Are you being called to Military Chaplaincy? Consider the context of your current circumstances.

On any given day, the relative threats to life and Liberty can come from any one of the Five Domains of Combat: Land, Sea, Air, Space, and Cyberspace – or the “physically defined portions” of an Operational Environment. The most underestimated, indeed officially unrecognized, domain of warfare today is the spiritual and chaplains are on the frontline.

Beware of the temptation to glamorize the role. Warriors defeat giants on the battlefield, but it is the job of the chaplains to tend to the souls of combatants. Sometimes this is during peacetime preparations — Nurturing the Living. Other times, it is stitching up and applying salve to visible and invisible scars — Caring for the Wounded. More often than any desire, chaplains ensure that sacrifice is recognized – especially the last full measure of devotion — Honoring the Fallen.

Can you do this (and more) for those that strictly oppose our faith, our God, and/or our country as well as those who share all of these as brothers and sisters in Christ? (Yes, you may be called upon to minister to the enemy as well as the ally.)

Cultural conflict is unavoidable. So, you might as well get used to it. However, Christian chaplains join a long tradition of warrior-priests, called to serve people, leaders, and ideologies that do not align with biblical doctrine. Nevertheless, they bring God glory through their obedient preaching, teaching, and living the Word in the presence of a world desperately in need of Truth. Sometimes they experience revival and sometimes they endure judgment along with those they serve.

If this all scares you, wonderful! God may just be prompting you to show His strength through your weakness. And, if you answer the call, I guarantee it is ministry unlike any other.

Over the last few years, I have had the privilege to participate in a program to stem the tide of suicide with soldiers in Alaska. To say that the results have been miraculous would be an understatement, as decreases have been no less than 50% per year for the last three years. These efforts involved many partners, but among the most crucial were chaplains. It is not harsh dark winters that challenge soldiers so much as it is the same spiritual darkness and depravity that has always stalked the souls of man. Fortunately, there are those who know the Light, call Him friend and share in His Eternal throne. By His grace, we bring Hope. Will you join us?

-by CH (MAJ) Joseph R. Isip