December 11, 2007
Article by Ashley Brown, News Editor, The Lance
Republished with permission from The Lance, Evangel University’s student-produced newspaper. Article originally published Dec. 7, 2007, Vol. 53, Issue 13.
Rear Admiral Robert F. Burt, Chief of Navy Chaplains, visited Evangel on Dec. 3, 2007, to speak to students and discuss what he called a “unique and challenging calling.”
More than 40 people attended the luncheon, several of whom were chaplain candidates planning to follow in Burt’s footsteps. Students from Evangel’s ROTC program attended, and area pastors and representatives from Baptist Bible College, Central Bible College and The Assemblies of God Theological Seminary came to hear from Burt and network with one another.
“We are here to honor you,” Chaplain Scott McChrystal said to the chaplain candidates. “You who feel God’s calling in the chaplaincy have a very important task.” McChrystal addressed the audience before Burt spoke.
McChrystal inspired and challenged the chaplain candidates, using a story of one unfortunate Christmas spent in Vietnam to share the importance of military chaplains.
“We are going to need the best individuals that God will offer us to lead and serve these people,” McChrystal said.
Following lunch, Burt gave a presentation detailing the responsibilities and opportunities of military chaplains. “I want you all to see the heart and soul of what a military chaplain looks like,” he said to the audience.
Burt described the chaplaincy position to those present. “We are mission-ready service personnel demonstrating spiritual, moral and ethical maturity,” Burt said. “We’re supported by the innovative delivery of religious ministry and compassionate pastoral care.”
Entering into further detail about chaplaincy, Burt outlined general duties, which include worship services, ceremonial support, religious education, stress control, family ministry and crisis prevention, among other tasks.
The key role of military chaplains, he said, is the ministry of presence, which involves serving as a reminder of God’s constant presence. “When they see you, they think of God,” Burt said. “If that’s the case, you better do a pretty good job.”
A robust preparation program is necessary for military chaplaincy, Burt said. Currently, at least three Evangel students are pursuing the career. Following graduation, they will be commissioned to the position of Second Lieutenants and become chaplain candidates, endorsed by their faith groups for ministry as they pursue master’s degrees.
After Burt’s presentation, a portion of the audience stayed for a question-and-answer session to learn more about the profession. “It’s an honor to serve these great Americans,” Burt said. “If you follow your calling, you can do great things.”