 Military Chaplains are challenged by the increasing demand for ministry to military families while trying to sustain their own spiritual resiliency. The deployment cycle can be particularly challenging, because the chaplain trains and ministers to the unit as it prepares to deploy, sacrifices with it while deployed, and works to help it reintegrate upon return. A typical Army division numbers about 4,200 soldiers and is authorized 7 chaplains, so the harvest is often ready, but the workers few.
During their time at home base, chaplains often do double duty as they perform routine religious services, provide counseling, and participate in military ceremonies. Chaplains deploy as much or more than those they serve, however, and are stressed as a result.
They are also under attack on several political fronts as national leaders discuss the issues surrounding the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," and civil libertarians seek to eliminate public prayer and any mention of God in military ceremonies. The Navy recently sought to authorize Navy Chaplains whose beliefs allowed for such unions to perform same sex marriages in Navy chapels, but pressure from Congress convinced them to rethink the decision. In the other services, chaplains critical of the repeal may be marginalized through reprimand, reassignment, or other forms of discipline for expressing their Biblical views of the issue. The Air Force recently had to suspend a class taught by chaplains on "Christian Just War Theory" for more than 20 years when a complaint was filed because the Bible was quoted as a reference.
Some have even argued that having chaplains on the federal payroll is a violation of the FIrst Amendment, even though George Washington, both as President and as a military leader, instituted paid military chaplains as necessary to the effective operation of the armed Forces. Moreover, activists now fill the media with complaints about "evangelical" chaplains proselytizing the military by virtue of their very presence with the troops.
These mounting pressures have created an even greater need for "chaplains to have chaplains" to comfort them in their trials, and help them develop and maintain the spiritual resiliency required to minister effectively under such difficult circumstances. Denominational Chaplain Endorsers provide some of this support as they meet with their chaplains. More "care for the care-givers" is always welcome, however, and can often be provided by churches near a military base that are willing to establish relationships of trust with the chaplains, and offer forms of respite such as retreats or times of prayer and encouragement. Practical help could include assistance with command religious programs, items to share with the troops such as phone cards, and food items, and cards and letters of support and encouragement on special occasions such as holidays and birthdays. |
