Starting my job as a Christian Chaplain at Kwantlen has
meant that I am now joining a tradition of Christian Reformed Chaplaincy, one
that is respected and appreciated in University settings across the continent.
This tradition continues to be rich and interesting, and there are currently
many other campus chaplains scattered in those universities, chaplains who have
now become colleagues, companions, and friends in this exciting job of being a
Christian presence in a centre of learning.
Today I met one of these colleagues of mine over the phone.
The beginning of this job has brought with it many challenges, some of which
were expected and some of which were not. I was in need of someone to share
these struggles with and so was truly blessed by the 30 minutes of conversation
I had with someone who I now call a colleague, friend, and mentor. I was able
to describe and “unload” the stories and challenges that have arisen in this
first summer of chaplaincy; a listening ear, some words of wisdom, and some
encouragement for the future were all occasions for this new friend to be the
presence of Christ to me. It was a simple conversation, yet full of the significance
that comes through Christian companionship.
Christian companionship is
significant. We dare not neglect it, I think, or we run the risks of
isolation, self-sufficiency, or even despair. Becoming who we are in Christ
involves a community, involves relationship with others. I have been gifted
with many rich Christian communities: family, schools, universities, and
churches. Now I get to experience a new dimension of Christian community, the companionship
of co-workers in a similar career, wrestling with and enjoying different yet similar
situations.
This is certainly not limited to those positions more
formally known as “ministry”. To be a follower of Jesus is to be in “the
ministry”, no matter what your career calling. In every moment we are called to
witness to our faith. So this collegiality I experienced today is not confined
to “chaplains”; we are all co-workers in Christ and so we can all find ways to
allow our work to be “ministry” and then find ways to connect with each other
for prayer, encouragement, and shared hope. If we ignore this sense of Christian
companionship in our careers and lives, we miss out on a vital dimension of the
Christian life. Jesus has summoned us into relationship with each other, a
relationship that does not neglect any area of our lives, careers, family, or anything else. Encouragement and companionship is needed in all of these dimensions. “Therefore, encourage
one another and build each other up, as indeed you are doing” (1 Thessalonians
5:11).
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