Chaplains are called by the church to extend the ministry of Christ to persons in institutional and specialized settings. The Office of Chaplaincy Ministries coordinates that ministry for the Christian Reformed Church.
What’s New
Our denomination is blessed to have many chaplains in leadership positions in institutions and professional chaplain organizations.
One of the amazing facts is that secular organizations hire chaplains to minister to the spiritual needs of their staff. Care and cure of the soul is recognized as vital to a person’s life and health. Our mandate is to accept this call.
Chaplains don’t build or plant churches, but they make Christ’s presence real in the lives of people in institutions. Ask chaplains to tell stories of their ministry when you see them. The stories are filled with the amazing testimonies to the grace of God.
As a denomination, we are dedicated to sending out trained, competent, and certified chaplains. The CRC has established a special account called the Chaplain Development Fund. The money provides stipends for chaplains in training, subsidy for salaries, and support for other professional training and development.
In general, chaplains are an aging group. Pray for young ministers to replace those who are retiring.
Website: www.crcna.org/chaplaincy
Herman Keizer, director
616-224-0733
E-mail: keizerh@crcna.org
Quick Facts
There are currently 88 active full-time chaplains: 75 in civilian chaplaincy, 12 in the U.S. military, and one in the Canadian military. There are 15 part-time chaplains, eight in the National Guard and Reserve.
The mission of Chaplaincy Ministries includes the following:
- promote and develop chaplaincy ministry in churches
- help individuals assess their potential for chaplaincy
- endorse chaplains for ministry
- provide professional support and development
- provide pastoral support and supervision
- represent the denomination on professional chaplaincy boards and organizations
