Better Chaplain Series - Equip Others

 Is the chaplain:

    1. an apostle (one sent by God)

    2. a prophet (one who speaks for God)

    3. an evangelist (one who tells the good news of salvation)

    4. a pastor (one who seeks and tends the sheep of his master)

    5. a teacher (one who illuminates and helps others to understand God’s word and creation)

Regardless which you choose (or all of the above), Ephesians 4:11-16 tells us that the chaplain is given to equip the saints for the work of the ministry for building up the body of Christ. His calling and gifting is not for personal use in building himself up or making himself a self-sufficient maverick, but are given for investing in others, calling out their gifting, identifying where saints (all who are sanctified, set-apart, made holy in Christ) are strong and employing them, and identifying where they are weak and exhorting them.

Is your chaplaincy a competition? Are you withholding information or hoarding ministry for your own benefit? What are your efforts doing for the body of Christ?

I have been blessed to see three men become chaplains under my ministry, ordain two others, and commission many to minister in their sphere of influence. Though only a shadow of the glory of Christ’s rewards, I often like to say, “My favorite medals are medals that others’ are wearing, my favorite awards are sitting on others’ shelves, and my favorite stripes are sewn on others’ uniforms.”

I once had a job assigned to me that I’d done before. After accepting the job, I realized that I should give it to a young man who had never done the job. He spent a long night prepping for the massive job the next day, with my direction, and he did a phenomenal job despite a lot of stress and personal growth. Then he was awarded a medal for that job, and was later promoted for his many accomplishments with that medal being the crowing achievement. I was originally embittered because he was recognized for a job I could have done, but I’ve learned to rejoice for all of the good he’s done since–by the grace of God–I gave him one opportunity.

Rejoice in fruit growing on others’ trees. ~ John Piper

More:

1. What do you think Paul wanted us to do with Jesus’ quote, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

2. Is it lazy to delegate tasks to others when you’re more than capable of accomplishing the job by yourself? What if they’re incapable of accomplishing the tasks? Read Ezekiel 34:4-6 and consider if you’ve fulfilled your ministry.

3. Did anyone equip you early in your ministry? Where would you be without them?

4. Further Resources:

Scott, Stuart. One Another: A Guide for Strengthening and Serving Others in Christ. Bemidji, MN: Focus Publishing, 2006.

Laniak, Timothy S. Shepherds After My Own Heart: Pastoral Traditions and Leadership in the Bible. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2006.