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A Chaplain's Perspective on Award Winning Ministry
YFC Military
Over 40 Years of Military Chapel Experience
We understand that we must meet specific requirements to minister to military-connected youth through the chapel. This is how we address some of those concerns.
COLLABORATION WITH THE CHAPEL
All Campus Life Military staff support military teens. Because our programs have a spiritual component, we believe the best way to connect with military families is through collaboration with the installation’s chapel whenever possible.
The type and level of collaboration between Campus Life Military and the chapel is determined by the Installation Chaplain. For this reason, collaboration with the chapel can range from contracted ministry to regular communication with chapel staff regarding Campus Life Military programs run in the local community. The nature of the programs themselves is determined based on the need of military-connected youth in that area and the Installation Chaplain’s priorities.
PROSELYTIZATION
Campus Life Military understands the unique nature of military ministry and both respects and abides by the strict rules regarding proselytization of military members. In our long history, we have found a balance between helping young people, living and demonstrating a Christian lifestyle, and presenting Christ without making students feel pressured or uncomfortable. We help military-connected youth, regardless of their faith, while remaining true to our own.
ECUMENISM
Campus Life Military is ecumenically intentional. We seek a unified Christian Church through collaboration with other Christian organizations to reach every military kid in every military community. Expressions of our ecumenism are specific and measurable:
a. Create collaborative relationships with Christian Chaplains and off-base leaders, both Catholic and Protestant
b. Intentional commitment to involve a wide range of Catholic and Protestant ministry volunteers
c. Intentional commitment to support both Catholic and Protestant youth ministry through training and resources
d. We acknowledge the religious values of students’ families in matters of spiritual formation
SAFETY
Gathering groups of students is important in military youth ministry. Campus Life Military activities often include small groups, large gatherings, overnight events and even multi-day events such as camps and service projects. To keep kids safe, we follow all standard YFC safety practices including background checks for leaders. In addition, with the guidance of the Installation Chaplain, we ensure that our events meet all applicable military safety and force protection requirements.
resilience through relationships
Relational Ministry Actions
Campus Life Military emphasizes resiliency in all aspects of our ministry. Our leaders engage students through activities call Relational Ministry Actions (RMAs). Each RMA helps foster resilience in military-connected youth.
Contacting - Initiating new relationships with young people
Building Times - Spending time in shared experiences with young people to build new relationship and grow existing ones
Club - A welcoming, safe, high energy, large group designed to help lost young people discover who Jesus is by fostering authentic Christ-sharing relationships and connecting relevant topics to Scripture
Appointments - Meeting with young people to focus on their individual needs
Small Groups - Meeting with several young people to discuss relevant topics and connect them to God's truth
Camps/Trips - Taking young people out of their daily environment and providing extended shared experiences for building authentic Christ-sharing relationships with YFC leaders