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The Chaplain's Tension

Timothy C. Morgan | posted 8/01/2008 09:52AM

Nearly all of us have a pastor who knows us by name. But do you have a chaplain? This is a more important question today than a generation ago, because we live in a culture on the go. In emergencies, ...

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Dr. David A. Rapske, Chaplain (LTC-R)

Posted: August 06, 2008 11:11 PM

Chaplain McCoy clearly does not represent the servant-pastors who serve faithfully in hospitals, athletic arenas, firehalls, police stations, industrial sites, and around the world soldiers, airmen, sailors, marines, and coastguardsmen. God places us all in unique and amazing places, and I applaud all those who take seriously the call to minister in the Lord's name to whomever and wherever that might be. Given a second shot, I believe that Chaplain McCoy might reconsider his hasty comments. I'd forgive him in a heartbeat!

Ralph Gaily

Posted: August 06, 2008 1:35 PM

A true Chaplain is one defined by what he does, says, and lives within Christ Jesus and His gospel, in whatever arena he is in. There are many "men of God", so called, with a title before or after their name, that are not called or gifted to perform their functions as required by God. Man is very quick to pass out "badges of honor" to one another. If a man is called a Chaplain in the fire service is he a true Chaplain? If he lives as one, would be my answer. Ralph Gaily, Carmel Valley, Calif.

David L

Posted: August 04, 2008 2:32 PM

Col McCoy makes a good point, Military Chaplains chaplains place a much different, more focused role that ties in with the Military mission. Often chaplains at the race tracks are nothing more than the token religious guy. That isn't to diminish the role of civilian chaplains they just have a much different role than the military chaplain. In addition military chaplains are tasked with providing support for service members of others faiths in support of the broader military mission. Not only do those chaplains have the role of dealing with the spiritual needs of differing religions (as well as atheist) they do so to support the military mission. I support Chaplains, I think they have important work. I hate that like much in faddish Contemporary Christianity, some chaplains become novelties rather than instruments.

Phil Somsen, hospital/hospice chap

Posted: August 04, 2008 12:14 PM

I am grieved to hear of your diappointment Bill, but affirm the role of chaplain across the spectrum, from military to 'fun-time' arenas. I doubt the NASCAR chaplains would compare their experience to yours for the obvious reasons. But my experience as a chaplain for most of 10 years now has confirmed my complimentary role alongside the local pastor, the military and prison chaplain, and all others in ministry. Folks are being touched and cared for at time of need and in times that they are open to God in their lives. All avenues belong to God to reach people. Be aware that Bethel Seminary in Minneapolis, MN also has training with a focus on chaplaincy as the outcome

C. M. Habermehl

Posted: August 02, 2008 2:39 PM

Your article obviously struck a raw nerve with Lt. Col McCoy. I am glad that he and his colleagues have chosen to serve God and the troops on the battlefields of this world. I just recently sent a young soldier off from our congregation who will need a caring chaplain in the conflict. I hope she will find one... one who is not bitter that the chaplaincy has been extended to police and fire departments, athletic teams, hospitals and cancer treatment centers, and yes, even NASCAR. God has chosen to place His shepherds in all areas of this life and world. May we rejoice in their work and encourage them to keep on living and sharing the grace of the gospel.

Chaplain (LTC) Bill McCoy

Posted: August 02, 2008 1:15 AM

Sad. Chaplaincy was defined by the US Army about 233 years ago. The fundamental difference between your article and reality is that Military Chaplains are the definition of chaplaincy whereas NASCAR chaplains are strictly just that--NASCAR chaplains, or TYSON FARMS chaplains, i.e., pastors in insitutions. Yes we all do pastoral care defined by an environment but please don't equate me to your NASCAR boys. Me and my chaplain friends in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan would prefer not to be equated to your fun-time chaplains. We move and work in a lethal environment, structured by both time in service, rank, and echelons of authority. We deal with the privates and the generals in different ways. Too different from what you're talking about here. Plus our training begins outside of our seminary experience. There's little similarity other than title.

Eugene Edwards

Posted: August 01, 2008 2:10 PM

Thannks for an article on chaplains. Most people, today, still don't understand the role of a chaplain. I have been in chaplaincy for over 18 years - I have ministered in churches, but mostly in hospice, hospital, law enforcement and other sorts of crisis situations. Chaplaincy is different from almost any ministry. That is why more and more businesses and other insititutions are turning to chaplains. We are there for support for people and families. For me it is families, especially in a hospice setting. I have also done death notificationsf for police and other agencies. I love chaplaincy and am still pursuing workding in chaplaincy, even though I am semi-retired. There is such a need for this ministry. Thanks for including this in CT's website. Blessings, Gene Edwards, MDiv.

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