Public Service Endorser
Dr. Brent Bond, Senior Director of Chaplaincy
“Beloved friends, if life gets extremely difficult, with many tests, don’t be bewildered as though something strange were overwhelming you. . . Those who suffer for following God’s will should enfold their lives into the Creator, who will never fail them, and continue to always do what is right.” (1 Pet. 4: 12,19, The Passion Translation)
Chaplain friends,
You probably don’t hear it enough, but you are a blessing to many through your faithful chaplaincy ministry. The COVID-19 pandemic has “overwhelmed” us physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I encourage you to continue to trust in God, our faithful Creator, by living a life of dedicated service “and continue to do what is right” (1 Pet. 4:19) no matter what. Also, remember to seek God’s perspective and live with an elevated faith (Col. 3:2).
Information to know:
- The SBC Chaplaincy team and Chaplains Commission are finalizing a revised Chaplaincy Endorsement Manual to post on the Chaplaincy website in March 2021.
- “Public Service” Endorsement: The SBC Chaplaincy Team has identified this terminology as a new way to recognize chaplaincy categories outside of “Federal.” Public service endorsements include Corporate, Correctional, Community, Crisis Response, Healthcare, Pastoral Counselors and Public Safety.
- The new platform for Chaplaincy Quarterly Reports (QR) launched in October 2020. This new system does not require a login password and will automatically email you a backup upon completion. Additionally, the report is easier to navigate and answer questions. These reports not only help us stay in touch with you, they enable us to share your stories with our constituents. Moreover, when you list prayer requests, you’ll know the SBC Chaplaincy Team is lifting your needs to God.
Thank you for answering God’s call to be an SBC chaplain. You are making a difference!
The Chaplaincy Team and I are available to serve you as needed.
Federal Endorser
Dr. Sam Lee, Director of Chaplaincy
Polycarp was a Bishop of Smyrna, Izmir of Turkey, and was an older man at age 87 when he was captured and taken into the arena. The Proconsul asked one thing from Polycarp—denounce Christ for his life. Polycarp replied, “86 years have I served him, and he has done me no wrong. How can I blaspheme my King and my Savior?” The Proconsul knowing that he can’t persuade Polycarp, threatened cruel death by the wild animals. “It is unthinkable for me to repent from what is good to turn to what is evil,” Polycarp replied. “I will be glad, though, to be changed from evil to righteousness.”
We can learn three things from church fathers like Polycarp:
First, the threats of violence and temptation of worldliness are not foreign to the Christians. Early believers were persecuted with unimaginable tortures, yet they kept their faith in Christ. When facing threats or temptations for Christ’s sake, rejoice as you partake of Christ’s sufferings (1 Pet 4:13).
Second, you are called to God Himself in His holiness to represent invisible God to the world through our witness and a prophetic voice. As a servant of Christ, we ought to speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15) while living a life worthy of His calling for the sake of the gospel.
Last, the determination to fix our eyes on the cross of Christ must accompany with the right means to carry out the Master’s message. That is why the prophetic voice must be expressed in love for the resulted in the peace of Christ (Rom 5:11, Eph 2:14).
I pray that you are strong and courageous as you continually depend on God’s power and grace.
Information to Know:
- Doors are opening for all Federal Chaplaincy Ministry. We need qualified candidates for all Federal Chaplain slots (e.g., Chaplain Candidates for all Branches, Military, Federal Correction, and VA). You are the best recruiter by telling your ministry stories to local SBC Churches and introduce the SBC Chaplaincy to someone.
- The VA confirmed that there is no “ordination” requirement for their chaplains. Thus, it opened the door for us to endorse a qualified Female Chaplain Candidate to the VA. Updated “Chaplaincy Manual” contains most up-to-date information.
- Yes, you can nominate a designated offering for your local congregation to support the SBC Military Chaplains. A check must specify for “NAMB-Military Fund,” and the address is 4200 North Point Parkway, Alpharetta, GA 30022.