A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CHAPLAINCY

During times of turmoil and war, mankind always looks to religion and religious figures for comfort. Both ancient and modern societies have turned to religion and communities have extended the comfort of religion to those serving in the heat of battle. Priests and other religions figures petition gods and spirits for victory in war. The Scriptures often refers to priests accompanying troops into battle. (see: Deut. 20:2-4; Joshua 6:2-5). 

The modern chaplaincy’s roots and origin are essentially in the medieval church. The word chaplain dates from this period. A fourth century story tells of the pagan Roman soldier called Martin of Tours. One day as he and his soldiers were approaching the gates of the city of Amiens, he met a scantily clad beggar. He impulsively cut his military cloak in half to share with the man. That night, Martin dreamed of Christ wearing the half-cloak he had given away. He heard Christ say to the angels: “Martin, who is still but a catechumen, clothed me with this robe.” When Martin woke, he found his cloak restored to wholeness.

As a result, Martin converted to Christianity. Martin’s commitment to Christianity enraged Emperor Julian by saying, “Hitherto I have served you as a soldier; allow me now to become a soldier to God.” The Emperor later released him from the Army. He was baptized and in 371, the people of Tours were so impressed by his holy life and miracles, they made him their Bishop.

Martin of Tours later became the patron saint of France and his cloak, considered a holy relic, was carried into battle by Frankish kings. This cloak was called in Latin the “cappa.” Its portable shrine was called the “cappalla” and its caretaker priest, the “cappellanus”. Eventually, all clergy affiliated with the military were called “capellani,” or in French, “chaplains, hence chaplains. The Council of Ratisbon (742), first officially authorized the use of chaplains for armies, but prohibited “the servants of God” from bearing arms or fighting.

However, religious figures in this era often went into battle as fighting men with the army. The conflict between the religious function and the military role can be seen in the career of the patron saint of military chaplains, St. John Capistrano, who besides serving as a Church Diplomat led the army at the Battle of Belgrade in 1456. This European tradition extended to colonial America where the chaplain both fought alongside and ministered to his neighbors in the militia. The tradition in colonial America of the alongside and ministered to his neighbors in the militia. The tradition in colonial America of the fighting chaplain began changing. After the Civil War, chaplains were no longer permitted to carry weapons. And today, chaplains are supposed to be issued a Geneva Convention Identity Card. Chaplains are ordained clergy, endorsed by their faith group to serve all people, regardless of religious or non-religious affiliation.

THE CHAPLAIN

You were elected or appointed to the office of Chaplain, and you have an important responsibility. Whether you have been selected for your religious training, or past VFW experiences, you are expected to provide care and be the spiritual advisor to your organization and its members.

The Chaplain exists to minister to veterans and their families. And according to our Congressional Charter, The Chaplain “shall be concerned with the spiritual needs of the members, and by precept and example, point the way toward a higher moral plane for the organization.”

You are not expected to know everything but are expected to search for the answer and get back to the individual. There are many ministers of faith/denominations and chaplains that are willing to assist you.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CHAPLAIN

No matter where the people served are coming from, they perceive the Chaplain as their Pastor. Therefore, Chaplains are called to Nurture the living, care for the dying, and honor the dead. In a non-sectarian manner, you should be prepared to listen to your fellow comrades and their family members, and provide aid and spiritual comfort in times of stress, sickness, or bereavement.

WHAT THE CHAPLAIN PROVIDES

The Chaplain is there to provide:

• Spiritual Guidance
• Assistance in emergency situations
• Conducting/assistance at funerals
• Counseling
• Visitation
• Attending functions

We must be reminded that the Veterans of Foreign Wars is comprehensive in nature, embracing all religions and faith groups within its ranks. The Chaplaincy, being non-sectarian, must seek to minister to the needs of all, without regard to either church/synagogue/mosque affiliation or non-affiliation.

QUALIFICATIONS OF CHAPLAINS

The qualification for the Veterans of Foreign Wars Chaplain are not academic or ecclesiastical. A VFW Chaplain candidate is not required to be a “professional” clergy person (most Post Chaplains are not). The qualifications are simple yet important:

• A willingness to serve the office.
• A commitment to provide a Chaplain’s ministry.
• Should have a good self-image and positive attitude.
• A caring person.
• A desire to help people.
• A sense of spiritual maturity.
• The ability to keep things confidential.
• Willing to be neutral and objective when setting disputes.
• Voice projection and ability to read well in public.
• Chaplains should be proud of their office and determined to do a good job.

VFW COLORADO CHAPLAIN OF THE YEAR

Every Chaplain that performs or goes above the performance of their duties should be submitted for this award. This award is not a prideful award, this award is to recognize a Chaplain for their service and care to our veterans, family members, and community. Nominations are due to the Department Chaplain by April 15th. See the Colorado Chaplain of the Year pdf for more information.

THE CHAPLAIN’S HANDBOOK AND THE CHAPLAIN’S RESOURCE MANUAL

These two manuals will help you going forward in your ministry. We highly encourage you to read and use these in your service to our veterans and family members.

• Chaplain's Handbook
• Chaplain Resource Manual

CHAPLAIN ACTIVITY REPORTING

Post and District Chaplains now can now report their activities to the Department Chaplain on-line.

• Click here to submit a Chaplain Activity Report

LINKS TO RESOURCES

• VFW Chaplain Training Videos - https://www.youtube.com/@VFWChaplainTrainingVideos
• Armed Services Ministry - https://armedservicesministry.org/
• Plus Nothing - https://plusnothing.com/about/
• The Jewish Publication Society - https://jps.org/free-jps-tanakh-offer/
• Faith Comes by Hearing - https://www.faithcomesbyhearing.com/
• GriefShare - https://www.griefshare.org/

***If you are a VFW Chaplain or plan on being a VFW Chaplain at any level, reach out to the Department Chaplain with any questions you have to help you serve and minister. Be what our members need spiritually.***