Rediscovering the Spiritual Disciplines for Today's Ministry Leadership: A Journey of Proactive Spiritual Formation for Leaders

Book excerpt: Military chaplains are highly trained professionals with multiple graduate degrees and varying civilian pastoral experience. They enter the chaplaincy after a rigorous selection process and military courses, which all must verify their calling to military ministry. Throughout a chaplain’s career, he or she will attend many continuing education seminars, civilian education graduate programs, and conferences, all provided by the military. However, chaplains are challenged with the rigorous multitasked environment of this ministry. Multiple deployments into combat have negatively impacted the personal lives of those seeking to care for the souls of the soldier. This book encourages the importance of spiritual resiliency in the lives of leaders, both military and civilian. Leaders who regularly practice spiritual disciplines will be less likely to suffer personal and professional failure, or burnout. Second, the leader’s practice of spiritual disciplines is essential to fostering positive modeling and mentoring for young chaplains and those wishing to serve. Third, practicing historic Christian spiritual disciplines will benefit those who strive to lead congregations and especially military installations in the free exercise of their faith.