Pray for Chaplains this Sunday
A map showing where CRC chaplains serve
The Christian Reformed Church’s Chaplaincy & Care Ministry is asking CRC congregations to mention chaplains by name or in general before and/or during a time of prayer this Sunday, Nov. 10.
If possible, have a chaplain or two speak briefly about his or her work.
The CRC recognizes November as the month in which to focus on the ministry of chaplains and, specifically, sets aside the second Sunday of the month as Chaplain's Sunday to "commemorate their work out on the edges of the church and society," says Rev. Ron Klimp, director of the chaplaincy office.
The CRC currently endorses 125 of these "specially trained individuals," while many others volunteer or work part time in this arena without special endorsement.
"Together, they represent a new ministry to those experiencing some sort of crisis,” says Klimp.
Many churches have one or more chaplains who call it their "home."
Chaplains provide pastoral care in a variety of settings from prisons to the Pentagon.
"Be thankful that these men and women want to be where most of us would rather not be, touching the lives of those who would also rather be somewhere else," says Klimp.
Often, he says, chaplains work with people during times in which they feel "most lost, alone, confused, or afraid. These are times when the hearts of those who have little faith, have no faith, have a different faith, or are uncertain of their faith are most open to the voice and touch of God's spirit."
