1ST WORLD RE-EVANGELIZATION: Chaplaincy

Starting a new series titled “1st World Re-Evangelization” where I’d like to muse on some thoughts about ministering in a 1st world context as a 3rd world immigrant (what some might call “third culture”). Especially what it’s like as a minority (Korean-American) ministering in a predominantly Caucasian context. I find it intriguing – and different in many ways. Hence, the title, 1st World Re-Evangelization. Also because it is the title of a class I’m taking now, “Empowering the Church for First World Re-Evangelization: Theological And Missional Themes” – so don’t deconstruct the title too much, I didn’t come up with it. It is however a chance to hash out both in-class and out, in theory as well as in praxis, what this idea of “re-evangelizing the first world” really means – as a Christian in a postmodern world and as a minority in a dominant culture context. Either way, a minority. So I turn my first thoughts towards the theme of chaplaincy. Specifically police chaplaincy, and our own local support officer program here in Bellingham / Whatcom County.

Without disclosing too much, I went on a chaplaincy call today with our local police which took me way out into the county to a people very different from myself, a self-avowed NYCity-slicker. Immediately I was thrust into the company of grieving youth, where cultural norms were owning guns, four-wheeling, chewing tobacco, and trucker’s hats. More than once I’ve been called “chink” in these lands. Here’s the thing. I loved these kids. My pastor’s heart went out to them, and all I could think of was corralling them like a sheep dog. Protect them. Teach them. Guide them. That’s how I know I am called to this strange land called Whatcom County.

But my energy was spent on dad who lost his boy. As a father this really pained me (all the more on father’s day weekend). * sigh * And such a great kid this boy was. So basically I spent 4.5 hrs this Friday afternoon “just being there” for this broken man. Is this usual fare for a person of the cloth?

And this is where I turn my thoughts to this ridiculous sounding yet profound title “Re-Evangelizing the First World”. Evangelism proper didn’t happen. I’m not allowed to do that. But I know that this kind of work is not your typical pastors job. Maybe the role of “pastor” needs to be re-defined in the postmodern context to leave room for “chaplaining”.

Here’s why I think it’s effective.

Pastors are susceptible to careerisms. Trying to gain influence, to build, to grow, to aqcuire, to self-actualize. When you step into the role of chaplain – especially as a non-paid volunteer – you’re ministering to the most broken people who give you nothing in return – no props, no recognition, no income, no membership. Nothing. Giving to people through chaplaincy is pro-bono. You gain nothing. It challenges the deepest notions of what missional ministry should be.

Two thoughts in my mind as I go on a call, and I’ll quit for tonight. First are the words of Christ to his disciples in Gethsemene: Watch and Remain. We’re not called to take Christ down from the cross, nor are we called to go in his stead. We’re just called to “watch and remain” without falling asleep. Watch for what? Watch for God. Watch for the incarnate Sufferer in these people.

And then the words “He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.” I get this from Eugene Peterson. These are profound words about the resurrection – in the midst of death. He is there, @ the call ahead of me, or the police, or the EMS, or any first responders. Christ IS the first responder. And he has already gone ahead of me to the call and lo – he is there! I encounter him in the tear-stained dirty faces of the youth; I see him in the face of crying fathers who wondered if they did a good job as a dad.

So in retrospect. Is this indeed, 1st World Re-Evangelization? I’m not sure. Is it missional? Maybe. But one thing I do know: it’s deeply profound and it’s affecting me.