New Testament Chaplaincy
Titus Steven Keim
CHPL 500: Introduction to Chaplaincy Ministry
August 25, 2024
ii
Contents
Introduction..................................................................................................................................1
Ministry in Presence (Action)..................................................................................................... 1
Jesus Christ.......................................................................................................................... 2
The Chaplain........................................................................................................................3
Ministry in Word......................................................................................................................... 4
Jesus Christ.......................................................................................................................... 5
The Chaplain........................................................................................................................5
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................6
Bibliography................................................................................................................................. 8
1
Introduction
The Gospel of Mark offers a vivid portrayal of Christ’s ministry, highlighting his
incarnational presence and His proclamation through word. In Mark, we witness Jesus not only
speaking truths about the Kingdom of God but also living them out through His actions. In
Mark’s gospel, Jesus is portrayed as “the great servant-preacher who is ushering in God’s saving
reign, the kingdom of God.”1 This holistic approach to ministry is critical to understanding Jesus’
mission on earth and serves as a model for contemporary ministry, especially that of a chaplain.
Chaplains are often called to embody Christ’s presence through their actions and words, offering
comfort, guidance, and spiritual support in various settings. By drawing parallels between
Christ’s incarnational ministry in Mark and the chaplain’s dual ministry in presence and word,
we gain a deeper insight into the vocation of the chaplaincy and its theological foundation of
servant leaders.
Ministry in Presence (Action)
The ministry of presence, often described as a ministry of actions, refers to the act of
being fully present with others in their times of need, crisis, or suffering, embodying compassion,
care, and support without necessarily using words – it is the act of “keeping the watch.”2 It
emphasizes the power of presence as a form of ministry, where simply being there, offering a
listening ear, or providing silent companionship can convey deep empathy and understanding.
This form of ministry acknowledges that sometimes, words are inadequate or unnecessary;
instead, the act of being present – physically, emotionally, and spiritually – can provide comfort,
reassurance, and a sense of God’s love and care. In essence, the ministry of presence is about
1 Walter A. Elwell and Robert W. Yarbrough, Encountering the New Testament: A Historical and Theological
Survey, Third Edition., Encountering Biblical Studies (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2013), 76.
2 Naomi K. Paget and Janet R. McCormack, The Work of the Chaplain. (Judson Press, 2006), 9.
2
accompanying others on their journey, especially during difficult moments, and being a tangible
reminder that they are not alone. It reflects the incarnational nature of Jesus’ ministry, where His
actions supported the words He spoke, offering healing, comfort, and connection through His
presence. Chaplains practice this type of ministry as well, recognizing that their attentive and
compassionate presence can be a profound source of strength and hope for those they serve.
Jesus Christ
In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus’ incarnational ministry is powerfully expressed through His
action and service to those around Him. Mark often emphasizes the immediacy and urgency of
Jesus’ deeds, which are manifestations of the kingdom of God breaking into the world. One of
the key aspects of Jesus’ presence is His identification with the suffering and marginalized.3 In
1:29-34, Jesus heals Simon’s mother-in-law and many others who were sick and demon-
possessed. His healing ministry is a tangible demonstration of God’s compassion and power. By
touching the sick and infirm, Jesus not only brings physical healing but also restores individuals
to community, breaking down social barriers of impurity and exclusion. His presence brings
wholeness and reconciliation, reflecting the kingdom of God’s inclusive nature.
In another instance, a leper approaches Jesus, saying, “If you are willing, you can make
me clean” (1:40). Moved with compassion, Jesus reaches out and touches him, declaring, “I am
willing. Be clean!” (1:41). This action is significant because lepers were socially ostracized due
to their condition. By touching the leper, Jesus not only heals him physically but also reinstates
him into society, demonstrating the restorative power of His incarnational presence. The feeding
of the five thousand is another powerful example of Jesus’ ministry of presence. In 6:34, we read
that Jesus had compassion on the crowd because they were like “sheep without a shepherd.” He
3 Elwell and Yarbrough, Encountering, 2013, 80.
3
does not merely teach them but also meets their physical needs by miraculously multiplying the
loaves and fish. Jesus’ presence addresses both spiritual and physical hunger, revealing the
holistic nature of his ministry. An important observation about Jesus’ ministry of presence, as
portrayed in the Gospel of Mark, at this point is that His actions are always motivated by
compassion.
The Chaplain
Chaplains, like Christ, are called to embody the presence of God in their contexts, often
among the suffering, marginalized, or those in crisis. Their ministry of presence is incarnational
in that it seeks to make the love and compassion of Christ tangible to they serve.4 One of the
primary roles of a chaplain is to provide comfort in times of crisis. This may involve being
present with someone in a hospital room, offering a listening ear, or sitting silently with a
grieving family. Just as Jesus was present with the sick and suffering, chaplains are called to be a
non-anxious presence, embodying the peace and compassion of Christ. Their presence can be a
source of comfort and hope, reminding individuals that they are not alone in their suffering.5
Chaplains often work in contexts where there is conflict or estrangement, whether within
families, between spouses, or in military settings. Like Jesus, who brought restoration and
reconciliation through His actions, chaplains can play a crucial role in facilitating reconciliation.
This might involve mediating conversations, helping individuals find forgiveness, or simply
creating a space where people can express their pain and begin the healing process. Chaplains
also provide spiritual support through actions such as administering sacraments, praying with
individuals, or offering religious rituals that bring comfort and meaning.6 In doing so, they make
4 Paget and McCormack, The Work, 2006, 58.
5 Brian L. Bohlman, For God and Country: Considering the Call to Military Chaplain. (Bohlman Publishing, 2015),
48.
6 Paget and McCormack, The Work, 2006, 15.
4
the sacred tangible in moments of need, much like Jesus did through His actions. This support
can help individuals connect with God in their time of need, offering a sense of peace and
spiritual grounding.
Ministry in Word
The ministry of word refers to the practice of conveying spiritual truths, guidance,
encouragement, and hope through spoken or written word. It involves teaching, preaching,
counseling, and offering words of comfort and exhortation that point others to God’s love, grace,
and truth. This ministry is foundational in many contexts, as it seeks to articulate the message of
the Gospel, interpret scripture, and provide spiritual insight that can guide individuals in their
faith journey.7 In the ministry of word, the spoken message is seen as a powerful tool for
transformation, offering clarity, wisdom, and direction. It involves formal settings like sermons,
bible studies, or public teachings, as well as informal conversations where spiritual guidance is
offered. This ministry emphasizes the power of language to shape beliefs, inspire action, and
provide comfort in times of need. Like Jesus in the Gospels, who used parables, teachings, and
direct proclamations to reveal the Kingdom of God, chaplains engage in the ministry of word and
aim to communicate the deep truths of faith in a way that is accessible, relevant, and impactful.8
Their words are intended to bring light, healing, and understanding to those who hear them.
Jesus Christ
Alongside His actions, Jesus’ ministry in Mark is characterized by powerful
proclamations of the kingdom of God. His words often clarify the meaning of His actions and
call people to repentance, faith, and discipleship. At the outset of His ministry, Jesus declares,
7 Bohlman, For God, 2015, 45.
8 Ibid, 2006, 20.
5
“The time fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye and believe the gospel” (1:15).
This proclamation sets the tone for His entire ministry. Jesus’ words are not just informative;
they are performative, initiating the in-breaking of the of God’s kingdom into human history.9
His call to repentance is a summons to participate in this new reality, emphasizing the
transformative power of His spoken word.
In 1:21-28, Jesus teaches in the synagogue, and the people are amazed at His teaching
because He teaches with authority, unlike the scribes. This authority is further demonstrated
when Jesus commands an impure spirit to come out of a man, and it obeys Him. Here, we see a
direct link between Jesus’ words and His actions; His authority in word is affirmed by His
authority over spiritual powers. Chapter 4 records Jesus teaching the crowds in parables, such as
the Parable of the Sower and the Parable of the Mustard Seed. These parables reveal the
mysterious and often hidden nature of the kingdom of God. Jesus uses parables to communicate
profound spiritual truths in a way that engages the listener, requiring them to reflect and respond.
His ministry in word invites people into a deeper understanding of God’s reign and their role
within it.
The Chaplain
In addition to their ministry of presence, chaplains are also called to a ministry in word.
This involves offering spiritual counsel, teaching, and sharing the message of hope found in the
Gospels. In situations of despair, chaplains often find themselves speaking words of hope. Just as
Jesus proclaimed the nearness of God’s kingdom, chaplains can remind those they serve that
God is present and active, even in the darkest of times. This might involve sharing scripture,
9 Elwell and Yarbrough, Encountering, 2013, 81.
6
offering prayers, or simply providing words of encouragement that point to God’s faithfulness
and love.10
Chaplains may also engage in teaching, whether through formal settings like bible studies
or informally through one-on-one conversations. Like Jesus, who taught with authority and
clarity, chaplains can guide individuals in their spiritual journeys, helping them to understand
and apply spiritual truths in their lives. This teaching ministry can help individuals make sense of
their experiences considering their faith, offering them a framework for understanding and
coping with life’s challenges. There are times when chaplains must speak difficult truths,
whether it is addressing issues of sin, offering constructive feedback, or helping individuals
confront reality. This aspect of ministry in word parallels Jesus’ willingness to speak truth, even
when it was hard to hear, as in His call to repentance and His numerous encounters with the
pharisees. Chaplains, too, must balance compassion with honesty, helping those they serve to
face difficult situations with courage and faith.
Conclusion
The Gospel of Mark presents a compelling picture of Jesus’ ministry, characterized by
both His incarnational presence and His powerful words. This dual aspect of ministry is mirrored
in the vocation of chaplaincy, where the ministry of presence and the ministry in word are both
essential. The parallels between Christ’s ministry in Mark and the chaplain’s ministry today are
profound. Both involve a holistic approach that integrates presence and word. Just as Jesus’
presence brought healing, reconciliation, and comfort, chaplains are called to embody the
presence of Christ in their contexts. And just as Jesus’ words proclaimed the kingdom of God,
offering hope, guidance, and truth, chaplains are called to speak words that point to God’s
10 Bohlman, For God, 2015, 55.
7
presence and power. Both Jesus and chaplains engage in an incarnational ministry of presence.
Jesus’ willingness to touch the leper, eat with sinners, and heal the sick reflects a God who
deeply care about the human experience. Similarly, chaplains are called to enter the lives of
those they serve, offering a compassionate and empathetic presence that reflects God’s love.
The ministry in word is also a key parallel. Jesus’ words were not separate from His
actions but were integrated with them, offering a fuller revelation of God’s kingdom. Chaplains,
too, must integrate their words with their actions, ensuring that their ministry in words is
grounded in the reality of their presence. This integrated approach helps to convey the fullness of
God’s love and truth. Finally, both Christ’s ministry and the chaplain’s ministry are holistic,
addressing both spiritual and physical needs. Jesus’ feeding of the five thousand is a prime
example of this, as He met both the spiritual and physical needs of the crowd. Chaplains are
called to a similar holistic ministry, addressing the full range of human needs – spiritual,
emotional, and sometimes even physical – through their presence and words.
8
Bibliography
Bohlman, Brian L., For God and Country: Considering the Call to Military Chaplain. Bohlman
Publishing, 2015.
Ewell, Walter, A. and Robert W. Yarbrough, Encountering the New Testament: A Historical and
Theological Survey, Third Edition., Encountering Biblical Studies. Grand Rapids, MI:
Baker Academic, 2013.
Paget, Naomi K. and Janet R. McCormack, The Work of the Chaplain. Judson Press, 2006.
