both went our own ways with me going into the military and him doing something in sales. Years later we met up again by mistake to find out that we were both ordained and very much had the same thoughts and ideas of spirituality. We decided to work closely together in our ministry and it seems every time something comes up, we are already on the same page on things. It was like we were meant to work together.

Martin A

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have various classes in Christianity, one on Wicca, along with several Pagan courses, more than a few courses about Metaphysics with more being added regularly.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

 

Chaplaincy Program

Describe someone you know who has the Divine Mark. What set them apart?

My second cousin who was a Methodist Pastor had the Divine Mark.  He was set apart because of his demeanor.  He was always calm and comforting in every way.  He was never judgmental always looked for the positive.  He was passionate about his calling and he definitely lived the talk.  You knew you could always speak with him about anything.  There was a real trust and sincerity with him.  Jesus definitely did shine through this man.

Has anyone observed the mark in you? Write down what they have said?

I truely believe my mom has observed this.  I did not always live the life God would be proud of, but when I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, she notice my whole demeanor changed for the good.  She often comments that I never talk about anyone and that I seem more kind and caring.  She has told me on many occasions she is so glad at the changes I have made in my life.  I gave her a Bible and put my favorite verse inside the front cover.  Romans 5:8

Consider your calling. Describe it in a paragraph or two.

I belong to the Christian Motorcyclist Association.  I am a fairly new member and last fall, our chaplain, because of personal reasons relating to the time commitment had to step down.  We needed a new chaplain and several members, including the former Chaplain said the saw something in me and that I should consider taking over that role.  I told them I didn't know how to be a Chaplain and I was afraid I would not be capable to serve in the way I should.  The former Chaplain told me he sees it in me and that I should pray about it and let God lead me....putting total trust in Him.  I prayed and prayed and still pray for His guidance.  I am thoroughly convinced He wants me to pursue this course as He has led me in this new position.  I feel as if I have been annointed by Him to be the Chaplain of our chapter.  I definitely feel an inner peace that I have not experienced before and I feel a lot of things working with me from within.  I truly feel the Lord is working through me and I feel him leading me and at my side always. 

May God Bless you.....

   Rod

Luke 14:23

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have various classes in Christianity, one on Wicca, along with several Pagan courses, more than a few courses about Metaphysics with more being added regularly.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free, legal and lasts for life, so please take advantage of our Free Online Ordination.

The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of minister supplies.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and am proud to have started the Seminary.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

 

Master of Chaplaincy Studies Lesson 15‏

Master of Chaplaincy Studies Lesson 15‏

 

I would get items that I will use for the service, however I strongly believe what Matthew 8:20 states "For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them." I strongly believe this and I have held services under a tree and in homes. It's not about being fancy it's about worship and your connection with God.

 

Martin A

Master of Chaplaincy Studies Lesson 14‏

 

Master of Chaplaincy Studies Lesson 14‏

 

I minister to many and I am also the pastor of the church. However I also help with the Fire Department, Fleet Reserve Association, Civil Air Patrol and Sea Cadets to name a few. And yes I am very busy when the holiday roll around and I very busy during the Christmas season, because I am always giving special prayers and holding service at varies locations. Also visit all the animal shelters and help bless the animals and spending time with them showing them love that we should all share with them being one of God creatures.

 

Martin A

Chaplaincy Program

Master of Chaplaincy Studies Lesson 13‏

I have always been caution when it came to dealing with different issues. When dealing with different counseling I always knew another chaplain that could also do the same if I did not feel comfortable doing so. I was helping a lady with grief after the loss of her husband. I started to feel that she had some type of strange attraction towards me when I started to get calls late at night and as soon as that started I recommended her to another chaplain friend of mine who could help her, which he did. I was right she later wanted to see me and that was something that was not going to happen. So I network with different chaplain in case the need for help comes to be.

Martin A

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have various classes in Christianity, one on Wicca, along with several Pagan courses, more than a few courses about Metaphysics with more being added regularly.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free, legal and lasts for life, so please take advantage of our Free Online Ordination.

The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of minister supplies.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and am proud to have started the Seminary.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

 

Become A Chaplain

Master of Chaplaincy Studies Course Final Paper

Rev. Charles E Callahan

Master of Chaplaincy Studies

2010

ULCS

Master of Chaplaincy Studies

As I started reading the units it was nice to see the history of Chaplains and where they are still seen around the world.  I know I have had to do some of my duties in the hospitals near our house and with family members of friends and family in very different places.  Chaplains are very worldly and work in some very unique places.  I thought the history and introductory lessons would be a bit dry but turned out to be very interesting and rekindled some old thoughts and memories of Ministers, Priests and Chaplains I have known and where I saw their work.  Some did specialize in various areas and others tended to move around a lot. 

It is great, but unfortunate at the same time to see the need so wide spread for our services, with all the troubles in the schools and around the world with our service men and women.  I know after I receive my Chaplaincy title I will be helping out where needed.  Chaplains are Religious servants with the need to be familiar with all religious texts to a point where I can help no matter where I may be, though it may not b e a fluent knowledge, it should be to a point I can help.  The qualifications are very well explained and I have been using most of them in my daily life for several years with my work.  Being a good Listener and observer are two very major key issues and without them you could be in trouble.  You may think you heard a need for help with something you observed and jump in to help too soon, only to be embarrassed.  You need to have a keen sense of listening and observing to insure you are getting the feeling of you services being needed.  Do not presume you are needed.  I am in very high agreement of the points made about all the other qualifications of; being Faithful or Trustworthy, without this you are not setting a good example and the basis of having Good Character, Testimony and a Sound Doctrine system. I feel the ability to teach is very important and will always be utilized as a Chaplain flows through their community or area of service.  You may not always be training in just Religious matters either.  Be ready to fill several shoes. 

I think one of the joys of being a “Chaplain” is the fact your Chapel is where ever you are basically.  I know I have had to use my Ministerial duties, as I stated before in many places.  I truly love this and do not like being tied down too much.  In my community I see the need for assistance in almost every area discussed.  I have worked for non-profit organizations for many years and am going to be continuing my service needs there when I get my courses finished up and graduate.  I have already offered to help out with my Grand Son’s Scout troop and School during functions.

As I continued to read the remaining chapters in the lesson I made copies and keep them in a book to use as reference, as I think we all need.   There is a whoop load of information and very well put together to where anyone could use it to benefit their studies.  It really gives a person of the importance and sight of how large of a job a Chaplain is.   I can go back to the pages I have marked for quick reference and refresh myself occasionally while enjoying quiet evenings with my wife.  I have been prepared and am continuing to prepare myself with the finishing of this course and the starting of the rest to start yet another journey of my calling into the Chaplaincy.  I felt everything was very well written, enjoyable, and usable and will keep the information for a long period to come.  I would like to thank everyone who was involved in this great program for letting us indulge in it.  I learned a lot and was reminded and had a pleasant rekindling of information.  I would recommend it too all those who are journeying into any part of Christianity as a teacher, follower, listening or just to have this great source of knowledge. 

Thank You Pastor Dan, Amy and all those involved.  Great and enjoyable course. 

Rev. Chuck Callahan  

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have various classes in Christianity, one on Wicca, along with several Pagan courses, more than a few courses about Metaphysics with more being added regularly.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free, legal and lasts for life, so please take advantage of our Free Online Ordination.

The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of minister supplies.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and am proud to have started the Seminary.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

 

Chaplaincy Studies

Certification Essay ~ Master of The Chaplaincy Studies

Candidate: Rev. Daniel P. Woodring

Resume: Rev. Daniel P. Woodring is a Minister, Author, Spiritual Advisor, Chaplain, and Certified Life Coach. Dan is the Spiritual Director for the Center for Spiritual Consciousness – an organization with a stated mission of Helping Individuals Reach Spiritual and Human Potential. Dan has combined over 30 years of experience with advanced academic credentials in spiritual ministries, leadership, and team building. Dan has helped thousands with his book “No Regrets, a Comprehensive Guide and Work Book for Mapping Your Life’s Journey – Regardless of Age.”

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In the process of completing this 20 session Master of the Chaplaincy Studies course with Universal life Church, I also participated in a 6 week Hospital Chaplaincy Program through West Chester Medical Center. With completion of these programs, and as of this writing, I am a volunteer Hospital Chaplain at the West Chester Medical Hospital.

There were many discoveries and awakenings during the process of taking these programs. One of the more significant was ten questions requiring much thought and deep medication for the answers. Here are the ten questions and my deep discoveries:

1. What calls me to ministry?

I am called by an inner knowing, the Spirit within, to a personal mission of “Helping Individuals and Organizations Reach Potential.” This mission came to me about 30 years ago. To me this means helping individuals with their physical, emotional, mental and spiritual needs. In the past I was focused on working with individuals and businesses. Today I am being drawn to focus primarily on helping in the area of individual emotional, mental, and spiritual needs.

2. What is my personal experience of illness, suffering and death?

My first and most formative experience of death and suffering was with my mother who died of cancer at and early age of 58. Mom was diagnosed with cancer of the liver and was given 6 weeks to live … or could extend the time line somewhat with chemo. She chose the six weeks, and during that time helped all those around her with a deep understanding of love, faith, suffering, death, and dieing. It was a blessing to all those who came to visit her. We had many personal “chats” that left me with a deep positive experience about God working in and through other people during times of suffering and death.

My second personal experience was quintuple heart by-pass surgery on myself in 2003. What a great lesson this was for me … receiving personal and powerful ministry, especially from my wife but many other care givers, family, and prayer warriors. The ministries received included physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual and represented a balance of what I see now as a part of my personal ministry.

3. Where was God in that experience?

As said by many people at the time and since, “God was all over this situation.” God used many people for the flow of His love, peace, and compassion, and healing.

4. Who am I? Do I know myself intimately?

I am a child of God, a spirit having a human experience. I am love and peace; I feel I am continually growing in self-realization ~ knowing myself more intimately on a daily basis; knowing the power of God within.

5. What do I hope to gain? What do I hope to give to this ministry?

This experience or ministry is not about “gain”, it is about “Being”. I hope to be an instrument of God … and give or allow the power and grace of God to flow through me to others.

6. What do I expect to learn from this experience that may be my “growing edge”?

I expect this to be an experiential learning lab … learning from the experience of others in the group, group leaders, patients we visit, and authors of material we will read. The “edge” will be growth in the process of learning to “Be”, to do what is mine to do.

7. Who will guide me and support me in this ministry?

First and foremost, the guidance and support come from the Holy Spirit directly, and then indirectly through my wife, family and others praying for me.

8. Why do I want to be a “hospital chaplain”?

I have had confirmation from others that “this is excellent venue for use of the talents God has given to you.” It has thus become a passionate desire.

9. Can I minister to patients/families that are of different faith or no faith?

Yes; I have had education and training in comparative religions and feel comfortable in this situation

10. Can I minister without praying after each visit?

Yes; ministry to others takes many forms. Individuals or families need someone to listen, give comfort, be compassionate, give hope, and, sometimes that means just our “presence” is all that is needed. Asking first if prayer is appropriate is always a good idea.

Other discoveries and reminders included a close look at a compassionate approach to my ministry. Some of the key points included:

 It is not about us … it’s not about ego … God is the source

 We volunteer for pastoral ministry because we are needed

 God has given us the authority

 Matt 25:34-37, 40 … Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.”

 Healing and miracles: we are called to perform healing and miracles … to bring the assurance of God’s love to those who suffer. Remember the promise and anointing: “Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father” (John 14:12)

 Together we are the body of Christ … empowered by the Holy Spirit

 Our calling: “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” (John 20:21)

 Together we possess gifts of compassion, understanding, wisdom, peace, comfort, healing and prayer to offer the sick and suffering

 A cure for an illness may not always be forthcoming, but healing is always possible … healing of their fears, doubts, guilt, anger, loneliness, etc.

 Sympathy vs. empathy: Sympathy ~ feeling sorry for; more sentimental emotion than supportive action; more pity than compassion. Empathy ~ to move emotionally into another person’s skin attempt to comprehend the level of pain or loss. Compassion is empathy’s companion

 At times, our only ministry is the ministry of “presence”

Probably one of the biggest reminders was the fact that we should always recognize and practice the “Theological Order” of ministry. The following needs to become a part of us as we deliver pastoral care:

 The essential task of pastoral care visits is to increase the patients’ awareness of God’s presence in their lives … and to be the focus of prayers

 God is in all the incidences and events surrounding our ministry

 Our ministry is bringing God into the lives and experiences and help patients with their spiritual growth

 Our ministry is to help patients recognize God in the experience of sickness and be able to articulate that understanding … to develop an openness to God’s presence.

 Today medical science acknowledges that physical cures are more attainable when spiritual healing has occurred

 The psalmist advises simply, “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10

In the final analysis, this chaplaincy study is but one piece or skill set that will help in my ministry to others. As Spiritual Director for the Center for Spiritual Consciousness, the tools, discoveries and skills learned will help me BE a better instrument of the Universal Force.

“WHAT COULD IMPROVE THIS COURSE?” Here are some ideas:

 A more user friendly system to post and share information with others taking the course. I still don’t know how to access others’ work or find “The Forum”

 Adding insightful questions (as noted above) that would help students go deeper into themselves and look at motives and decision points of becoming a chaplain.

 Requiring some kind of Verbatim midway through the course

Thanks for the opportunity … keep up the good work.

Respectively Submitted:

Rev. Daniel P. Woodring

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Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Master of Chaplaincy Studies

Master of Chaplaincy Studies Lesson 13‏

I have a well thought out when it comes to my ministry and being a chaplain and I keep things in place and in order. I do not get involved with people that I counsel or work with. I keep my private life private and all things personal and I do not talk about anything concerning myself or personal life. I keep all things in order and maintain all documentation that provide my higher ups what my ministry is doing and what it and where it is going.

Martin A

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have various classes in Christianity, one on Wicca, along with several Pagan courses, more than a few courses about Metaphysics with more being added regularly.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free, legal and lasts for life, so please take advantage of our Free Online Ordination.

The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of minister supplies.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and am proud to have started the Seminary.

Chaplaincy Studies

1.  Describe someone who has the Divine Mark.  What set them apart?

 

I would have to say the Rev. Lou Brock and Dr. Jacqueline Brock, have that Divine Mark.  I don't think I can say any better then this...

 

The Brocks are both ordained ministers. They are committed to the work of the ministry with a calling to teach and evangelize. The apostolic anointing and gifting's enable them to speak and edify the body of Christ in this generation. A multitude of souls have been saved, healed, delivered, and filled with the Holy Spirit. Many have gone on to establish powerful ministries. The couple is sought after as ministers of the Gospel, keynote speakers delivering inspirational, motivational, and spiritual messages. Their submission to the Word of God has given them a worldwide platform to speak into the lives of churched and un-churched people.

I have been blessed to have met both of these great Pastor and spend sometime with them at Rev. Lou Brocks 70th birthday party, as well as a yearly charity event that is held here in St. Louis.  I did not know that they were Pastors when I first met them but they had this ease about them both.  A feeling of peace is what I felt whenever I spoke with either of them. 

2.  Has anyone observed the mark in you?  What did they say.

I have been told that I have been blessed with the spirit of a old caring soul.   That my care-giving is  warm like a robe of love that I put on someone who is feeling lost or sick.    That I also have a way of making people feel like they belong and that God has hand picked them for something great in this world.  Others have said that I have so much joy and love in my heart for God that it just pours out of me where ever I go. 

3. Consider your calling...

I truly believe that God has called me to be a caregiver to the lost.  I have been blessed to have been through alot of bad things in my life and I say blessed because without going through the bad things I would never have really appreciate the great things that God has put in my heart.  I wish I could say it was like a lighting bolt that hit me and told me that I need to follow Gods word, but it wasn't.   It has always been a feeling deep inside of me.  A feeling I could never shake.  No matter what I tried to do, no matter how many times I said "He couldn't want me to do his work, not after all I have done.  I am miss reading my feelings" God keep pressing.  Finally after the passing of my mother I had no where to turn or no one to talk to so I started talking to God.  Not just talking to Him I started yelling at Him.  Telling him I didn't understanding why things were the way they were.  Why I had been though so many bad things.  After a while, when I began to listen, I began to feel this warmth of love and wholeness that I had never felt before.  I felt Him tell me that if I would have just Stopped and listen to him and what he was calling me to do,  instead of listening to the flesh of men, I could have saved myself alot of heartaches.  He has called me to be his  hands and arm for the people who have no one.   To let them know that they are someone with a purpose, with value.  And most of all that they are loved by their Heavenly Father and there is nothing they can do to make God not love them.  Once I realized these gifts he had given me only then did I truly know who I was on this earth and why I was here.

Rev. Sandra Hatchell

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have various classes in Christianity, one on Wicca, along with several Pagan courses, more than a few courses about Metaphysics with more being added regularly.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free, legal and lasts for life, so please take advantage of our Free Online Ordination.

The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of minister supplies.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and am proud to have started the Seminary.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

 

Become A Chaplain

Lesson 11

It’s always tough to minister to those who have lost loved ones. It’s important to explain to them that crying is more than alright and it’s grieving is a natural part of the process. Ensure that you’ll be there for them and make sure that they have a decent support system that will see them through their difficult time.

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have various classes in Christianity, one on Wicca, along with several Pagan courses, more than a few courses about Metaphysics with more being added regularly.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free, legal and lasts for life, so please take advantage of our Free Online Ordination.

The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of minister supplies.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and am proud to have started the Seminary.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

 

Chaplaincy

Final Essay for Chaplaincy Course

By Robert Nelson

               This is a wonderful course.  As a former military chaplain I wondered if I would benefit from the course and I am very happy to say that I benefited greatly.  The course covered every aspect of being a chaplain from the calling, theology, and liturgics to the nitty-gritty logistics of this type of ministry.  I think there is enough detail here about the actual functioning of a chaplain that it would benefit anyone interested in this type of ministry including chaplains in the U.S. Army’s Basic Chaplaincy Course or even chaplains with several years experience, such as myself.

               For me personally there were several areas that were especially beneficial.  I thoroughly enjoyed the sections on the logistics of ministry.  I think this is a weakness for many chaplains who confine themselves to an office and seldom venture into the world of those they serve.  For me, ministry of presence is the essence of chaplaincy.  Reverend Moore highlighted this in several ways as he wrote of learning the institution.  But to conduct this ministry effectively it takes a certain amount of preparation and I think the concept of creating “tool boxes” is probably the best idea I have heard in a while for organizing and preparing for this type of ministry.  I have used this concept to a certain extent myself in the past but think I can do it much better with the intention and detail that Rev. Moore suggests.  In the past my tool box might have been whatever I threw in my pocket but now I think I can do much better by intentionally creating a tool box for the situations in which I will be serving.  My tool box for working with homeless people will be different from that I will use at a nursing home or the one I will use when working with veterans.  I am really excited about this concept and have great hopes for its application.

               I also found the lesson concerning sacred space, objects, and symbols to be particularly beneficial.  As a counselor I have long conceived of the creation of a safe space as an important step in counseling and now this concept has grown to involve the creation of a sacred space (and even a sacred time) as part of ministry.  Certainly this involves a certain logistical reality but to a greater extent it is a function of the attitude and spirituality of the chaplain.  Years ago I discovered that as a chaplain I was much more useful in the motor pool or on a road march than I was sitting in an office in the chapel.  I was able to provide more ministry to more people.  Now I see that when I was most effective I was creating a sacred space or perhaps more accurately, carrying a sacred space with me as I traveled around in my ministry of presence.  This involves logistical factors such as in some cases some sort of privacy and a certain amount of comfort but it also involves creating at least an illusion of having plenty of time and through symbols, actions, and interactions the creation of a sacred space.

               Sometimes this sacred space is created with little more than a smile and a prayer.  At other times it might involve more elaborate interactions and symbols.  But whether it involves a full-fledged altar and vestments or simply the reading of a scriptural passage and a prayer, it is essential to the ministry of a chaplain.

               The sections on counseling, especially grief counseling, were interesting to me since I have spent most of my professional life doing some sort of counseling.   Even at that I found that the section on grief counseling was both interesting and informative.  This highlights another aspect of the course which was valuable to me – the rehearsal of basic principles.  There is often little to be said that is completely new.  We are after all speaking of religion, spirituality, and ministry – ancient activities which are based in ancient traditions of wisdom and which at a certain level are fundamental to being human beings.  But newness is not a requirement for wisdom.  It may be important to fashion and marketing but for ministry it is less important than ancient, profound fundamentals such as compassion and spirituality.  I believe that the pursuit of excellence requires a frequent rehearsal of fundamentals.  This is certainly true in such things as sports where the athletes who are best at fundamentals such as running, jumping, blocking, tackling, and throwing are the ones who are usually victorious.  The same is true for other areas of achievement and such basics as reading, writing, performing arithmetic, and so forth.  So it is with ministry and especially chaplaincy.  Certainly there is a value to gaining as much knowledge as possible and exploring advanced aspects of hermeneutics, liturgics, and homiletics.  But in the end it is the basics of caring, connecting with others, and being present that will bring the most comfort to those we serve.  It is the remembrance of our calling and our personal spiritual foundation that provides depth and meaning to our ministry.  Rev. Moore has reminded me of that principle and has provided a useful handbook for the frequent rehearsal of some of those fundamentals.

               The section on avoiding traps is one of those important fundamentals.  Rev. Moore has spelled it out clearly and reminded me to beware of the temptations and even the appearance of evil.  I have seen far too many ministers who have ruined their calling and their lives through various traps involving sex and money.  I have seen many more flounder because of the trap of pride.  These traps are with us always and frequent, even daily reminders, are important to help us stay the course.

               I am not sure what I could improve in this course.  There are things I would do differently  but that is more a matter of personality and preference than of a critique of substance.  As I was going through the course there were times when I thought something should be added or expanded but on later reflection I felt that some of this was more cosmetic.  In other words, I liked this course.

               My personal goal is to shift gears in my career.  I have been mostly a counselor since I got out of the Army.  I have done some limited volunteer chaplain work with the Veterans Administration and among the homeless but hope to expand that aspect of my life.  I’m looking forward to completing the entire chaplaincy program and the D.Min. program and expanding this ministry with my wife into a holistic ministry and health education among several populations.   I hope to continue working with the homeless and to expand my ministry among the elderly and veterans.  Together with my wife I hope to also do ministry among people who are interested in improving their health.  I would like to get an endorsement from the ULC as a chaplain.

               Thanks for the inspiration and direction.

Rev. Bob Nelson, Ph.D.

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