By Caleb Mynatt It was in March of 2018 when Ch. Dr. Maj Christina Pittman decided it was time to try something different. As a Cooperative Baptist Fellowship-endorsed chaplain at the McEntire Joint National Guard Base in South Carolina, Pittman is no stranger to ministering to others struggling with grief. But following the loss of … Continue reading
Tag Archives: Chaplaincy and Pastoral Counseling
Representation Matters: CBF chaplain becomes first woman to direct Air National Guide Chaplain Corps
By Grayson Hester Leah Botona Boling woke up the week of June 21, 2021, to discover something she’d never experienced before: In her country of origin, the Philippines, she was trending on social media. From one Pacific Island, Hawaii, to another, Boling was making headlines. As well she should. Three days before – on Juneteenth, … Continue reading
The Life of a Chaplain on a Friday in August
By Brent Raitz 0600 – Rounded in pre-surgery area and offered prayer for nine out of 11 patients that I met before they went in for heart, vascular or thoracic surgery. Provided support to nurse who was vaccinated but got COVID-19 anyway. Today is her first day back after being off for 10 days. 0700 … Continue reading
Get Inspired for #GivingTuesday
We’re only one week away from #GivingTuesday! Here’s a small peek into what we’ve been working on—get ready… People around the world will come together to celebrate generosity and make an impact. We have a goal to raise $10,000 to support the ministries and mission of CBF. Your gift can also make TWICE the impact, … Continue reading
Spiritual Care Week 2021: Creating a Complete Clinical Picture
By Rhonda P. James-Jones In July 2018, I was asked to attend the Chaplaincy Research Summer Institute (CRSI) offered through Transforming Chaplaincy. Chaplains are invited to this institute for a myriad of reasons. Two drew me in—“providing leadership to chaplaincy quality improvement projects”[1] (QI) and “chaplaincy-related DMin projects”[2]. We discussed the importance of engaging in research, explored … Continue reading
Spiritual Care Week 2021: Witnessing God’s Hand at Work
By Durrell E. Brown, 2LT, USAF, Chaplain Candidate Have you ever felt like you encountered a thing that you never thought you needed? That’s how I feel about chaplaincy. I am fortunate enough to do God’s work and, at the same time, transform myself through the encounter of ministering to people. Those ministered to often have … Continue reading
Spiritual Care Week 2021: Advancing Spiritual Care Through Research
By Renée Owen Since 1985, the Network on Ministry in Specialized Settings (“COMISS”) has observed the last week of October as Spiritual Care Week – a time when we celebrate the sacred work of chaplains and pastoral counselors. Spiritual Care Week gives us the opportunity to recognize and uplift our CBF-Endorsed Chaplains and Pastoral Counselors and … Continue reading
Chaplain Paul Byrd Awarded the Carl Hart Award
by Caleb Mynatt With a nearly 30-year career as a chaplain under his belt, Paul Byrd can’t imagine his life being any different. But before his career began as a resident in a Clinical Pastoral Education program, Byrd had never really considered pursuing a career in chaplaincy. In childhood, Byrd thought he would grow up … Continue reading
General Assembly concludes with commissioning, call to lean into ‘holy invitation of renewal’
August 27, 2021By Carrie Harris and Aaron Weaver DECATUR, Ga. — “Lean into the holy invitation of renewal” was the encouraging word of Rev. Emily Hull McGee to attendees gathered virtually for the concluding worship and commissioning service of the 2021 CBF General Assembly. Hull McGee, who serves as senior pastor of First Baptist Church … Continue reading
“Do not lose heart,” Baxley tells Cooperative Baptists during Friday plenary
August 27, 2021By Aaron Weaver and Carrie Harris DECATUR, Ga. — “Do not lose heart.” Citing the Apostle Paul, CBF Executive Coordinator delivered this message to attendees during the Friday morning plenary session of the 2021 General Assembly as he focused his remarks on the challenges of the past 18 months. In his Executive Coordinator … Continue reading