Military pastor

This reminded me of something similar, but for opposite reasons. The local American Legion asked me to be their chaplain simply because they don't have one, I'm a preacher, and I'm a vet. With no strings attached, and no limits on my prayers, etc.

To go with the military, I'm scripted. To go with a bunch of alcoholics, I'm not.

I did, however, reject it because of the appearance of evil, even though the meeting room entrance was separate from the bar. I'm not sure that rejecting it was God's will, though, or pressure from others because of their objection to the image of the American Legion. I never had peace one way or the other.

 

It was in Iraq, but it was a civilian position. I don't know if I would have been dealing with all branches or what.

However, with my CDL, I can go over there to drive, and as such, I would be free to preach whatever I wanted.

After viewing some footage of driving in Iraq, with the way civilians are required to move out of the way or get bumped off the road and getting to drive on sidewalks, etc., I have to admit that it's quite an intriguing prospect.

 

Sir,
Please allow me to ask this back to you, in a different way:

Are there lost people who are soldiers? Don't they need to hear the Word?

Should a Christian become a soldier? "Give unto Caesar what is Caesar's." Christians can be called into the military, as a mission field, just as they are called to other countries.

To deny any particular body the opportunity to hear the Word, is to judge them as not worthy of being saved (like Jonah did with Ninevah); yet God said He sent His only son for whosoever.

Please think on that.

 

(Rom 13:3-5) "For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. 4 For he is God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. 5 Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience' sake."

My ministry for over 20 years was to provide security for everyone in the USA, first for 8 years as an enlisted man and then over 12 more years as a line regular officer in the US Air Force (not a chaplain--I never attended chapels, but always Bible-believing churches off post). Since neither German, nor Russian, nor Chinese are the forced official languages of the US, I can say, "you're welcome."

 

From a pastor of a military church.

I'm a pastor in Okinawa Japan. Our Island is marine and Air force staging ground for the far east. Forgive my ignorance if I go over something said in previous replies. The church that I am a pastor of is a military church. Right now 50% of our men are deployed to Iraq. The Sunday message always comes from the word of God, and does not pull any punches. Saying that, much of my focus in preaching goes to show that Just as one would lay down his life for his country, one should claim allegiance to God first. I have the honor of sending our missionary soldiers to evangelize in Muslim parts of the world on the US tax payer dollar. We pray weekly that our soldiers are given opportunities to share their faith with the friends, and Iraq nationals.

 

I served over 20 years in the USAF. I think I might have attended regualr chapel services twice... The rest of the time, I belonged to churches like yours, off-post english-speaking, for the military. Some of them were very good, but they all had continual turnover. I was never in Okinawa, though I did spend a tour in Guam.

 

You sound proud of a disgusting and illegal use of other people's money. Our taxes are not to proselytize others...they are to perform legitimate functions of civil government. Soldiers have the right to talk to others about their personal beliefs; they are NOT sent out as missionaries. No wonder the Islamic nations view us as crusaders. America has no religion to push.

 

Excellent. May God bless this ministry.

 

Is not every Christian a missionary? To be so close minded that to think the spread of freedom is more important than the spread of the gospel, is sad. As believers we all must claim allegiance to God and than to Caesar. Paul used his imprisonment to evangelize Caesars house. Daniel used his influence, so did any man who God placed on foreign soil. I am not asking our solders to spread religion, they are spreading Christ. I ask you what is worse, an Iraqi being killed by a road side bomb, or when he dies facing the wrath of God for eternity.

 

I think this position is much better than a military chaplain. You can preach the truth and not have to accomodate every belief and avoid offending someone. A non-chaplain soldier can do the same.

That's why I'm more inclined to be a driver than a chaplain, if I choose to go over there. As a driver, I can preach truth. As a chaplain, I have to tiptoe around the truth.

 

(quote of deleted post)

Yep, and also no respect for the rule of law, the separation of church and state, and potentially reinforcing the view of American soldiers as crusaders.

 

Forgive me if I came down hard. That said, All men are called to be missionaries. Are some called to do it vocationally, yes. The great commission, a Baptist cornerstone, does not give the job of worldwide evangelism to just the called. It was Jesus' demand for all believers. When did we as Baptist lose our missionary zeal? Our solders are not going into Iraq, forsaking their duties and rebelling against their commander. They would be thrown in Jail. The commission clearly states, that "As you are going(which means we are going) to disciple all nations, baptizing and teaching them" Where is the "vocational call only" in that?

 

I think the same arguments are being presented here

 

There is no difference. Christianity is a religion by definition. Your actions are {snip}, and do more harm than good. I don't know if you are active duty military, or just a {snip} preacher acting on his own, but if you are in the service, it is my opinion that you should face a court marshall.

{Snipped due to personal attack}

 

{Quote Snip}

I believe that was a bit below the belt sir, this is an open forum and I welcome discussion as to the subject matter, but a personall attack is not needed.

 

Mr. Faulk, I am not trying to attack you personally, however I do take it personally when someone feels it is okay to violate the establishment clause, or any other clause, of the Constitution of the United States.

 

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Folks, personal attacks are aboslutely NOT TOLERATED in any way, shape, or form in this forum. Please read the posting rules and forum guidelines germane to this forum. Thank you.

 

How is an individual, speaking freely to another individual, who is listening freely, a violation of the law?