Currently browsing What Chaplains Do

Just before entering the Promised Land, Moses preached to the Israelites in Arabah.  Among Moses’ many directives were instructional laws for warfare.  He said, “And when you draw near to battle, the priest shall come forward and speak to the people and shall say to them, ‘Hear, O Israel, today you are drawing near for [...]

When my unit left for Iraq in October 2006, I brought along 100 pounds of Jolly Ranchers. They survived the trip with no problems. These Jolly Ranchers lasted throughout the deployment as I obtained hundreds of pounds of other candy to supplement my supply during the deployment.

Live Q&A session with U.S. Army Chaplain Daniel Sparks. 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. (Mountain time) on Saturday, 11 April 2009. Want to know what a day in the life of a chaplain is like? Chaplain Sparks will answer any questions you have about ministry as a battalion chaplain. Join the discussion by typing your question in [...]

Live Q&A session with U.S. Army Chaplain Daniel Sparks. 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. (Mountain time) on Saturday, 11 April 2009. Want to know what a day in the life of a chaplain is like? Chaplain Sparks will answer any questions you have about ministry as a battalion chaplain. Join the discussion on 11 April by visiting [...]

I confess. I’m a candy chaplain. Jolly Ranchers are my signature, though I have been known to use other brands. Chocolate is a crowd favorite, but Jolly Ranchers are what they’ve come to expect. I requested that my unit supply me with 100 pounds of Jolly Ranchers before we deployed. Army bureaucracy didn’t make it [...]

One of the important responsibilities of a military chaplain is honoring the dead. As the photo above shows, chaplains have a meaningful place in memorializing fallen comrades. Chaplains officiate at memorial ceremonies, memorial services, and funerals. Coverage includes active duty, reserve, and retired personnel. Chaplains may be called on to perform services for civilian employees [...]