A Chaplain's Take on Paul's Playbook

Dear Reader,

Today, while reflecting on Romans 15:16, I had this powerful realization about my role as a Chaplain-Counselor. Paul's ministry suddenly felt so relevant to my daily work.

Like Paul being a "minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles," I find myself serving people from all walks of life who come through my door. Some are believers, some aren't, and many are just searching. Each person brings their own pain, questions, and struggles. My role, I realized, isn't just about providing counsel or comfort - it's about creating a sacred space where transformation can happen.

When Paul talks about being a "laboring priest," it reminds me of those moments in counseling sessions when I'm carefully holding someone's trauma or grief, like a priest handling sacred vessels. Whether I'm sitting with a patient facing end-of-life decisions, counseling a couple through relationship struggles, or supporting someone wrestling with faith questions, I'm participating in holy work.

What really hit me today was how Paul saw the people he served as becoming "acceptable offerings" through the Spirit's work. In my practice, I see this happening too - not that I'm making anyone "acceptable," but I get to witness the Holy Spirit's gentle work as people:

Find healing from past wounds
Discover new meaning in their suffering
Begin to see themselves as valuable and worthy
Learn to connect their story with God's larger story
Sometimes this happens through direct spiritual conversation, but often it's in those quiet moments of authentic presence, active listening, and holding space for their pain. The Spirit works through professional counseling skills just as much as through prayer.

I was especially moved thinking about the "sanctified in the Holy Spirit" part. In my role, I can't force transformation - just like Paul couldn't. But I can create conditions where the Spirit can work, whether that's through:

Trauma-informed care that respects each person's journey
Integration of spiritual resources with mental health support
Holding hope for those who can't hold it for themselves
Being present in crisis moments and celebrating small victories
Today helped me see my calling with fresh eyes. Each session, each conversation, each crisis intervention - they're all opportunities for the Spirit to work transformation, just like in Paul's ministry.

Need to remember this perspective on the hard days when progress seems slow or when I'm feeling overwhelmed by the weight of others' pain. The Spirit is always at work, even when I can't see it.

Taking this into tomorrow's sessions with renewed purpose.

Until next  tomorrow, Chaplain Mark

P.S. Note to self: Maybe develop some new ways to help clients recognize their own transformation journey...