When I picked up the phone, I heard: “This is the general. I need to speak to my chaplain.” “Sir, the command chaplain and the others are all TDY. I’m the only one here. Can I get in touch with them and call you back?” “Aren’t you my chaplain?” he demanded. Yes, sir. I am. …
Twenty-First Century Grasshoppers
A few days ago, a military chaplain got onto social media and ranted about the other political party, its candidates, and what they stand for. The day before that, a local pastor did the same thing. I’ve seen clergy from many different faith groups, and tons of non-clergy from a wide variety of backgrounds, taking …
Questions When Considering Chaplaincy
Questions from someone discerning a call to Navy chaplaincy...
God Continues to Speak Through Our Stories
The message below was sent via Messenger from a minister in Kansas who could relate to some of the stories in our book on Military Ministry. He gave us permission to share it. “I am a seminary student and was just selected to the Army Chaplain Candidate program. During my studies, we read your book …
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Smoke Pit Chaplains
The smoke pit becomes a place where relationships are built, stories are told, and complaints are aired
Flag Day & the Army’s 251st Birthday
On June 14, we celebrate not only Flag Day, but also the founding of the US Army. The Army's website proclaims, "Since 1775, America's Army has stood ready to protect the nation and its people and will fight to defend its values." The army (like the Air Force, Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard) has full-timers …
Ukrainian Translation of Military Ministry
I found out recently that our book, Military Ministry, has been translated into Ukrainian to be used at a seminary in Kyiv, and they asked me to write a preface for the new translation. It is an honor, and frankly more than a little exciting, to realize our work is being used to prepare men …
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Nobody Warns You About This Part of Military Life…
What's the best piece of moving advice you've ever received?
Honor the Dead
Remember those who never came home. Remember the families who carry both pride and grief. Remember those who gave their future so others could live theirs.
My Most Useful Seminary Classes
These are the three categories of classes that prepared me most for ministry in uniform
