[Leboman]

I guess I haven't done a very good job with this thread.

Apologies.

[Leboman]

I start as senior minister with a new church this Sunday.

[DaGeek]

I just recently started my role as chaplain candidate for a National Guard unit. In effect, I'm a chaplain who hasn't yet finished seminary, as I fulfill all the same roles and functions, including running a Christian service and preaching at it, pastoral-style counseling, and some other admin functions that aren't Christian-specific. Excited for you as you step into this, Lee, and I look forward to bouncing questions off of you!

[Leboman]

Originally Posted by DaGeek

I just recently started my role as chaplain candidate for a National Guard unit. In effect, I'm a chaplain who hasn't yet finished seminary, as I fulfill all the same roles and functions, including running a Christian service and preaching at it, pastoral-style counseling, and some other admin functions that aren't Christian-specific. Excited for you as you step into this, Lee, and I look forward to bouncing questions off of you!

I look forward to our conversations.

[Leboman]

My first three weeks have been very promising. Folks have welcomed us with open arms and several have given positive feedback on my sermons and lessons. They have also been bringing us food. You can't go wrong there.

[Leboman]

Just out of curiosity, how many pastors/ministers are currently on CGR?

[DaGeek]

I got to preach for the first time in my role as a chaplain (candidate) yesterday, which was really cool. I'd prepped a sermon the last time we drilled in June, but nobody showed up, so I didn't get to preach it. Yesterday, I did three separate services in three areas to account for my unit being pretty spread out and I wanted to ensure everyone had opportunity to hear the Word if they so desired. It was really cool, and I loved it! Only a few people showed up to each, but that's totally okay -- numbers are pretty irrelevant anyway, and especially so in this ministry. Training schedules are so full you're lucky to get 3-4 people, and 8 is "megachurch" as my brigade chaplain would say . I preached on Philippians 1:3-6, with an emphasis on verse 6, and I think it went over well.

That said, I also got to sit down and talk with a few soldiers in really hard straits, and I'm exhausted from the whole weekend. I utterly loved it, though, and I'm so glad I made the switch. Just a few more years of seminary to complete and I'll hopefully become a full-blown chaplain. Lord-willing.

[Leboman]

Very cool.