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Chaplaincy Program And Studies
Author : Amy Long
Submitted : 2011-11-07 14:01:39 Word Count : 654 Popularity: 5
Tags: religion, advice, spirituality, self-improvement, universal life church, chaplaincy, christianity, education
You Have Only Just Begun… from lesson 20. No truer words; no matter when and where one is in a project, as the old saying goes this is the first day of the rest of your life, This day a new chapter in the project has just begun. Except that with Chaplaincy it is not just your life but others as well and “us” chaplain’s, ministers, pastors, reverends and evangelists have volunteered for this responsibility and duty. In my opinion this course was full of simple practical information. Did it take?
Chapter 9 – The Listener - My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak… (James 1:19, NIV). This is the hard one for me. I want to jump right in and help right now, impatient am I, and I have to restrain my offer until I fully understand the issue. THINKING one understands the issue is simply unprofessional and inadequate. One has to be very certain one understands the issue or the person being administered to might feel even more left out and not accept any offer of assistance from the chaplain, lord, or anyone else.
Lesson 14 – Ceremonies - An application meeting: This is where you meet with both persons. Ask them why they want a “religious” wedding ceremony. I find this to be a wonderful time to learn more about what the couple believes and why. Often this leads to friendships long after the wedding where I mentor them spiritually. I explain my policies for weddings. If the institution has any policies (use of chapel and grounds) also provide them as well. I would also give the couple a “data collection” form that I use to review in preparation for pre-marital counseling. …
I performed my first wedding of mixed faith partners in December. Neither was really committed to ‘their religion’ but the parents demanded a “church wedding.” So the question was to decline a church wedding or make it into an opportunity? Opportunity knocks is my business. When the lesson 14 like process above was undertaken, and the congregation chipped in to make it a better wedding than the budget allowed for, and the wedding completed – AFTERWARDS – in a chance encounter the couple was exuberant in praise and gracious and generous with appreciation. A light had been lit - I pray it stays so.
From lesson 1: The Need is Great - There are hurting people everywhere. … A chaplain can help come along side those who are hurting. This unique minister is still viewed as the “keeper of the sacred” by those who are unattached to a religious congregation. A prayer, a word of advice, a simple ritual, and a touch of a caring hand does much for people who seem alone, detached, or afraid. I am reminded of the teaching of Jesus Christ who taught the parable of the sheep and goats: (Matthew 25:34-40, New King James Version).
Matthew 10:1-18 NKJV “Jesus the Good Shepherd” Chaplains and ministers many times stand at the gate with the responsibility of inviting many in need IN and explaining to them, ministering to them, as to why IN is better and for them. The Mansions of God per John 14:1-5 ( … many mansions … and if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.) The mansions have some fine doors (gates) and it is “our” duty to help as many as we can to have a place PREPARED ready and waiting and an Inviting Light On in the window for when that time comes.
by Rev. Nick Federspiel
Author's Resource Box
The Universal Life Church offers courses on a variety of subjects, including how to be a minister, a chaplaincy, and how to get ordained.
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