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Corporate Chaplaincy
A description of ministry to the marketplace and business world. In February of 2001 after 25
years of ministry during which time I pastored three local churches, I
assumed a different type of ministry assignment, serving in chaplain
ministry, which is simply defined as ministry in settings outside the
traditional church. Most have heard of military chaplains, as well as
hospital and prison chaplains. It’s really amazing how many forms of
chaplaincy there are! Christ's servants are out spreading the Gospel and
expressing God's care in a wide variety of places. One fine example in the
trucking industry is "Transport for Christ", which is based in our
area. Chaplains serve in the rodeo, motorcycle, traveling carnival cultures,
shipping docks, and many other areas in various environments.
I very much want to affirm the value of this type of ministry and encourage those with a burden for people to consider this. It is a very rewarding form of ministry and for those with influence in companies (owners, leaders) it can be a tremendous way to impact your company. A verse frequently used by those of us with an interest in ministry in the workplace is Acts 17:17. It speaks of the Apostle Paul’s ministry. "So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there." An application of this verse today is ministry that takes place in the church "as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there." The "marketplace" (Gr. Agora) is the public square. By extension the sense is surely a contrast with ministry in the synagogue to "Jews and the God-fearing Greeks" to ministry outside the church in the marketplace to "those who happened to be there." I also like the phrase "day by day" since I believe it conveys the ongoing, non-compartmentalized view of ministry practiced by the early church. I feel so many have compartmentalized their faith and ministry to a place (church) and a specific time (Sunday). Surely God’s call is that we serve and live for Him everyday in every way possible. Since for many the concept of corporate chaplaincy is hard to grasp a brief description of our work may be helpful. Chaplains make regular worksite visits, walking through the facility greeting and briefly sharing with each employee. Most are receptive and appreciative, some are ambivalent and a few are not at all receptive. As the employees build a relationship with the chaplain, they often share a personal need and the chaplain can express care. This is confidential in the sense that others will not be informed of the discussion. It’s a pastoral discussion to distinguish it from a more formal counseling or psychologically-based approach. Since our advice is sought out and the employee initiates the request, we are free to share from a Biblical perspective. As opportunities arise we are encouraged to lead people to Christ and minister to them spiritually. At times the employee may request a more extended time to discuss a matter and if so a conference room or office is available for such a situation. The ministry has both male and female chaplains who work under very strict standards of conduct. If there are Hispanic or other language group employees appropriate chaplains are provided. We may be called upon to make hospital and prison visits if needed to employees and their immediate families. We may also attend or officiate at weddings and funerals. Some companies request spoken devotionals for employees as well and some chaplains are involved in regular Bible studies within the companies. Some larger companies provide a separate office for the chaplain. The chaplains provide and replenish a literature display at each company providing Bibles and materials such as the "Our Daily Bread" devotional guide and booklets. We also have an opportunity to provide written articles for company newsletters and bulletin boards. I am grateful that over time many have subscribed to the daily devotional I write as well. Obviously in most cases the ownership and/or management have a spiritual interest in their employees, but in a few cases it may be perceived by ownership as mere ethical development and/or good for employee morale. The ministry sees itself as an adjunct to the local church and is in no way intended to replace it. Our chaplain team has both ministers and trained lay people from a variety of denominational backgrounds who are involved in local churches. A typical situation a chaplain might encounter may illustrate this work: An employee comes to work discouraged because of a situation such as his son’s rebellion, spouse’s unfaithfulness or an ailing parent. As the chaplain walks through and greet the employees this particular employee asks for a few minutes of time and shares his burden. The chaplain shares some words of encouragement and may have prayer with him. On return visits the chaplain asks him how things are going and he regularly keeps me updated. Even apart from any specific counsel provided, the employee is encouraged by the concern. He may share additional needs, as well as share with other employees of the chaplain’s helpfulness, thus creating an atmosphere where others may open up and share as well. I have found much fulfillment in this particular chapter in my life. So, let me challenge each one reading this to stand up each day for Christ in your place of employment, whether you’re a “chaplain” or not! Stephen C. Weber If you have questions or comments about this type of ministry contact me. Recommended books for workplace ministry: Anointed for Business Christianity 9-5: Living Your Faith At Work God @ Work: A Practical Understanding of God's View of Work The God Factor Agora – Resources for workplace ministry
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"Living today anchored in God’s solid foundation"
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