wfn.org | Convocation reconnects United Methodist chaplains and counselors

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@wfn.org>]

Aug. 16, 2001 News media contact: Linda Green7(615)742-54707Nashville, Tenn.
10-71B{353}

By Duane Ewers*

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS)- Chaplains and pastoral counselors attending a
national conference here Aug. 9-12 were thanked for extending the ministries
of  local congregations to places "where the raw nerve of life exposed."

"You are in ministry, not defined by geography, but by life situations,"
said Bishop Gregory Palmer, resident bishop of the Iowa Area, who provided
leadership for the meeting at Scarritt-Bennett Center.

Fifty-eight people endorsed by the United Methodist Board of Higher
Education and Ministry's section of chaplains and related ministries came
together to improve communication with church agencies and to increase
understanding, identity, integrity, legitimacy, and accountability of their
ministry.

The section of chaplains and related ministries is the official endorsing
agency of the United Methodist Church and approves ordained ministers to
serve as chaplains and pastoral counselors in settings such as the military,
correctional institutions and mental and health care centers. Staff
executive for the section is the Rev. Patricia Barrett.

A survey of chaplains and pastoral counselors indicated a sense of
disconnect from the larger church and a desire to claim their ministries in
and on behalf of the connection.

Palmer acknowledged the need for district superintendents and bishops to
relate more closely to chaplains in extension ministry. "Bishops need to
hear the angles or vision or perspective chaplains have on issues,
especially systemic injustice issues," he said.

A panel of conference participants represented seven areas of ministry:
general hospital, prison, workplace, mental health, children's home,
hospice, and pastoral counseling.  Topics discussed included the need for
the entire church to know, understand and value their ministry with hurting
people.  They also affirmed God's call to be in these extension ministries
and expressed the desire to be in closer relationship with local churches
and annual conferences.

In order for their ministries to be effective, the participants said
specific issues will need to be addressed at the national and annual
conference levels.  These include education, recruitment and retention,
advocacy, endorsements, support, networking and connecting with annual
conference leadership.

"The United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry needs to be our
voice as we seek greater respect for who we are and what we are about," said
the Rev. Calvin Harris, prison chaplain at the South Carolina Department of
Juvenile Justice, Columbia, S.C.

For more information on chaplaincy and related ministries, visit the Web
site at www.gbhem.org/chaplains or contact the Section of Chaplains and
Related Ministries, P.O. Box 340007, Nashville, Tenn. 37203-0007; (615)
340-7411.

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*Ewers is the director of the Office of Interpretation at the United
Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry, Nashville, Tenn.

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United Methodist News Service
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