Chaplain Minister Journey
Chaplain Minister
My name is Terry Glenn Rempel, and I have an ordained chaplain minister call. I was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. I’m 60 years old, and I’m presently working as a grocery clerk in a large grocery coop. I’ve been doing this type of work for approximately 14 years.
I came to Christ later in life as I ran from God for a lot of years. I was born into a Mennonite family, so I did have Christian roots. Unfortunately, I had a rebellious nature, and Jesus and the Church weren’t as appealing as parties, girls, and muscle cars. Thank God that the seeds that had been planted in me as a child were still there. The Holy Spirit never quit working on me all through those dark years. I finally wore down and surrendered. Praise the Lord! It wasn’t long after that I got baptized, and I joined a Presbyterian Church.
Chaplain Minister Call
At present, I feel that my calling is to an authentic Chaplain type ministry. I’m already doing this in a small way. I volunteer as a lay pastoral visitor from my church. I’ve never attended a formal, sitting down in a classroom, seminary. My formal education ended at grade 12. I feel in my heart that the Lord is calling me to a legitimate Chaplain ministry, or as it is sometimes called “a ministry of presence.” I’m hoping that with the free education that I’ll receive here at Christian Leaders Ministry, I will be able to achieve my goal.
Most of my ministry training, generally speaking, has consisted of courses through the Christian Leaders Institute and other various online ministry courses. I’ve been a student of the Bible for most of my adult life and now read the Bible online. This online Bible, or “Daily Audio Bible,” as it is called, is fantastic and helps me to keep up with my daily Bible reading.
Chaplain Minister Journey
My ministry journey so far has consisted mostly of my position as a lay pastoral visitor. This position is very similar to what a Chaplain would do. I go out to all our shut-in members to visit, minister, and touch base with them. I also keep them up with what the Church is doing. The excellent training at Christian Leaders Institute will help me with this.
After my calling, I was ordained with several online organizations. I find, though, over time, I’m changing; I see things differently, and I’m growing spiritually. As I’ve already mentioned, I feel a strong calling to be an authentic Chaplain minister. My hope and prayer, Lord willing, is to be ordained as a Chaplain minister.
First Step: Deacon Minister Ordination
Christian Leaders Alliance has allowed me to become ordained as a Deacon Minister. I feel that this ordination will assist Me in my Chaplain ministry goals, and aspirations. Right now, I’m hoping and praying that the Lord would open doors for me, possibly a Chaplain jail ministry. Time will tell, and God will have the final say.
This journey truly is an exciting time in my life. I’m so grateful to have found CLM, as I don’t know where I would be without them. I’m also blessed to have my wife, Helen, and my son, Nathan, in my life. They are supporting and encouraging me every step of the way in this ministry journey of mine. It appears that God isn’t through with this older man yet!
Author: Henry Reyenga
Henry Reyenga is president of Christian Leaders Institute and Christian Leaders Alliance.
