■ THE MINISTRY OF CHAPLAINS
An Army of Chaplains in Brooklyn
by WAYNE ROBERSON Training is always central—everyone port. They also know they can rely upon
■
clearly understands that skill and profes- the on-call option when emergencies sud-
T
HE CHURCH OF GOD of East sionalism fit hand in glove with dedica- denly arise. This is a vital confidence
Flatbush has one of the most tion and faithfulness. builder for community service. The East
effective caregiving ministries in Chaplains are assigned not only to Flatbush Church demonstrates it is a care-
the denomination. The congregation’s particular institutions, but also for specif- giving congregation on a daily basis.
more than 100 trained and certified chap- ic days and hours of service. Bishop Nel-
lains cover the Brooklyn, New York, area son and Chaplain Edwards recognize that
Traditional and Nontraditional
like a well-organized army. law-enforcement chaplains aren’t neces- This church’s chaplaincy outreach
Associate Pastor Gloria Edwards serves sarily called to minister in nursing includes traditional ministries in hospi-
as the director of chaplaincy ministries, homes, and correctional chaplains are tals, nursing homes, jails, prisons, and
and she has a 10-member board to sup- not necessarily called to serve in hospi- law-enforcement agencies. They also serve
port her. Chaplain Edwards operates tals. Assignments are both a head and a in adult day-care centers, halfway houses
under her motto of “Preparedness to heart commitment. “Simply stated,” for recovering addicts, homeless shelters,
meet every opportunity God presents,” Chaplain Edwards says, “we prayerfully rescue missions, disaster response teams,
serving under the leadership of Senior and continually strive to have the right the American Red Cross, detention cen-
Pastor R.C. Hugh Nelson and partnering person in the right place. Each chaplain ters, and various civic agencies.
with the Chaplains Commission. knows they are where God needs them.” The church has a chaplain representa-
Institutional and agency administra- tive on the community district board,
Head and Heart
tors clearly favor and appreciate this well- allowing the church to gain helpful infor-
On the first Monday of each month, organized chaplaincy approach. They mation on new chaplaincy opportunities
all the chaplains meet to evaluate the pre- know a chaplaincy team will show up on and to keep community leaders advised
vious month’s activities, review upcom- schedule. Patients, inmates, residents, as to chaplaincy services available
ing planned activities, and discuss new workers, and supervisors won’t be left through the church. Also, a chaplaincy
opportunities for chaplaincy service. wondering about their chaplaincy sup- hotline is maintained at the church,
East Flatbush
Church of God
chaplains
10 EVANGEL • AUG 2009
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