The Military as a Mission Field
A US Army article from Afghanistan covers the “Teach-Love-Care” aspect of the military chaplaincy. Several chaplains are quoted discussing unique and interesting aspects of the chaplain field:
On exposure to varying religious beliefs in the military:
“As a civilian minister, I was very church oriented, always surrounded by Christians. There wasn’t much chance to go out and meet people of other beliefs,” said U.S. Army chaplain Capt. Soojin Chang, a Southern Baptist chaplain…”But in the Army, I don’t have to go out and search for these people. They come to me and we discuss about our belief. There is a mutual respect with each other.”
On troops openness to faith:
“[People] will open up and they will want to know more about faith, want to know more about God. Maybe they have had questions, but they would never step foot in a chapel. But because you are going to them where they work, they say ‘Hey, I’ve got a question about this,'” said Capt. Joseph Mason, a Christian chaplain…
“I see the Army as a mission field, not in the sense of going out to convert people – that isn’t our job – but through honesty and genuine relationships,” said Mason. “People asking honest questions and seeking god in an honest manner; I see there is a very missional aspect to the chaplaincy.”
ADVERTISEMENT