MILITARY CHAPLAINS: ANOTHER KIND OF SHEPHERD

October is Pastor Appreciation Month, and many people take this opportunity to intentionally express gratitude for their pastors and clergy members. Given the depth of difficulty associated with a pandemic, exacerbated by racial and political tensions, Pastor Appreciation Month couldn’t be more vital this year to these often unsung heroes. Congregations across the Church of God have already taken intentional steps to ensure the spiritual, mental, and emotional well-being of their pastors.

There is another type of shepherd—one who serves a different kind of congregation and who might not always come to mind, yet is equally deserving of our appreciation and encouragement. Military chaplains are on the frontlines of caring for those men and women who serve in our Armed Forces. They deploy to remote places, preach in austere environments, respond to disasters and tragedy on short notice, and leave their families behind—all to extend the love and hope of Jesus to those in uniform.

At Church of God Ministries, our intent is to equip chaplains to be continually spiritually fit for the long haul of ministry with our soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen, and Coast Guard. In the spirit of Pastor Appreciation Month and the forthcoming Veteran’s Day on November 11, will you join us in expressing gratitude and support for the vital ministry of military chaplains?

Here are three ways you can support them:

• Pray – Although our military chaplains are highly-trained professionals, they depend on the Holy Spirit’s presence and leading as they deal with a multitude of ever-changing challenges. Please pray for them.
• Encourage – Should you have an opportunity to interface with one of our chaplains, please share a word of encouragement. Send a note thanking them for their ministry.
• Give – Please take a moment to consider giving financial support for our military chaplain program. Every dollar will be used for the continual recruitment, training, and development of our chaplains.

Those who give $100 or more will receive a commemorative Challenge Coin with the Church of God logo (this can be a very special gift for veterans!)

Give today at jesusisthesubject.org/chaplains, where you can also find information about how you can get involved and join the ministry of military or institutional chaplaincy.