One of the greatest strengths in the Mid-Atlantic region is our connection with CBF endorsed chaplains. For as long as I have been involved in Mid-Atlantic CBF our chaplains have been right there beside us attending retreats, serving on our council and lending their expertise on our teams. I have learned a lot from our chaplains and I’m thankful for the connection we have with them.
Chaplains bring a fresh perspective to the work we do as a fellowship. Chaplains are on the front lines of the spiritual needs of a community bearing a witness of faith to those who find themselves in unexpected circumstances. Oftentimes the people chaplains encounter have a need and desire for spiritual guidance yet they have little faith experience and no spiritual background. Unlike pastors who provide spiritual care to people who attend church, chaplains are ministering to spiritual novices. They are on the front lines of bringing faith to those who have little faith to begin with. Our chaplains have much to teach us!
Mid-Atlantic CBF has started providing a space for chaplains to connect with each other and share about the work they do through our monthly Zoom meeting, "Chaplain's Connect." The conversations have proven to be helpful to those who attend. The hope is that as these conversations continue, we will discover ways in which chaplains can connect with ministers and congregations to share and teach us from their unique perspective.
We say over and over in the Mid-Atlantic CBF that we are better together. Being better together means we can also learn and grow from each other. We need our chaplains and they need us too.