Chaplains encouraged in Indianapolis; Focusing on family in upcoming election; Followers should be humble, teachable says Jacki C. King

Good News for Today

Chaplains from the US military and civilian chaplains where honored last week in Indianpolis.

During a luncheon, Chaplain Major General Doug Carver (U.S. Army retired) told the group, ““You are sent outside of your church to some tough places where the church can’t go,” Carver said, emphasizing the unique and vital role chaplains play in prisons, hospitals, the Armed Services, and other challenging settings where credentials and endorsements are essential.

Carver challenged them to be lifelong learners.

The luncheon also included a special recognition for United States Navy Chaplain (LCDR) Scott Callahan, who was commissioned during the event. Callahan, a 1993 graduate of the Naval Academy, served as a chaplain until 2011 and later as a missionary in China and Singapore before returning to the Navy as a chaplain.

Carver, who is also serving as an interim pastor, then delivered a message from the book of Malachi. He underscored the importance of sincere and wholehearted dedication to ministry, urging chaplains to offer their best to God, not merely what is convenient.

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Hannah Daniel of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission knows election discussion and debate can be challenging. But believers want to stand on their convictions.

She writes, “We believe that the family is the foundational institution of our society and that God has ordained the family order for our flourishing (BF&M 2000).1 We hold that marriage is between one man and one woman for life, and that children are a blessing to those parents. Parents, then, have been endowed with special rights and responsibilities in the upbringing of their children and are the primary instructors and educators of their children in matters of faith, morality, and virtue.”

As Christians consider their vote this November, it is vital that we examine how our candidates for elected office view these truths about God’s good design for marriage and families. In evaluating our options, we should ask ourselves whether a candidate will push forward policies that:

• strengthen families,
• bolster parental rights,
• safeguard the vulnerable,
• and protect the consciences of Americans who object to the falsehoods of the sexual revolution

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A good team needs leaders and team members. Solid members serve in many way, but Jacki C. King says they must be teachable and aware of weaknesses.

Teachable

“Instruct the wise, and they will be even wiser. Teach the righteous, and they will learn even more.” Prov. 9:9 (NLT)

A good team member is always open to learning. Being teachable means recognizing that there is always room for growth and improvement. It involves listening to feedback, seeking out new knowledge and skills, and being willing to adapt and change when necessary. A great supervisor or pastor will help point you in directions for growth both spiritually and professionally, but it is solely your responsibility to own your own leadership development. Find new books to read, listen to podcasts from other thought leaders, and get certified in a new area. A nice byproduct of being busy learning is that you don’t have time to be cynical and complaining. Stay curious and hungry.

Aware of Weaknesses

“Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” 2 Cor. 12:9 (NLT)

Understanding and acknowledging our own weaknesses is a sign of humility and self-awareness. When we know where our weaknesses lie, we can seek help and support from others. This awareness allows us to build on our strengths and collaborate more effectively with team members who can complement our skill sets. It’s also a needed reminder that we have limits and we aren’t the sole focus of our work and ministry. We can’t do it all, and that’s a good thing.