Army chaplain recruiting video message from Chief of Chaplai

For Such A Time As This - God's Call To Service During Persistent Conflict. Video message from the Army Chief of Chaplains (MG) Doug Carver.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• army
• soldiers
• military
• chaplaincy
• ministry
• deployment
• pastoral
• care
• bible
• christian
• religion

[MAOfights]

I will ask it here because I can't find the answer anywhere and between the Chaplain Recruiter and a few other resources....i am not getting a solid answer.

I am currently a Reservist. I have been accepted to an MDiv program, can easily get Ecclesiastical endorsement and have a calling to serve....but I want to serve on Active Duty. I have been instructed that we must have 2 years post ordination experience. That will be hard for me to get and....

[danielsparks]

@MAOfights You won't be able to go on active duty without the ministry experience. There are reasons why this experience is required. You make a better chaplain by having it. Soldiers don't need someone learning the ropes of ministry when they're having crises. Be mentored in ministry for a couple of years, and then you should be prepared for this very demanding work as an Army chaplain.

[tiamat9989]

I'm considering this call seriously myself after a few years, but I do have a question regarding the physical requirements.

Will a PCL tear in one of my knees be a major issue? I have a bit of pain if I'm driving for over an hour without break, but running/jumping/swimming and basically everything else is no problem.

Thanks, and God bless.

[danielsparks]

@tiamat9989 You should pay a visit to your local Army recruiter to discuss this. This is an Army medical issue that the recruiter should be able to help find info about. Ultimately, it would depend on what the doctor says at the physical exam.

[keithsdrinker]

GO ARMY CHAPLAINCY, this is a fantastic video. God bless our soldiers, sailors and airmen, and thank you for all you do.

[CorneliusOnTheCob]

You must pray in the name of JESUS.

The source of everlasting life.

[danielsparks]

@MAOfights I don't want to discuss all the personal situation in this open forum, but if you'll send me a message, I'll be happy to continue privately by email or phone.

[MAOfights]

@MAOfights I'd have to leave them to follow my calling. I am not willing to play this level of duality. It would be sinful to do so. I can not commit to do something my church asks in order to fufill the requirements when it would leave my church in the lurch once the Army decided accept my ability to serve as a minister on Active Duty. Once again, I am forced to ignore my full calling to accept the beaurocratic nighmare that has punished me.

[MAOfights]

@MAOfights ...serving as a regular line officer. At least at this level I can be responsible for the welfare of the troops assigned to my command. While I can not spiritually minister to them, I can at least be a servant leader, since the Army' s regulations are going to force me to remain a Reservist should I consider the Chaplaincy. If I committed to be a civilian Priest within my faith group, I would be doing a tremendous diservice to my flock should I leave once the military permitted, but..

[MAOfights]

@MAOfights I also understand that I would not be as focused. I spend hours daily concerned about my Army and my Soldiers. I spend time everyday becoming a better Soldier and learning what my duty billet requires so that I can perform at the top level that I can. Soldiers are my people, as I am a Soldier. I can maintain every level of compassion that a human can for any other human...however...I know my calling and it is not ambiguous. I have decided that due to the regulations, I am better off..

[MAOfights]

@danielsparks

Sir, I understand. Unfortunately for me...the ministerial experience that I have is not acceptable, but I have had more closed door sessions than I can count. I am week at the Devine Liturgy, which I would get in Seminary. I belive with every fiber of my being that I am here to serve Soldiers and do whatever my talents permit to maintain their welfare. It does not translate as well to the civilan World unfortunately. This is not to say that I would ignore their needs but...

[MAOfights]

@MAOfights ...I feel as though if I were to try to serve a civilian populace for a couple of years before applying to Active Duty, that I would be providing a disservice since I would only be doing it to move on in the military. My calling feels very, very specific and I am concerned that I will never get to serve on Active Duty. Does anyone have any good advice or ideas regarding this?