“Then I will raise up a faithful priest for myself. He will do whatever is in my heart and mind. I will establish a lasting dynasty for him, and he will walk before my anointed one for all time” (1 Samuel 2:35).
Prayer: God, continue to mold me into a faithful chaplain. I want to do what is in Your heart and Your mind. Help me to get rid of all selfishness and worldly desires. I want my heart to be in sync with Yours!
Federal Chaplaincy Trends:
- Due to the government hiring freeze, we continue to have no applicants for VA and Bureau of Prison positions. I know both agencies are working hard to be able to advertise job openings again. I am praying for a pool of strong applicants ready to go as soon as hiring begins.
- I have had multiple questions about supporting events with same-sex couples. Our endorsement manual is clear on this. It is in writing so you have something in print if you are questioned. Be wise when talking to those you serve about this. Your words should always be seasoned with gentleness and respect, spoken in a spirit of love when talking about difficult topics. Call me anytime if you have questions on this or just want to talk something through!
- For military applications, I have had many more Army applications than Navy and Air Force. Come on, Navy and Air Force! (I’m former Navy, so I’m talking to myself, too.) Overall, I believe we have had a low number of applications. Military chaplaincy is an incredible ministry setting. Please help us continue to recruit the best SBC ministers for this important ministry.
- Chaplain Candidate applications continue to come in at a steady pace. In the first quarter of 2025, I have approved 10, with at least 5 more applications ready to be reviewed. I have also started quarterly webinars with chaplain candidates in order to train and encourage them as they continue to discern God’s call.
Richard’s Planned Travel through July:
- May, TBD – military base visit
- June, TBD – military base visit
- June 8–11 – SBC Annual Meeting and Chaplains Reception (Dallas, TX)
- July, TBD – military base visit
(Note: I invite all Federal Chaplains to meet with me when I travel. This includes all VA, Bureau of Prison, active, reserve, guard, Civil Air Patrol, and Coast Guard Auxiliary. I will arrange my visit to see all who are available. I will invite all within a 90–120-minute drive, but all are welcome.)
Great Resource:
Days of Anguish, Days of Hope by Bill Keith. I recently re-read this book. It is the story of SBC-endorsed chaplain Robert Preston Taylor.
Chaplain Taylor was an Army Air Corps chaplain in World War II and later became the Air Force Chief of Chaplains. He was with a ground unit in the Philippines when his unit was overrun and had to surrender to the Japanese. This book traces his three and a half years as a prisoner of war. He was part of the “Battan Death March,” beaten, tortured, and bombed while on the hell ships, and yet he continued to provide ministry to the other prisoners. It is an incredible story of one of our own chaplains!