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How to Be an Effective Chaplain

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How to Be an Effective Chaplain 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, Priest, Pastor, ordained Deacon, Rabbi, Imam, other member of the Clergy, 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 • Hospitals • Military units • High Schools • Private Chapels • Colleges • Ships • Parliamentary assemblies • Prisons • Organizations What is a Chaplain? Chaplains may also be from the Laity 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 titles, 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 Education: School Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care. Dublin: Veritas. What is a Chaplain? United States 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/Chapter 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 CHRISTIANITY 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.
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