Gary Becker
(Executive Director of BBM, inc.)
After decades of ministry I recently discovered a unique ministry opportunity. Marketplace Chaplains brings chaplains into the business world. “Marketplace Chaplains is the largest and longest continuing provider of workplace chaplains to corporate America today” (https://mchapusa.com/). The ministry started in 1984. It brings a service to employers that shows compassion and concern to their employees in a very personal way.
A chaplain is not there to promote a particular religious view, religion, or church. The chaplain shows respect for a person’s views being understanding and providing support. When an opportunity is presented the chaplain may then introduce the gospel and biblical principles. They show respect for other religions without endorsing the religion.
One of my experiences in doing marital counseling, as a pastor, can be an illustration of how a chaplains can provide biblical counsel without opening the Bible. I had a couple come to my office seeking marital counseling. The wife had recently come to Christ in the church where I was pastor. The husband seeing my Bible on my desk, made it clear in the very first session that he did want any Bible answers. So, I put my Bible in my desk drawer every time they came in. I continued to counsel using Biblical principles without quoting scripture. After several sessions the husband asked where I got my principles. Knowing him by now, I knew I could play with him a little. So, I said, “I can’t tell you.” He asked, “why not?” I said, “because in our first session you said I could not use a particular book in our sessions.” He then said, “show me where the principles you shared came from.” When I did he then said “I need to rededicate my life to Christ.” He then confessed he had accepted the Lord as child but had turned away from the Lord.
When chaplains are introduced into the workplace they become available to the employees at no expense to provide several types of help: (1) A listening ear when having struggles at work or at home. (2) Offer wisdom and discernment when facing personal struggles. (3) Offer support to those grieving or facing a medical crises. (4) Family and/or marital counsel. (5) Provide references/resources for personal help in issues like addiction. (6) In a crises the chaplain is available and present. (7) The chaplain is, also, available for hospital calls, funerals, and memorial services. Some of these services take place after work hours in private meetings in public places. All of these services are in a confidential environment and are provided without any cost to the employees.
Discovering the ministry of serving as a chaplain in the workplace is a unique opportunity to become available to people outside the church. As a result of this discovery I am taking a part-time position with Marketplace Chaplains while continuing to serve as executive director of Biblically Balanced Ministries (www.balancedministries.org).
If you have any questions or would like me to connect you as an employer with Marketplace Chaplains feel free to reach out to me at grbecker1@gmail.com.