How to Be an Effective Chaplain

The Rev. Norris A. Keirn, M.Div., A.S.F. Indiana Department Chaplain 1989-Present National Chaplain 2002-2003 WHAT IS A CHAPLAIN? What is a Chaplain? What is a Chaplain? What is a Chaplain? What is a Chaplain? What is a Chaplain? z What is a Chaplain?

What is a Chaplain? What is a Chaplain? What is a Chaplain? What is a Chaplain? WHAT IS A CHAPLAIN? What is a Chaplain? What is a Chaplain? What is a Chaplain? What is a Chaplain? What is a Chaplain?

A chaplain is typically a, , , ordained , Rabbi, Imam, other member of the , or another representative of a faith or belief, serving a group of people who are not organized as a mission or church, or who are unable to attend religious services for various reasons, such as health, confinement, or military or civil duties. What is a Chaplain?

Chaplains are found in: • Universities • • Military units • High Schools • Private Chapels • Colleges • Ships • Parliamentary assemblies • Prisons • Organizations What is a Chaplain? Chaplains may also be from the i.e. non-ordained or non- licensed.  Each organization or religious body has their own requirements as to what training and procedures an individual must have or pass through to fulfill the role of a Chaplain.  These parent groups also determine , and duties that these Lay Chaplains may perform.

All chaplains must consult state, federal, organizational and institutional rules as to what duties might be preformed by a chaplain.  There is quite a variance and division especially with those who are Clergy and those who are Lay Chaplains. What is a Chaplain? Though originally the word, chaplain, had Christian roots, it is now applied to men or women of other religions and sometimes, to individuals claiming no religion, as in the case of humanist chaplains serving with military forces in the Netherlands filling the same role. In recent years many non—ordained individuals have received professional training in chaplaincy and are now appointed as chaplains in schools, hospitals, universities, prisons and elsewhere to work alongside or instead of ordained chaplains.

Norman, J (2004). At the heart of : School Chaplaincy and . Dublin: Veritas. What is a Chaplain? View of Chaplains

• Chaplains open and close all house sessions. • Chaplains open and close all Senate sessions • The Army, Navy and Air Force have chaplains within their Ranks. • Navy Chaplains are assigned to the Marines, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine Academy. • VA hospitals have chaplains • Federal Prisons have chaplains. • The Justice Department has chaplains. United States View of Chaplains • What is the only flag authorized to fly above the U.S. flag? o The Chaplain’s Pennant is the only flag to fly about the Stars and stripes when worship is in session aboard ship. United States View of Chaplains

The U.S. Flag Code provides that "No other flag or pennant should be placed above or, if on the same level, to the right of the flag of the United States of America, except during church services conducted by naval chaplains at sea, when the church pennant may be flown above the flag during church services for the personnel of the Navy.”

According to NTP-13(B), "Flags, Pennants and Customs," the U.S. Navy interprets "at sea" to mean "aboard a ship of the navy." The church pennant is displayed immediately above the ensign wherever the ensign is displayed- -at the gaff when under way or at the flagstaff when not under way. It may also be flown from a fixed pole-mast during services ashore, but not superior to the national ensign. HOW DID THE NAME “CHAPLAIN” COME ABOUT? The story is told about St. Martin of Tours, a compassionate fourth century soldier, who encountered a shivering beggar on a cold winter night. Having no money in his purse, this soldier took off his cloak and slashed it with his sword to give half to the beggar. Later that night he saw a vision in which Jesus Christ was wearing the half-cloak. As a result of this experience he became a Christian and was baptized. HOW DID THE NAME “CHAPLAIN” COME ABOUT? Ultimately he left the army to devote his life to the church. In time he became the patron saint of the French kings of the middle ages. St. Martin’s cloak (cappella) was carried into battle by the kings as a banner signifying “the presence of God.” But since the cappella was a sacred relic of the church, a priest went along as custodian. This keeper of the cloak, or cappellanus, also tended the king’s religious needs, and from his office was derived that of “Chaplain.” (Keeper of the cloth or man of the cloth. – mine) The depository for the cloak became the “chapel,” the place of worship. HOW DID THE NAME “CHAPLAIN” COME ABOUT?

This story is more than a quant bit of etymology explaining the origin of the term ‘chaplain” and “chapel.” It gives us a clue to the essential nature of the chaplaincy, as we know it today. The cappellanus (chaplain) was a member of one institution—a priest of the church serving in another institution—the king’s army.

Copyright © 2000 Chaplains Ministries, IPHC. All Rights Reserved HOW DID THE NAME “CHAPLAIN” COME ABOUT?

So ultimately the Chaplain is keeper of the cloth

and thus represents the presence of the Divine.

“For God and Country” How did you get here?

A. Elected 1. Campaigned 2. Moved through “Chairs” 1. Laity 3. One year a. Demonstrated a sence of “Spiritual Maturity” 4. Multiple years b. Committed to maintaining a ‘Religious Emphasis” c. Most likely came up from the Post/ and District B. Appointed 1. Clergy a. Military Standards “Professional Chaplain b. Organizational standards (vary by denomination/certifying agent) c. May or May not have Post/Chapter or District Positions How did you get here?

Chaplaincy is a Calling Definition of calling 1. A strong inner impulse toward a particular course of action especially when accompanied by conviction of divine influences 2. The vocation or profession in which one customarily engages.

Providence of God 1. John 15:16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit— fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. (NIV) 2. Judge Foley in the “Tent of Meeting” stated, “You are here because you did not seek this position.” • SECULAR

• DIFFERENT RELIGIOUS FAITHS

• ECUMENICAL WHAT WE ARE NOT • EVANGELISTS . PARTICULAR GOSPEL

• ONE FAITH . (GOD) o SPIRIT BELIEVED CONTROL PART UNIVERSE LIFE WORSHIPPED REPRESENTS SPIRIT o Chaplains are Persons of Prayer

 Three types of prayer 1. Individual – “Personal training” 1. Prepares you! 2. James 5:16b The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (KJV)

2. Corporate - “Praying with someone” 1. Matt. 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them. (KJV)

3. Intercessory – “Praying for Someone” 1. Ex. 17: 10 So Joshua did as Moses said to him, and fought with Amalek. And Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. 11 And so it was, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. 12 But Moses’ hands became heavy; so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. And Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. 13 So Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword. (NKJV) Chaplains are Persons of Prayer

The Four W’s of Prayer 1. Who is involved? a. God is the receiver – “All for the Glory of God” b. Self – the bearer of the petition c. Audience – For whom the Petition is born… I. Who will be there? a) What is the purpose? b) Who else will pray? d. Who should be included or mentioned? Chaplains are Persons of Prayer

2. What are the needs and visions of the group? a. Research and know before you get there. I. Pray both with and for. b. Seek from the leader and those who invite you what are their expectations. I. Know the difference between short and long (their definition). II. Always read the bulletin or script. a) Know how to pronounce names and places. b) What is the purpose? Chaplains are Persons of Prayer

C. What is involved? D. When? I. Invocation I. Time of the day II. Benediction II. Weather III. Intercession III. Reason & Season IV. Dedication V. Memorial VI. Installation Chaplains are Persons Integrity

A. Honesty 1. You don’t have to tell everything you know. a. Confidentiality 2. Don’t say something you don’t believe in. a. Respect is not compromise 3. Tact a. Sensitivity about what is proper and appropriate. b. Speak without offending. 4. Timing a. Ease into the water…

i. Pr. 15:23 And a word spoken in due season, how good it is! (NKJV) 5. Honor & Respect a. “Always err on the side of grace” The Rev. Dr. Warren Naegele Chaplains practice Neutrality

A. Do not alienate

1. James 3:18 Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. (NKJV)

2. Mat. 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. (NKJV) HOW TO PRAY AND CONDUCT SERVICES

• YOU HAVE BEEN EITHER APPOINTED OR ELECTED TO ONE OF THE MOST PRIVILEGED AND RESPECTED POSITIONS IN THE AMERICAN LEGION.

• YOU REPRESENT OUR MOTTO “FOR GOD AND COUNTRY”.

• LIKE THE HOUSE AND SENATE, ALL LEGION MEETING OPEN AND CLOSE WITH PRAYER.

• YOU ARE TO REPRESENT WITH DIGNITY AND GRACE THE RESPECT, REVERENCE AND RELIANCE ON GOD NECESSARY FOR THE SUCCESS OF OUR MISSION AS LEGIONNAIRES. HOW TO PRAY AND CONDUCT SERVICES AS AN AMERICAN LEGION CHAPLAIN HOW TO PRAY AND CONDUCT SERVICES

• YOUR OFFICE IS A HIGH CALLING AND SHAPES THE OUTCOME OF ALL THAT WE DO. • SURELY YOU HAVE BEEN GRANTED THE PRIVILEGE TO SERVE IN THIS CAPACITY BECAUSE OF THE RESPECT THAT YOUR COMRADES HAVE IN YOU. • THERE WILL BE MANY OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOU TO SERVE NOT ONLY IN GIVING, INVOCATIONS, BENEDICTIONS, OR TABLE GRACES, BUT ALSO IN OTHER CAPACITIES AS YOUR COMMANDER AND COMRADE LEGIONNAIRES SEEK YOUR COUNCIL AND SERVICES. HOW TO PRAY AND CONDUCT SERVICES

• FAITH AND RELIGION ARE POWERFUL EXPRESSIONS FOR ALL PEOPLE.

• WE TEACH OUR YOUNG AND PASS ON TO POSTERITY OUR WISDOM IN WRITINGS, SONGS, ART AND OTHER FORMS.

• STUDIES IN CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY SHOW ONE CHARACTERISTIC FOUND IN ALL SOCIETIES FROM ANTIQUITY TO MODERN TIMES.

• WHILE WE FIND DIVERGENT EXPRESSIONS AND A HOST OF RELIGIOUS PRACTICES, EXPRESSION OF SPIRITUALITY IS UNIVERSAL IN ALL CULTURES.. HOW TO PRAY AND CONDUCT SERVICES

• THESE RELIGIOUS BELIEFS AND PRACTICES ARE SO PRIMARY THAT THEY HAVE OFTEN DEFINED THE BOUNDARIES AND DEFINITIONS OF WHO IS IDENTIFIED AS A MEMBER OF A GIVEN PEOPLE.

• THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN BELIEFS AND PRACTICES OF VARIOUS GROUPS HAVE OFTEN LED TO REJECTION, BANISHMENT, AND EVEN VIOLENCE OR WAR.

• THE PRACTICE OF FAITH IS SO IMPORTANT TO HUMANKIND THAT BOTH INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS OF LIKEMINDED PERSONS ARE OFTEN WILLING TO DIE FOR THEIR BELIEFS! HOW TO PRAY AND CONDUCT SERVICES

• AS CITIZENS OF THE UNITED STATES, OUR FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHT PROHIBITS THE MAKING OF ANY RESTRICTING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF RELIGIONS AND IMPEDING THE FREE EXPRESSION OF RELIGION .

• YOU AND I HAVE RAISED OUR HAND AND TAKEN A SACRED OATH TO PROTECT AND ASSURE THAT THIS ENDOWMENT OF FREEDOM WILL BE OFFERED TO EACH AND EVERY CITIZEN OF THESE GREAT UNITED STATES.

• MANY OF US HAVE ALSO SERVED AND FOUGHT TO OFFER AND ASSURE THIS PRIVILEGE TO OTHER GLOBAL CITIZENS.

• WHEREVER TYRANNY HAS BEEN DEFEATED THIS FREEDOM HAS BEEN OFFERED. HOW TO PRAY AND CONDUCT SERVICES

• IT IS IMPORTANT IN OUR ROLE AS “CHAPLAIN” THAT WE SERVE IN THE FOREFRONT OF THE DEFENSE OF AND THE RESPECT FOR THE FREEDOM OF RELIGION.

• WHILE EACH OF US IS SECTARIAN AT ONE POINT OR ANOTHER IN OUR PERSONAL BELIEFS AND CONVICTIONS, IT CAN NEVER BE OUR PURPOSE TO FORCE OUR PERSONAL CONVICTIONS ON OTHERS.

• IT MUST BE REMEMBERED WHEN WE ARE IN A LEGION SETTING, WE ARE CALLED TO PERFORM SERVICES TO A CAPTIVE AUDIENCE.

• TO PERPETUATE OUR PERSONAL BELIEFS IN SUCH A SETTING WOULD BE A VIOLATION OF WHAT WE HAVE TAKEN AN OATH TO PROTECT.

• WE ARE A NON-SECTARIAN ORGANIZATION THAT RESPECTS ALL EXPRESSIONS OF FAITH. HOW TO PRAY AND CONDUCT SERVICES

• A LEGION MEETING DOES NOT EXIST FOR THE EXPRESSION OF A PARTICULAR FAITH OR SECT.

• NOR IS IT A PLACE TO EVANGELIZE OR PROSELYTIZE.

• THIS EXPRESSION IS LEFT TO THE BELIEFS OF THE INDIVIDUAL LEGIONNAIRE.

• REMEMBER OUR DOG TAGS OFFERED A VARIETY OF LABELS AS WE EACH CHOSE, BUT ONE COUNTRY FOR WHICH WE ALL SERVED.

• SO IT IS WITH THE AMERICAN LEGION. HOW TO PRAY AND CONDUCT SERVICES

• THERE IS A DISTINCT DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A LEGION MEETING AND A PLACE OF WORSHIP.

• A PLACE OF WORSHIP IS SECTARIAN, THE LABEL ON THE DOORPOST INFORMS INDIVIDUALS WHAT THEY MAY BE IN FOR WHEN THEY ENTER.

• WE EVEN FINE TUNE THESE EXPRESSIONS OF FAITH BY STATING WHAT FLAVOR OF A PARTICULAR FAITH YOU WILL FIND INSIDE SUCH AS PRESBYTERIAN OR CATHOLIC, ORTHODOX OR REFORMED, SUNNI OR SHIITE, ETC.

• WHEN IT COMES TO LABELS AND DEFINITIONS, RELIGIOUS PEOPLE SEEM TO HAVE NO END IN DEFINING OR REDEFINING THEIR SECT. HOW TO PRAY AND CONDUCT SERVICES

• FOR MOST PEOPLE THIS DIFFERENCE IS OBVIOUS, YET FOR SOME PERSONS OF DEEP CONVICTIONS THE BOUNDARIES CAN OFTEN GET CONFUSED.

• ONE MAY ASSUME THAT ALL PEOPLE HOLD OR SHOULD HOLD THE SAME BELIEFS THAT SHE OR HE DOES.

• COMMON DRESS OR MANNERISMS DOES NOT MEAN THAT EVERYONE SHARES THE SAME BELIEFS..

• EVEN IN THE SMALLEST COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY THERE ARE OFTEN FOUND MORE THAN ONE HOUSE OF WORSHIP. HOW TO PRAY AND CONDUCT SERVICES

• EXPRESSIONS OF FAITH ARE BY NATURE MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE.

• PERSONAL EXPRESSIONS OF FAITH MAY EXCLUDE OTHERS.

• WHEN WE ARE IN A CAPTIVE AUDIENCE SUCH AS A LEGION MEETING, A FORM OF “BULLYING” COULD TAKE PLACE.

• WITH ALL GOOD INTENTIONS WE MAY SHOW OUR DISRESPECT FOR OR OFFEND OTHERS. HOW TO PRAY AND CONDUCT SERVICES

• IN A SECTARIAN EXPRESSION OF WORSHIP, SERVICES ARE IDENTIFIED AND PEOPLE ARE INFORMED WHAT TO EXPECT.

• IF YOU ARE ASKED TO PARTICIPATE IN A SECTARIAN SERVICE WHERE YOU HOLD THE SAME BELIEFS, THEN YOU MAY FEEL FREE TO OFFER AND OPENLY SHARE YOUR OWN EXPRESSION.

• I WOULD EXPECT A JEWISH WORSHIP SERVICE TO HAVE SOME PRAYERS IN HEBREW AND TO ADDRESS G-D IN JEWISH TERMS, JUST AS I WOULD EXPECT A CATHOLIC SERVICE TO HAVE A PRIEST IF THERE WAS A MASS, OR A PROTESTANT SERVICE TO USE THE “NAME OF JESUS”.

• THIS WOULD BE TRUE OF ANY SERVICE OFFERED IN A PARTICULAR HOUSE OF WORSHIP, OR SO LABELED IN A SECTARIAN WAY.. HOW TO PRAY AND CONDUCT SERVICES

• IF YOU ARE INVITED TO A SECTARIAN SERVICE THAT IS CONTRARY TO YOUR PERSONAL BELIEFS, YOU MUST DECIDE IF YOUR SHOULD PARTICIPATE.

• YOU SHOULD ONLY PARTICIPATE IF YOU CAN DEMONSTRATE A RESECT FOR THEIR BELIEFS.

• REMEMBER YOU ARE INVITED AS A CHAPLAIN, YOU REPRESENT THE LEGION, NOT YOUR INDIVIDUAL BELIEFS! HOW TO PRAY AND CONDUCT SERVICES

• AS A CHAPLAIN YOU SHOULD SEEK TO PROVIDE MEANINGFUL SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCES FOR PEOPLE OF ALL FAITHS.

• IF YOU HOLD A SERVICE FOR ONE EXPRESSION OF FAITH, YOU NEED TO OFFER A SERVICE FOR OTHER EXPRESSIONS OF FAITH, OR BE OPEN TO DEVELOPING THIS IF THE DESIRE IS MADE KNOWN.

• IF YOUR POST OR DEPARTMENT IS VERY DIVERSE, YOU MAY NEED TO BE CREATIVE IN HOW TO OFFER PARTICULAR SERVICES IF NEEDED.

• EXAMPLES MIGHT INCLUDE CATHOLIC, JEWISH, PROTESTANT, MORMON, NATIVE AMERICAN OR INTERFAITH. HOW TO PRAY AND CONDUCT SERVICES

• AS A NON-SECTARIAN ORGANIZATION, WE MUST SO AND FORMULATE OUR PRAYERS AND FORMAL RENDERING IN SUCH A WAY TO BE AS OPEN AND INCLUSIVE AS POSSIBLE.

• WHENEVER WE ACT IN AN CAPACITY, WE NEED TO USE NON-SECTARIAN AND INCLUSIVE WORDS AND LANGUAGE THAT WILL ALLOW ALL MEMBERS AND PERSONS GATHERED, THE FREEDOM TO SEEK GOD IN THEIR OWN FASHION AND EXPRESSION.

• OUR PURPOSE IS ALWAYS TO INCLUDE AND NOT TO ALIENATE.

• REMEMBER OUR PREAMBLE, BELIEF, IN A HIGHER POWER IS A GIVEN, BUT HOW THAT IS EXPRESSED IS NOT. HOW TO PRAY AND CONDUCT SERVICES

• A PERSON WHO IS NOT COMFORTABLE WITH GENERIC AND INCLUSIVE LANGUAGE IN REFERRING TO DEITY, SHOULD CONSIDER DEEPLY THEIR ROLE AS SERVING AS A CHAPLAIN, SINCE THEY WILL BE MOSTLY IN INTERFAITH SETTINGS.

• CHAPLAINS WHILE PERSONAL ADHERENTS TO A PARTICULAR EXPRESSION OF FAITH, MUST BE ABLE TO RELATE TO ALL MEMBERS.

• CHAPLAINS MUST SHOW EQUAL RESPECT TO ALL, REGARDLESS OF PERSONAL BELIEFS.

• MY PERSONAL VIEW IS THAT YOU SHOULD NEVER SHARE YOUR FAITH WITH SOMEONE YOU DON’T RESPECT AND CARE FOR, AS ANY ATTEMPT WILL BE BOTCHED UP FROM THE BEGINNING. HOW TO PRAY AND CONDUCT SERVICES

• WHILE THERE MAY BE PERSONS IN YOUR OWN FAITH GROUP THAT DISAGREE, THEY ARE NOT THE CHAPLAIN, YOU ARE.

• HOLD YOUR OFFICE IN A MANNER THAT REFLECTS THE SACREDNESS OF THE ROLE.

• IF YOU QUOTE FROM SACRED WRITINGS, USE QUOTES THAT WILL SPEAK TO ALL PERSONS.

• THE DIVERSITY OF YOUR AUDIENCE SHOULD INFLUENCE THE RESOURCES THAT YOU USE.. HOW TO PRAY AND CONDUCT SERVICES

• IN THIRTY YEARS OF SERVING AS A DEPARTMENT CHAPLAIN, IT IS WITH GREAT JOY THAT I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PERSONS COME AND THANK ME FOR BEING INCLUDED RATHER THAN EXCLUDED.

• LIKEWISE ,I HAVE HEARD MANY STORIES OF PAIN AND REJECTION FROM INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE CHAPLAINS WHO USED THEIR POSITION AS A FULCRUM TO PROSELYTIZE, PASS JUDGEMENT, OR TO EXCLUDE CERTAIN PERSONS.

• CHAPLAINS MUST SHOW EQUAL RESPECT TO ALL, REGARDLESS OF PERSONAL BELIEFS. HOW TO PRAY AND CONDUCT SERVICES

• THE “CHAPLAIN” HAS BEEN EMBORDERED ON THE LEFT SIDE OF YOUR COVER, YOU REPRESENT THE PRESENCE OF GOD TO EACH AND EVERY LEGIONNAIRE.

• I KNOW OF NO HIGHER CALLING OR ONE THAT WILL BRING GREATER JOY, RESPECT AND COMRADESHIP.

• MAY THE GOD OF YOUR UNDERSTANDING GRACE YOU WITH THE GIFTS TO SERVE IN THE RESPECTFUL TRADITION OF THOSE WHO HAVE SERVED BEFORE YOU!