Tuesday, August 14, 2018

Lesson 1

LESSON 1           

 

Throughout my life I have been around Chaplains.  The first time was in the service to our country.  I was in the US Marines and saw the work that the Chaplains did for the troops.  After discharge from the Marines  I worked at a local hospital in Security.  The facility was run by one of the Catholic Orders and the Nuns were very much into religious teachings.  This hospital merged with another one in town and the Catholic Order relinquished control of the spiritual aspects.  Over the years, up until my retirement last year, I have seen a growth in the Pastoral Care department which govern the Chaplains.

 

My beliefs were established in the Christian faith growing up.  Now they are not any one church, but many.

 

The role of Chaplains will continue to grow as they will always be needed.  With the rise of homelessness and those who have no church, per se, Chaplains will fill a roll to help those in need.

Saturday, June 9, 2018

Final Essay, Master of the Chaplaincy

Lesson 20 Answer

Master of the Chaplaincy Final Essay

By: David L. Brown

            I've learned many things about the chaplaincy over the past 20 weeks. Some of my favorite parts were the history, the function, the formal requirements and the pitfalls of Chaplaincy. I love the history and technical aspects, as well as the compassion, empathy and counseling opportunities of the Chaplaincy. In the next few paragraphs I will share some of what I've learned.

            First, I learned the history and how the Chaplaincy is a unique type of minister for a unique ministry. It started with Roman priests and Celtic Druid priests accompanying their armies into battle. Monks would meet at specific places, many of which became chapels, hence the name Chaplain. The British had a Chaplaincy as early as the 8th century. The US Continental Congress established a Chaplaincy with the first Chaplain posted in 1789 in the late 18th century. There is much more rich history of the Chaplaincy in lesson 4, from the Master of Chaplaincy course, as well as a great deal of information that is available online. One interesting information source I found was the book, "The History of the Southern Baptist Chaplaincy." [1]

            I also learned that Chaplains, like Pastors have a divine calling for their respective ministries and many Pastors make good Chaplains. I am to seek advice from trusted advisors to verify that I have that calling, and that they and I both see that divine calling in me. This calling would include a self-assessment to determine if I am prepared to become a lifelong learner, and that I'm a faithful, trustworthy person of good character. Evidence that I possess the attributes required by a Chaplain.

            I learned about the formal training required to be a Chaplain as a profession. The demands are extensive, including education (usually to the Master Degree level in Divinity or Theology) specialized training and endorsement from your denomination or religious body. Continuing education is also required to maintain your credentials. Additional training and certification may also be required, depending on your Chaplaincy vocation. I learned a great deal about Southern Baptist Chaplains and the training required by the North American Mission Board (NAMB) of the Southern Baptist Convention.

            I learned a great deal about Healthcare Chaplains and the requirements necessary to be a Southern Baptist certified and endorsed Healthcare Chaplain. They serve in a wide range of facilities including hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities and with hospice services. They have a ministry that involves a great deal of death, despair and sorrow. They must be especially careful not to let their service lead to burn out. They must have people, like a soul friend to help them decompress (without divulging any HIPAA protected information).

            I learned that correctional institution Chaplains are called upon to be comforters, pastors, teachers and counselors to both the inmates and the correctional staff. These Chaplains listen to the inmates needs and worries, build trust and foster peace within the facility. They must also complete specialized training for their specific correctional facility.

Emergency services Chaplains serve with Law Enforcement Departments, Fire Department and Emergency Services. Their job is similar to correctional facility Chaplains, because they serve and work with criminals, their friends and families, but they also deal with death, domestic violence, trauma and other aspects of Chaplaincy that are similar to healthcare Chaplains. The NAMB has great resources on Prison Chaplaincy [2] and Emergency Services or Public Safety Chaplaincy. [3]

            Business, corporate and community Chaplaincy was intriguing to me. I would love to be the Chaplain for my AFLAC Insurance Region, but I asked and they said no. I'll ask again in the future, or perhaps send a letter to the Board of Directors, suggesting a Chaplaincy program. I think it's needed. Many agents get very downhearted, because the industry is a feast or famine industry where you can make a great deal of money one day and then not see another penny for a month or more. It can be an emotional roller-coaster ride. Community Chaplaincy is another possibility, I like the entrepreneurial aspect of looking for a place in the community to serve.

            I learned about trust and confidentiality too. Those that serve must be trustworthy and elicit trust in those they serve. The confidentiality laws must be adhered to also, except in the laws governing the reporting of juvenile abuse or neglect. These crimes must be reported. The laws governing North Carolina clergy, including Chaplains, can be found in the North Carolina General Statutes 7B-301 and 7B-310 [4]

            I also learned about active listening. I learned that keeping good eye contact is important, but don't stare. Listen until the person is finished without interrupting, unless clarification is necessary. You are there to provide an empathetic ear, not to solve all of their problems. Advice should be limited and provide empathetic and reflective feedback, as well as practical referral to more advanced counseling as needed.

            The Chaplaincy application of healing touch is very important but must be done appropriately. Ask permission before you touch anyone and usually limit that touch to their hand or forearm. A touch can be a powerful and healing experience, but it can also lead to inappropriate touching, so you must keep the touching beneficial and ethical.

            I have no practical experience in counseling the grieving or troubled as a Chaplain, but I have medical and psychiatric training that I used as a Hospital Corpsman in the Navy.
It is important to provide empathetic counseling to those grieving, and not choose sides in a dispute for those that are troubled or upset. You are there to listen with empathy, comfort and provide the grieving or venting person someone willing to listen.

            I was particularly glad to learn about the traps to avoid in Chaplaincy, they include: being aware of my limitations, being wary of manipulation, avoiding transference or counter-transference, not expecting pay unless it's an expected part of your compensation (Military Chaplain, Hospital Chaplain, etc.) You should also avoid the pitfall of pride in your ministry.  Most of all you should avoid relational pitfalls, including inappropriate touching, conversations or relations with your counselee. These traps can be devastating to the parties involved, their friends and their families, as well as destroying your credibility and testimony.

            I learned about the ceremonies I may be called upon to participate in, including performing wedding ceremonies. I learned what credentials and licensing were needed to perform a wedding in North Carolina and developed a marriage policy for my potential wedding officiating ministry.

            I learned how to create a sacred space if a chapel in not available. I learned of all the things that could be used to create a sacred space and then developed my own tool-kit for creating that sacred space. This would include many parts of my Chaplain's toolbelt and toolbox as discussed in lesion 19, with a few additions.

            I learned the importance of having a soul-friend and also obtaining a mentor. Both of which can help keep you grounded and diminish pride. They can also provide advice and act as your counsel during your own troubled times. This can help with personal accountability too. We need to be held accountable for our actions, lack of action, and personal comportment in all aspects of the Chaplaincy.

            I also learned that I need to care for myself, both physically and especially spiritually in order to care for others – to serve others. This aspect of the Chaplaincy probably helped me the most, because I often think of myself last in a occupation or ministry situation.

What could improve this course?

            Clean up the minor typographical errors. I would also standardize the type of format for the responses to the lessons. I've seen responses on the Blog that I would not have accepted, as an instructor. The credibility of the course would be enhanced, buy standardizing the requirements for lesson submission.

What you hope you will accomplish as a result of taking this course.

            I took the course to improve my knowledge concerning the requirements of Chaplaincy and to learn more about the experience of Chaplaincy, so my primary take-away would be increased knowledge and skill in all aspects of Chaplaincy. Thank you, I appreciated the experience and information.



[1] Lawrence P. Fitzgerald, "History of the Southern Baptist Chaplaincy", Digital Commons @ Gardner-Webb University, last modified 1970, https://digitalcommons.gardner-webb.edu/ebook/1/.

[2] NAMB, "Prison Chaplains," NAMB, last modified 2017, https://www.namb.net/chaplaincy/correctional.

[3] NAMB, "Public Safety Chaplaincy," NAMB, last modified 2017, https://www.namb.net/chaplaincy/public-safety.

[4] Child Welfare Information Gateway, last modified 2015, https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubPDFs/clergymandated.pdf.

Lesson 19 Answer

Lesson 19 Answer

Chaplain Tool Belt and Toolbox

By David L. Brown

Tool Belt

            In my ministry, which consists of being Chaplain of my American Legion Post, I will need just a few items for my Tool belt. I will need business cards, my smartphone (calendar, digital recorder, digital Bible, e-mail, social networks, phone, contact list, notepad, internet etc.) breath mints, cash and a watch. I will also have myself, providing a smile, a personable attitude, listening ears and appropriate attire with of course, my American Legion hat.

Toolbox

            My toolbox will be housed in a handled bag of some sort. It will be equipped with Kleenex, Gideon Testaments (since I'm a Gideon), tracts, computer tablet, hand sanitizer, correspondence supplies, administrative supplies and portable worship items. I may also carry extra items in my car for those just-in-case moments (raincoat, umbrella, dress shirt, jacket, etc.) With these items, I should be ready for almost any contingency.

Lesson 18 Answer

Lesson 18 Answer

Personal and Spiritual Care Schedule

By David L. Brown

"And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat." Mark 6:31

            After the beheading of John the Baptist, his disciples buried the body and then traveled to meet with Jesus. Jesus saw that they were tired and distressed so he invited them to go on a short retreat into the desert to rest and take some leisure time to eat.

            In career or ministry, we all need to take some time off to relax, refresh and take some leisure time. Pastors, Evangelists and Chaplains are often so focused on their ministry that they fail to stop for a meal, rest or vacation. Their obligations become a millstone around their necks. This is true for people in other professions too. In my position as an AFLAC agent, I can get focused and work right through lunch, as a writer I often skip breakfast, and if I'm not done writing, I'll often keep writing straight through lunch. This is not very healthy, so I will attempt to follow the plan below to improve my spiritual as well as physical personal care.

            First, I will create a schedule that includes time for meals, exercise, personal devotion and prayer. Then I'll need to stick to the plan. I have a propensity to let my plan fall apart as unforeseen developments arise. I need my schedule in writing, so that I can re-start it after these unforeseen tasks, trials, celebrations, holidays (etc.) occur. My plan schedule should look like the following.

1.      Breakfast, during e-mail review.

2.      Personal devotion time and reading a portion of my Bible.

3.      A walk combined with prayer time spent worshiping and talking with God.

4.      Work Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm – Writing on Saturday 8am until I'm done.

5.      Studying, Teaching, Singing and Worshiping at Church and then rest and relaxation on Sunday.

6.      Get adequate sleep on a daily basis, with a nutritious diet, to support both physical and mental health.

7.      Annually, schedule vacation time for at least 3-5 days of fun, rest and relaxation.

      Combined with this plan I will need to schedule in some flexibility. A strict schedule without built in flexibility promotes frustration and stress. I need built in time to manage the unforeseen. I need flexibility to be able to stop and listen to people, to engage co-workers, clients, ministerial counselees, friends and family. Flex time in anyone's schedule is important.

I need to focus on service to others first, but also never neglect my own physical needs and especially my own spiritual needs. I need to care for myself so that we can continue caring for others. This has helped me, and I hope it helps others, especially those in ministry.

Friday, June 8, 2018

Lesson 17 Answer

Personal Accountability

            I have a mentor and he is my pastor. He has counseled me on many occasions and has been a guide and personal accountability partner. Although he is not a Chaplain he does do chaplain like work, especially in hospital settings. He's comfortable sharing his time, his empathy and Jesus with anyone in need.

            I need to increase my time with him if possible, which is difficult at this time, because of the extra time he has been spending with his wife. She has cancer and she's not doing well, so please pray for her recovery, either by the healing touch of God, the work of her doctors, or the ultimate healing – being called home to be with the Lord. My desire for mentorship can wait or I can seek another mentor. I know of a couple of possibilities that I need to pursue. It never hurts to have more than one mentor.

Monday, May 28, 2018

Lesson 16

Lesson 16 Answer

Who in your ministry do you see as a potential soul-friend?

            I see a couple of people as potential soul-friends. The first is my pastor and the second is a pastor who is also treasurer for my American Legion post.

Describe how you have been or become a soul-friend to someone and how you would like to improve this relationship.

I have a very old and wise Gideon friend that has helped me and prayed for me for many years. I have a tendency to neglect him but would love to increase the mentorship that has developed into something more like the soul-friend relationship described in the lesson. I would also like to cultivate that same relationship with my pastor or possibly the other pastor I mentioned. Unfortunately, I'm a very solitary and self-reliant person. I'm the type of person that, if stranded on a deserted island, would just set up housekeeping and start a new life alone. I would wish for rescue but wouldn't rely upon it. I'm the type of person that people can rely upon, but I fail to rely on others, so I'm not sure I could ever be much of a soul-friend to anyone – including my precious wife.

To spite my love and compassion, my desire to serve, my dedication to seeing souls saved, I may not be a very good candidate for soul-friend. I will endeavor to preserver in the pursuit of these relationships though, just in case it is something that can be learned, instead of coming naturally. It definitely does not come naturally to me.


Master of Chaplaincy Study Lesson 18

This is a great study i love every lesson, i have learn so much from this course, how to be effective in my ministry as a chaplain




                                                                                                                                                                   Imam Mark Ali Muhammad

                                                                                                                                                                    Chaplain to be.
 

Sunday, May 27, 2018

Master of chaplaincy lesson 16

This is a beautiful scholarly course i cant say enough about the course.
The course is teaching me how to be a good chaplain.






                                                                                                                                                 Imam Mark Ali Muhammad

                                                                                                                                                           chaplain to be




Master of Chaplaincy Study Lesson 15

I will definitely incorporate this scholarly course into my ministry of chaplaincy this is a great course.






                                                                                                                                                    Imam Mark Ali Muhammad

                                                                                                                                                            Chaplain to be






                                                                                                                                                                 

Saturday, May 26, 2018

Lesson 15

Chaplaincy and Creating a Sacred Space

            As a Christian my sacred space could be very simple. All that would be needed in a small to medium space is a portable sacred desk or pulpit, my cell phone or tablet and a Bluetooth speaker. A small Christian flag could be hung from the pulpit. Just remember that from the congregation looking toward the pulpit, the cross is always on the left when the flag is vertical or horizontal.

Pulpit

            The pulpit would serve as a place to put my sermon notes, my Bible and or a tablet with the Bible and my notes stored within it. The tablet or smart phone could also store music for the worship service. A small Bluetooth speaker could be sat at the base of the pulpit to amplify the music for small or medium size spaces. Depending on the size of the Christian flag you choose, it could be hung vertically or horizontally from the pulpit.

Music

            As attendees arrived I would have modern Christian music playing. I would shut the music off for the opening prayer, then lead a traditional, well known hymn with music as a congregational hymn. I would have simple folders with numbered sheet music that would be passed out by volunteers before leading one or two congregational hymns. A modern or traditional worship song could be played softly for the alter call.

Attire

            I would be dressed in a traditional suite and tie, or at least a shirt with a religious patterned tie, or shirt with embroidered religious symbol depending on the expected dress of my congregation. The shirt could just say Chaplain.

No additional things would be necessary, because the focus of the meeting should be worship and developing a better understanding of what God wants us to know from scripture. Baptism could be arranged for a later date, as needed.


Thursday, May 24, 2018

chaplaincy course

I am thoroughly enjoying the content.
thanks so much for your work in creating. 
Maryanne deGoede

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Master of Chaplaincy Study Lesson 12

This is a great course this course is very helpful to me. i have learned a tremendous amount about the chaplaincy  on a scale 1-10 this course is definitely a 10 am grateful to have a course like this 



                                                                                                                                                    Mark Ali Mmuhammad

                                                                                                                                                     Chaplain to be    

Sunday, May 20, 2018

lesson 8

steps to Building trust,


1. Be honest with yourself and others

2. Be the first to trust

3. Show compassion and empathy

4. Use good Communication skills

5. Be dependable

6. be flexible

7. Be consistent

8. Be open

9. Show tolerance

10. Be patient



Reporting of crimes

Note from me: it has been difficult for me to find online the letter of the law in reporting criminal activity by clergy in layman's terms. I have done my best to decipher the legal babel. Sorry if i have failed in its interpretation.


It is to my understanding that the clergy is a mandated reporter on issues of child welfare and health, from there it gets tricky. the department of child welfare has on their website a list of who is by law a mandated reporter and the clergy are on that list with no exceptions. When looking at the actual law it seems that if the information of a child's welfare or health is in danger was obtained in confidentiality as a clergy then michigan grants clergy/penitent privilege. From what little i have found on other crimes or suicide again it's tricky. It seems clergy/penitent privilege can and has prevailed in cases but technichly if it is not written in law saying so the state doesn't stand by one single side it states it will not grant nor protect the privilege.       



As for deeds of compassion in my ministry, i do not belong to one. I personally have had no situation in the last 2 years that i can think of that needed my compassion. I or rather the people around me have been blessed. :)

                                                                             J.P. Welch
                                                                                                

Master Chaplaincy Lesson 10

 my religion appropriate touching for women is no if she's not your wife. i learned a lot from this lesson 10 about appropriate touching this lesson is great for me it has helped me very much as a interfaith chaplain i will adopt this lesson on how to use appropriate touching.




                                                                                                                                                                       Imam Mark Ali Muhammad
                                                                                                                                                                             Chaplain t

Master Chaplaincy Lesson 10

In my religion appropriate touching for women is no if she's not your wife. i learned a lot from this lesson 10 about appropriate touching this lesson is great for me it has helped me very much as a interfaith chaplain i will adopt this lesson on how to use appropriate touching.




                                                                                                                                                                       Imam Mark Ali Muhammad
                                                                                                                                                                             Chaplain to be

Thursday, May 17, 2018

Master Chaplain Lesson 8

This is a great study am encourage more to be a chaplain i have learned so much from this course it,  has gave me so much  insight
Any one thinking about chaplaincy i would recommend this course.






                                                                                                                                                             Imam Mark Ali Miuhammad

                                                                                                                                                                 Chaplain to be



                                                                                                                                                    .

  

Monday, May 14, 2018

lesson 7

In most universities they have chaplains of various faiths who work together to serve the spiritual needs of the students, faculty, staff and all those who are part of the campus community. To students who many are away from family friends and their spiritual community at home to the faculty and staff who work long hours spending a great deal of time on the campus away from home. In both these cases it is difficult for them to keep close ties with the the ministers and congregation they may be affiliated with.


Chaplains provide practical care in a number of ways

which may include:

enabling individuals to understand their spiritual concerns;

providing personal advice and counsel;

providing services to overseas students who are dealing with the dislocation and adjustments of living and studying in a foreign culture;

diversifying social contact especially for overseas students and others living away from home;

providing support for those adjusting to life in the residential colleges;

creating opportunities for students and staff to meet across faculty and cultural barriers;

providing support for co-religionists in relating tertiary study and faith;

including alumni in various activities; promoting the sense of community within the institution as a whole;

advocacy where appropriate;

engaging the broader University, for example on issues relating to ethics or social

I live on a houseboat in a marina and i've found that my marina. I've thought about a plan to make that change and it is as followed:  

speaking with the owners about the benefits of an on site chaplain like blessing of boats, spiritual council and services, holidays and general celebrations held and how they can market this to their list of services offered when obtaining a well in their marina.


Rev, J.P. Welch

Wednesday, May 9, 2018

Lesson 10 - The Healing Touch

This lesson hits home for me. At the age of 13, my son fell out of a tree and ended up with Traumatic Brain Injury. After his fall, things changed with him. I could no longer hug my son like I used to as he did not like to be touched. With him, I learned some pretty good lessons.


I will always extend my hand for a handshake. I feel that is appropriate in most situations. That gives the other person the option of shaking my hand or not.

As far as touching beyond that, I believe one should always ask permission before touching. If it is someone I know well, I will already know what is appropriate.

In today's society, one can not be too careful. A simple touch could land one in court for sexual harassment. That is why it is my policy to ALWAYS ask permission before touching.


Chaplain To Be,
Rev. Lisha


Sunday, May 6, 2018

Lesson 12 Answer

Counsel to the Troubled

By: David L. Brown

            I have no counseling experience as a Chaplain. I do have general counseling training and psychiatric training. Part of my Independent Duty Corpsman training involved counseling troubled Marines and Sailors when no physician, psychiatrist or Chaplain was available. The reality was that they were seldom immediately available and I was the first person available to provide counseling. I then referred the personnel to additional counseling as needed. Psychiatric training was also part of my Bachelor in Health Science degree curriculum.

            In order to improve my current skills, I need to find a mentor in various types of counseling and see if I can legally shadow them during counseling and group counseling sessions, like I did during my Bachelor studies, but encompassing a broader range of subjects. I produced a list of local counselors including, marriage, family, grief, addiction, Christian, spiritual and financial counselors. Until I receive additional training, I can at least refer people to proper care. Acquiring mentors and/or additional formal training would be my next step in improving my counseling skills. Practicing those skills would be my next step.

Saturday, May 5, 2018

Lesson 11

Ministering to the Grieving

By: David L. Brown            

            I've had very little experience in this aspect of the Chaplaincy. In my distant past I would even avoid grieving people to avoid the pain and distress that comes with the experience. As I matured in Christ and continued to read through the Bible multiple times, I realized the need to be present for the grieving and provide comfort to those in distress due to loss.

            I remember one occasion that a co-worker lost her brother to suicide. She was extremely distressed, because she thought for sure that he was not able to go to heaven because he took his own life. She was not a Catholic, but a Christian, so I asked her why she believed he was not in heaven. She replied, "well that's what they say in the movies, if you kill yourself, it's considered a mortal sin, so you can't go to heaven." She obviously hadn't read the Bible but was relying on Hollywood and the media to guide her.

            I asked her if he had ever accepted Christ as his Savior. She said, "yes." Then I asked what denomination of church he attended, and she said, "Baptist." So, I reassured her that Baptist doctrine and the Bible clearly state that you cannot lose your salvation, that when you accept the free gift of grace, you are sealed as a child of God and joint heir with Christ in heaven. Her brothers sin was forgiven on the cross when Jesus said, "it is finished:" John 19:30

 "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together." Romans 8:16-17

            I reassured her that since he accepted Christ and was a born-again believer that her brother was definitely in heaven. After that, you could see joy return to her face. She still had grieving to do, but it was grieving with hope, instead of grieving in despair.


Wednesday, May 2, 2018

Comments Lesson 1

May 1, 2018 Posting for Forum

This is part of my Lesson 1 in Masters' of Chaplaincy Studies. I felt it was so important that by answering the three (3) questions, I not only learned important things about Chaplaincy; I realized it is an important, lifelong responsibility for a Chaplain- for ME! – to keep on learning about ALL the Faiths & be part of the Community- to be present at activities of the different faiths to be KNOWN to be of best use.

First, I have to say when I got ordained, I was on a mission- it wasn't to officiate a wedding (I keep trying to convince people to do so or at least have a Handfasting – a commitment of a year and a day!) I wanted to DO something MORE!

I saw Chaplaincy Studies & went right through to seminary courses – no that wasn't it! So I looked up the word Chaplain because I really didn't know what they were! That's right I looked in the dictionary! Satisfied I signed up- still needing a reality check, a chaplain is not a mystical creature like a unicorn- I only found this out through the Chaplaincy Study & Comparative Religion.

A-    Short paragraph or two on what I know of Chaplains- 

Well I confess I had to look up the word to personally learn if this was something I could commit to. What I did know or thought I knew was that a chaplain was Christian, mostly Catholic and I thought  a chaplain being another word for Deacon, which I equate with Protestantism. You also don't have to be ordained either as a deacon- but having the "Call" I was blessed a deacon by Father Newbury during my foray as an Episcopalian.

I was to go to the hospital in Fathers' stead especially if I knew the person or family requesting "Spiritual Care".  Episcopalian's do laying on of hands, and I am especially blessed in that area. I have worked closely with Cancer patients. My specialty is Pain Management, some shrinkage of tumors AND people become "Lucid", come out of comas to talk with me! More EXTREME miracles have happened and are documented because they were "Impossibilities"!

B-     Does my Faith group have chaplains?-

In my Spiritual forays I've never come across one!

C-    What is your view of chaplains and their role is society today? – My view is that the role of chaplains today is so important!  More important than I ever thought and more important than ever before. It seems to be the way – my way to world peace and harmony.

Now, more than ever, I accept the commitment for the undertaking of teaching and sharing with others the importance of understanding other Faiths and Ethnicities; by learning to accept each other for who we are – even if our beliefs and traditions differ. What people don't understand, they fear! Moreover, not being understood is even SCARIER!

I loved finding out that St Francis of Assisi, was essentially a chaplain.  That's my favorite prayer. No matter what the Belief/Faith system is – it says it all!

The most important part of the prayer is when He says;

"Lord make me a channel of Thy Peace-- that where there is hatred, I may bring Love—that where there is wrong, I may bring Harmony—that where there is error, I may bring Truth—that where there is doubt, I may bring Faith—that where there is despair, I may bring Hope—that where there are shadows, I may bring Light—that where there is sadness, I may bring Joy."

"Lord, grant that I may seek to Comfort—rather than be comforted—to Understand, than be understood—to Love, -- than to be loved."

"For it is by Self-forgetting that one Finds and it is by Forgiving that one is Forgiven.

 

This is the role of the chaplain, my role; today and ALWAYS!

Gr8archangel

 


Lesson 10 Answer

The Healing Touch

            I've never been comfortable touching people I don't know. I believe in shaking hands, but that's about it. I have in the past tentatively hugged friends at church, but I quickly grew uncomfortable with it. Hugging is just to intimate and should be relegated to family, extended family and trusted friends.

            My plan, as a Chaplain, would be to always ask permission before I touched anyone. Even if I ask to pray for the person, because, depending on the circumstances, the person may actually recoil from you if you reach for their hand. So, I will always ask first. The same thing applies for putting my hand on a person's shoulder, arm or head, which is the only other appropriate places to touch someone that you are trying to comfort. In todays sinful world with its plague of political correctness and sexual divergence from the Biblical ideal, no other touching seems appropriate to me.

            Those that are amiable to a healing touch will only be touched on the hand, arm or shoulder by me. I may also, with permission, lay my hand on their head. The hand will always be my first choice, unless it has an IV catheter in it or some other device attached (like a pulse oximeter, etc.). The healing touch is very important, but it should always be applied appropriately and in keeping with the person's religious beliefs (for instance, a man must not touch an Islamic woman, especially if he is a Christian or Jew).


Thursday, April 26, 2018

lesson 3

strengths

I believe i'm a good listener and i've been told this often

I was raised in a home with extremely open mined, empathetic, logical and rational parents who have instilled these traits in me.

i have developed keen observation skills over the course of my life and i really must contribute it to an early and life long fascination with sherlock holmes and work in many fields with a vast cross-section of people.

I know myself to have patience understanding and tolerance in abondance.

weaknesses

there is a side of me that wants to find solutions for everyone who comes to me with a problem. i know i cant and on most accounts no one is looking for me to solve their problems. my plan is a simple one to try and rectify this. wake up every morning and remind myself that i am only human, i can only do what i can and only when asked. other then that to slow down and listen with my heart.

i am not versed enough in enough faiths prayers. Again my plan is simple, read more much of prayers of multiple faiths and write and resite.

current affairs and trends are a weak point to i do not keep up enough with then. some more diligent reading on such matters.

after researching and careful thought to this next part of the lesson i've found myself quit stumped. I don't follow a specific faith nor do i follow any singular faiths dogma. my goal in this work is to be a multi faith chaplain and my personal spirituality is basic, its dogma simple and as followed 1. speak the truth 2. do what is right 3. harm nothing and i would keep that which is sacred to others and follow the rules of the faiths of those that i would minister to. it has been very difficult to find any information on a multi faith chaplain that has not chosen an organized religion that they personally follow. so i don't have any information as to the guidelines that my faith has to becoming any form of clergy.