DALLAS — The Baptist General Convention of Texas has endorsed more than 400 chaplains. At the BGCT Chaplaincy Endorsement Board Meeting May 21, 11 chaplains were endorsed — 10 new and one transfer. This brings the total number of BGCT-endorsed chaplains to 410. The chaplains cover a wide range of areas. Of the 410 chaplains, 169 are endorsed in healthcare, 67 in Army, 62 in crisis response, 32 in Air Force, 32 in restorative justice, 21 in public safety, 16 in Navy, and 12 in business and industry. They serve in 28 states and eight foreign countries. Bobby Smith, BGCT director of chaplaincy relations, explained that the BGCT program is one of "affirmation, support, networking, and endorsement." Chaplaincy is a pastoral ministry in a specialized setting, such as a hospital or prison. With almost 80 percent of the United States population unchurched, they are turning to chaplains in times of need. “Chaplains are the front line,” Smith said. Their first purpose is to turn the people they minister to toward God, but close behind is the desire to get them involved in a local church. "We are a chaplaincy agency of comradery and mutual support," Smith said. He explained that maintaining the relationships with the chaplains is just as important as the actual endorsing. Becoming an endorsed chaplain is a three step process. First, general information is given to the board. This is followed by an essay which asks the candidate to describe their life story, spiritual pilgrimage, personal code of ethics, philosophy of chaplaincy ministry and a personal faith statement. Finally, an interview is conducted with the candidate and spouse to ensure they both understand the responsibility they are about to take on. This process will allow the endorsement board to "feel your pulse and see your heartbeat," Smith said. The BGCT Chaplaincy Endorsement Program began endorsing chaplains in September 2002. Since its beginning, they have endorsed 273 new chaplains and 173 chaplains have transferred their endorsement. The BGCT is one of 225 chaplain endorsement agencies endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense. |