The first role of the military chaplain is that of pastor, which is why the Department of Defense requires pastoral experience before it will commission anyone as a chaplain. One of the reasons Regular Baptist chaplains are so effective is their understanding of and commitment to local church pastoral ministry. Most of them maintain relationships with members of churches where they previously served as pastor, even after multiple assignments to distant duty stations.
Such is the case with Navy Chaplain Tom Webber, a captain whose last civilian pastorate was in Kokomo, Ind. Twenty years ago, Tom left this church to become an active duty chaplain in the U.S. Navy. Over the years, Tom has maintained a solid relationship with many of his former flock. One of the church leaders, Wayne White, had asked him to one day return to perform his funeral. In the early morning hours of Dec. 30, the Lord called Wayne from this life to his eternal home, and his family asked Tom if he would be able to come back for the service.
Tom flew into Indianapolis, wearing his uniform, knowing that his ministry had to begin as soon as he reached the church. After arriving at the visitation, he immediately started to engage Wayne’s family and friends. Tom says, “The tears and hugs were endless for the next two days.” It was his joy to present the hope and assurance of a loving eternal relationship with Jesus Christ as he spoke in the church and at the graveside.
Tom’s visit to Kokomo was unexpected, but not his commitment to the church and to those he ministered to over 20 years ago. Wayne was instrumental in making Tom’s ministry effective and life-transforming in the early 1990s. During the funeral Tom clearly stated the love and respect between him and Wayne, saying, “Wayne was my Indiana father.” One of Wayne’s children said, “Your presence and participation is what this family needed and why Dad requested you.”
Chaplain Webber reminds us of four important points:
- Military chaplains are first and foremost ministers of the gospel of Christ Jesus. Even though they wear the uniform of our nation, they are always part of the church!
- Maintaining open and honest relationships with former church members is critical for ministry—today and tomorrow.
- If your church has a chaplain it has ordained and/or supports through prayer, be sure to invite him to share his ministry with you. You will be blessed!
- The chaplain-church connection provides opportunities for mutual blessing and ministry.
