As the shells rip overhead, exploding somewhere behind the Marine, he presses himself deeper into the mud, wishing he were another three feet deeper. He checks on his squadmates and sees that they, too, are trying to become as small as possible. Soon they will move forward toward their objective, exposed to enemy fire for several minutes.

In times like this, the big questions of life bubble to the surface. In times like this, training takes over, which pushes men toward danger when most would flee. The signal is given, the squad moves out, and soon, the objective is in their hands—but at a great cost, because some will not be returning to base. The men soon rest behind the lines, far from combat, pondering what they just experienced. In times like this the chaplain steps in, providing comfort from God’s Word and at-tempting to make sense of the senseless.

Trying and stressful times of life sometimes require the help of a person with special training, someone who understands what you have been through and knows how to point you to God’s truths in the most impossible of circumstances. Chaplains are equipped to do that.

Not all the battlefields of life are found in far-off places filled with exploding shells and whizzing bullets. The battlefields of this world are present in the midst of the warning buzzers and flashing lights of a hospital emergency room, at the scene of a roaring fire, or in the quiet of a room as a loved one draws their final breath after a long illness. In times like these, we need a comforter.

Captain Brian Weaver earned a master of divinity degree from the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary (RPTS) in 1983 and was ordained in the gospel ministry in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. After commissioning as a lieutenant, junior grade in the US Navy, he served many years domestically and internationally. Achieving the rank of captain and serving with the US Marine Corps, “Battle Chaps,” as Weaver was affectionately known, deployed with troops during combat in the Middle East. He personally knew the struggle men face when death surrounds them.

Weaver noted, “Men who come out to a combat zone either find their faith or they lose their faith. Most Marines who come to a combat zone will use the opportunity to do a lot of soul searching. Even I do that. It’s a great opportunity for reflection and honing our spiritual disciplines and spiritual direction. That’s what I bring to the table as division chaplain—I provide spiritual direction to the regimental chaplains, who in turn do so for the battalions.” He continued, “When a chaplain goes out to a forward firebase or the front lines, the morale increases. We bring a sense of hope and stability to the Marines.”

Captain Weaver served faithfully until he deployed to the Church Triumphant in 2016. Shortly before his death, he was presented with the RPTS Faithful Servant Award, and a scholarship was established in Battle Chaps’ honor.

There are many service fields for chaplains, ranging from the obvious military scenario to first responders, nursing homes, sports leagues, schools, hospitals, and even workplaces. How does one prepare to minister to God’s people in these different areas?

The seminary has historically received calls for a chaplaincy program and even sought the assistance of a foundation to help fund the design and implementation of one. The seminary Board of Trustees was disappointed by a decision from the foundation not to support the project but encouraged the seminary administration to move forward with plans for this critical work. In response, RPTS now has a chaplain concentration available in all its offered degrees.

The initial course, Introduction to Chaplaincy, will launch this summer, Aug. 30 to Sept. 2, under the instruction of Dr. Michael Stewart, a research professor at Erskine Theological Seminary and the associate endorser for civilian chaplains for the Presbyterian and Reformed Commission on Chaplains (PRCC). The PRCC has oversight for chaplains from many of our sister denominations, such as the ARP, OPC, and PCA. Stewart is a teaching elder in the PCA and has experience as a pastor along with extensive ministry in healthcare settings. Dr. Stewart will also involve other chaplains from the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America in various parts of the program.

The introductory course provides biblical and theological foundations of chaplain ministry and an overview of its history, key concepts, and unique place as a distinctive calling within the larger vocation of a minister of word and sacrament. Students analyze the contexts and callings of eight different chaplaincy sectors, including corporate, military, health care, public safety, institutional, sports, educational, and crisis/disaster relief.

Additionally, students explore ethical parameters and legal matters that guide a chaplain’s role, with an extra emphasis on the legal basis for the chaplaincy in governmental agencies.

An advanced chaplaincy course is planned at both the master and doctoral levels. Topics examined will include Just War Theory, ethical issues involved in military service, grief and loss, crisis care, servant leadership, and serving people from other denominations.

Jeff Wallace earned a master of theological studies from RPTS in 2017. For several decades, he has served in a variety of chaplain roles. His first experience was with the police department in Humble, Tex., a part of the greater Houston metropolitan area. It was here that Wallace worked directly with families and public servants. Chaplains bring comfort and assistance after terrible accidents, shootings, and vicious crimes.

Not all circumstances are as intense as the battlefield or an emergency department. The pandemic has left a trail of destruction in its wake as employees struggle with fear and worry. Several organizations coordinate workplace chaplaincy. Corporations are seeing a benefit to providing what some call “employee care.” Trained chaplains can meet with employees and discuss life’s challenges such as parenting, marriage, substance abuse, faith, and communication. With a dedicated person available to a company, employees and the chaplain build relationships, the cornerstone of trust and sharing. Providing such an opportunity is a tremendous benefit to both employees and employers. Retention is perhaps an area most significantly impacted as employees sense that they are important to their company. Employers see morale tick upward with people wanting to work. The workforce has undergone upheaval, and sourcing quality employees is a massive challenge. Chaplains in the workplace help companies keep good workers.

Tim McCracken, the long-time pastor at Fresno, Calif., RPC, serves as the regional director for Metanoia Prison Ministries in Fresno, Calif. Within an hour of Fresno, over 18,000 people are imprisoned in 20 facilities. Though the pandemic has impacted the ability to be on site, there is plenty of ministry available as Tim brings the truth of God’s Word to the incarcerated. In times like this, the power of Christ in people’s lives and the repentance and salvation Jesus offers bring hope and permanent change.

People sometimes make poor choices in life. In times like this, the Lord uses His servants in unique ways. In one of his first assignments with a local police department, Jeff Wallace came into contact with a young man at odds with the law and his family. The Holy Spirit guided the conversation, and Jeff had the opportunity to share the gospel. The youth professed faith, and so radical was the change in his life that other extended family members became Christians. God used the ministry of a chaplain to convert an entire family. It is times like this that have caused RPTS to develop this chaplaincy program.

For more information on taking classes at RPTS, please contact the admissions department at apply@rpts.edu or visit www.rpts.edu.

The fourth oldest seminary in the United States, RPTS has been educating students who love the Lord Jesus Christ and His Word, equipping pastors for the ministry of the gospel, and preparing others in the church for effective service in His kingdom, all within the framework of the historic Reformed faith.