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by John P. Boyce (Author)
I was inspired to write this book after attending an Assembly of God chaplains' conference in Springfield, Missouri. The theme of the conference was Spirit-Filled Chaplaincy. The main purpose of this book is to strengthen and encourage chaplains in their calling to pastoral care ministry. It is also written for pastors, deacons, lay ministers, and church members to understand the ministry of the chaplaincy and the essential work we do. My desire is for pastors and churches to pray with us and for us and to stand with us in ministry together, "Until we all reach in the faith, and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ," (Ephesians 4:13, NIV). It is not a Bible college, seminary, or CPE instructional. Many of you reading this book are educated. For some, it may be an introduction into the chaplaincy. Others may have been in the ministry for a while, and this book will challenge you to continue to do the work God called you to do. Develop your own style of ministry and be comfortable with whom God created you to be. Spirit-filled Chaplaincy is not just about God working through the chaplain's ministry but God's work in the chaplain himself.Although the title of this book is Spirit-Filled Chaplaincy, I do not want to mislead the reader into believing it to be about miracles, signs, and wonders. There are many other books on that exciting subject. I am a hospice chaplain and help people prepare for physical death and spiritual life hereafter. I have not seen many physical healings; however, I have witnessed countless spiritual and emotional ones. Although I have experienced first-hand healings and witnessed God healing others, this book is more about God's grace in comforting His people with Spirit-filled words of hope, comfort, grace, and salvation. Jesus told the disciples not to rejoice in signs and wonders but that their names are written in heaven. We are not sure if heaven rejoices when a person is healed; probably so, but it is clear heaven does rejoice over one sinner who repents and accepts Jesus as his/her Savior.
