A Chaplain’s Call

Section Five gives an extensive overview of the six chaplaincy categories: Healthcare, Military, Correctional, Corporate/Workplace, Public Safety, and Community/Lifestyle. By no means do we cover every conceivable type of chaplaincy. However, we offer examples to expose readers to the wide variety of chaplain ministries. e Appendix offers an assessment tool for the individual and a trusted mentor to complete.

And last, the Resources section highlights many professional national organizations that support chaplains and their ministries. is section also lists the endorsing organizations and agents identified by the Armed Forces Chaplains Board. Our Bibliography gives an extensive categorized listing of chaplain-related resources.

As you read e Heart of a Chaplain, we hope you will experience the calling, passion, commitment, and dedication of those who contributed to this resource. We are grateful for our diverse group of contributors who shared their experiences, insights, wisdom, and stories. rough this resource, we seek to help equip, advocate, and support the next generation of chaplains.

Chaplains are making a difference in people’s lives and institutions. May this book stimulate your imagination for ministry and nurture your heart as a chaplain.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Dr. Jim Browning

The transformation of an idea to reality often takes the support of many. e Heart of a Chaplain: Exploring Essentials for Ministry is no exception. e concept of this book began with God’s relationship with us. His love. His passion. His mission. His heart. e effort continued with the visionary support of the B. H. Carroll eological Institute’s leadership and the generous financial support of the Christ Is Our Salvation Foundation (CIOS) and an anonymous donor. e manuscript outline matured with the affirmation and input from forty-three highly seasoned advisory team members of the Marsh Center for Chaplain Studies. A diverse group of thirty-seven chaplains with 914 years of experience transformed e Heart of a Chaplain idea into a superb resource for those investigating or preparing for a chaplain’s ministry. Take a moment to review the contributors listed at the beginning of this book. is book is their labor of love for chaplaincy’s legacy and the future.

Writing and editing the manuscript was only half the effort. Without the professional involvement of John Herring and Iron Stream Media, this book would have languished. We also appreciate Larry J. Leech II, a senior editor at Iron Stream Media, who nurtured this manuscript through its refinement and publication process.

We would be amiss not to mention the spouses of chaplains who have loved and supported all along the way. eir encouragement buoyed many a chaplain who struggled to stay afloat amidst constant demands and pressures.

Finally, we thank you, the reader, for investing your time and interest in entering this journey. As you explore the essentials for ministry, we pray your ministry will genuinely reflect the heart of God.