Supporting The Chaplaincy

Introduction

Not all chaplains (nor do all Christians) think, believe, or express their Christian faith exactly like you. Yet, are they wrong and you right? Find the central and foundational beliefs about Jesus Christ you share and build on those. As the command religious affairs staff officer for the command and under the commanding officer, the chaplain has the responsibility and resources for religious ministries for all, including Christians. Whether you fully agree with your chaplain, and whether she/he is as gifted for ministry as you would like, in all instances you can support him/her in prayer and encouragement, and in most cases you can use your gifts and experience to assist in the ministry of the chapel in some way.

Scripture references

Study the following biblical references and consider how they address the questions listed below. If using this outline with a Small Group, consider assigning different Scriptures to different individuals and relating them to one or more of the questions. Then scroll down the page to review our recommended resources for the topic of Supporting the Chaplaincy and consider how the various articles or podcasts provide further insights relating to this topic.

Exodus 17:8-16; Exodus 18; Mk 14:32-42; Romans 15:30-32; 2 Corinthians 1:10-11; Philippians 1:19; Ephesians 6:19; Colossians 4:2-4; Philemon 1:22; 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2; Hebrews 13:18-19; Mark 9:38-41; Matthew 17:1-8; Luke 10:38; Mark 3:13-15.

Questions

  1. What did Moses need to succeed in this challenge? How can you “hold up arms”? Whose?
  2. What did Jethro observe and advise? Why are “lone ranger” Christians poor leaders?
  3. Who asks prayer for themselves? Do you pray for your chaplain, the command religious program, and the Spirit’s working in your unit personnel and families?
  4. Is the chaplain “different than” you? How? But how are you and he/she “the same”?
  5. Why did Jesus take some key believers and leaders on His Transfiguration?
  6. How did Mary, Martha, and Lazarus support and encourage Jesus (not just vice versa)?
  7. Before Jesus sent out utilized others in ministry, what was established first?

Recommended Resources

Following are a series of carefully selected resources that provide perspectives and experiences of various authors, most having military experience. These articles and podcasts are intended to stimulate further thinking and reflective application for individuals or to act as the basis of discussion in small groups.

Additional Resources

OCF offers many extra resources as you continue digging into the subdomain of Supporting the Chaplaincy.

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