|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
The IDOC Chaplain is a Community Minister:
Although the IDOC is dedicated to searching for lost souls, training and
making Disciples of Christ, it is also committed to providing ministerial
support to the civilian community. The services of IDOC Chaplains are
available on the basis of need and desire. IDOC Chaplains are not
intended, nor do they wish to replace and individual’s clergyman. They
supplement services of the individual’s clergyman and are available to provide service when the
individual’s clergyman is not available. Also, a Chaplain can be especially helpful when there is a
person in need in the community who does not have a local Pastor and Church affiliation.
How the Chaplain can help:
Many people have the idea that the only time they should call a minister is when someone is critically
ill, or when there is a death in the family. This is a limited and restricted view of the ministry and
it is gradually being replaced by a wider understanding of the role of the Christian minister in
modern society.
The situations described below do not exhaust the occasions when the Chaplain, as a community
minister, can be helpful. The purpose is to indicate that there are many times when the Chaplain can
bring to people the resources of the Christian faith.
- When there is an emergency or crisis of any type
- When there is a sickness or injury
- When there is hospitalization or medical treatment
- When there is a death or when death is imminent
- When there is to be a marriage
- When a new baby is born
- When there is a spiritual need
- When prayer is needed
- When someone new moves into the community
- When anyone is entering the armed services, is being deployed, or returns home
- When there is a lost soul in need of salvation
- When a repentant sinner needs to be baptized
- When anyone needs to hear the word of God
In the community, the IDOC Chaplain also visits and ministers to those in the nursing homes, assisted
living, and senior living facilities. The Chaplain may present religious services based solely on the
Word of God and programs at these and other facilities and events in the community. Wherever
there is the need, there the Chaplain needs to be.
