Chaplain Candidate Sojourn 3

Hey everyone. My last Chaplain Candidate post was on April 2, 2010 and I was waiting for my packet to be approved/disapproved by the Chaplain Board. (US Army, Reserve). So this is an update and encouragement for those just starting out in the process or in the same boat.

My packet (paperwork/security clearance/MEPS physical/endorsement) went before the Chaplain Board on May 11-12. I got a phone call on Friday the 14, from my recruiter, letting me know that I was approved to be a chaplain candidate! I felt a huge weight being lifted and had a peace about the whole process. I started the paperwork with my recruiter back in October of 2009, and have been anxiously waiting to start drilling with a local RESERVE unit and learn from a seasoned chaplain.

Since my packet has been approved, I am now waiting for a letter of Oath of Office (30-60 days after the board), so I can swear-in as a second lieutenant in the US Army Reserve! I will be doing a swearing in ceremony, for family and friends, to document this memorable occasion.

I am extremely excited about beginning this path of ministry for two reasons. First, I have always had a place in my heart for the Army, its mission and its lifestyle. For me, being prior service, I enjoyed the simplicity of the Army. I knew what I was doing when I woke up and was ready to train, maintain my equipment and “be” a soldier. Second, I am called to ministry. The idea of living out my call to ministry and affinity for the US Army; is a dream that could only come from God and the way He created me.

For all believers, we can be who God created us to be anywhere we are! God’s grace has allowed us to receive salvation and it is through Jesus that we find our purpose in life!

Check out Ephesians 2:8-10:

8 For z by grace you have been saved a through faith. And this is b not your own doing; c it is the gift of God, 9 d not a result of works, e so that no one may boast. 10 For f we are his workmanship, g created in Christ Jesus h for good works, i which God prepared beforehand, j that we should walk in them.

1 Comment for this entry

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  Chapalin Candidate

  May 26th, 2010 on 4:19 pm

  Keep pressing on! The wait is well worth it and the experience as a candidate is top notch. I wish someone wrote about their “sojourn” when I was starting this process, your posts are invaluable.