The Pastor/Chaplain and Deployment

In recent years a significant challenge has developed for reserve chaplains and the congregations they serve. That challenge has grown out of the call-up of reserve forces as key resources in military operations. Those reserve units are pastored by reserve chaplains, who also serve in traditional ministries of the church. When reserve chaplains are called-up, there are a myriad of questions that arise. To assist pastors and congregations in working through the impacted issues, three resources have been developed.

First, a document developed by both the ELCA and the LCMS which sets forth six goals toward which the national and regional church leaders/structures have agreed to work; it was received by the ELCA Conference of Bishops: “Proposal By The Evangelical Lutheran Church In America And The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod On Care To Chaplains And Congregations During Deployment.”

Next are two resouces which specifically address the transition periods of call-up and return of the pastor/chaplain from and back to the parish, “Suggestions for Chaplains and Congregations in Time of Military Involuntary Call-Up,” and “Suggestions for Chaplain Reentry into the Congregation.”

_{Administration Matters May 2009}