INTRODUCTION
As a chaplain, you must acquire skills in developing teamwork and a spirit
of cooperation and unity among chaplains of diverse faith groups.
Such
relationships are crucial for effective coordination of chaplain resources
and religious coverage.
One objective of this lesson is to highlight the need for teamwork,
cooperation and collegiality with other chaplains. The reasons for this is
that chaplains need to provide quality religious coverage to soldiers and
their family members who represent a wide range of distinct faith groups.
At the same time, chaplains who represent various faith groups can provide
resources and support to one another for religious programs.
Another objective is to cover one of the most important and overlooked areas
of ministry: ministry to ourselves and to our professional peers. Why is
this so important? Those in the "helping professions," especially clergy,
are notorious for experiencing stress and burnout. Many of our theologies
stress giving, caring, loving and nurturing of others in unconditional ways.
Such caring is often converted to a style called "rescuing" which may keep
us going from one spiritual or social emergency to another. As a result, we
may care for others and at the same time fail to care for ourselves. Being
an unconditional loving person and suffering servant can be commendable; but
may also detract from long-range ministry, especially in an environment that
is already filled with physical and emotional stress.
PART A - DEFINING TEAMWORK AND COLLEGIALITY
1.
General.
The basic chaplain policy guidance states:
"All Chaplains provide unit, area and denominational coverage.
They
provide for the nurture and practice of religious beliefs, traditions
and customs to strengthen the spiritual lives of soldiers and their
families." And again, "They will provide encouragement and assistance
to personnel of all faiths in building a community in which all
religious beliefs are respected."
You represent one faith group but will minister to a unit composed of
members of many faith groups. In order to do this, you need to be aware of
and draw upon, the resources of other chaplains.
Although this lesson will cover teamwork and collegiality among chaplains,
keep in mind the chaplain assistant. Chaplain Branch doctrine stresses the
UMT concept.
Your enlisted assistant is an essential member of the team.
The chaplain assistant has some unique skills and may lead or assist with
parts of the unit's religious program.
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