History of Chaplains with the MilitaryMilitary ServiceThe history of the Military Chaplaincy reaches back to the days our country was born. Between the founding of Jamestown (1607) and the year 1775, our country was developing as waves of immigrants arrived from Europe. History shows that during this time there was almost a continuous state of war with both the Native American tribes and the French.Colonial forces were locally recruited and when they went to war, they took with them one of the local ministers. Usually he was one of the younger clergy and more physically able. "This was an age when religion played a much more important role in the lives of Americans. For the Colonist, the minister was a powerful figure of authority within the community, and usually the best educated. Not even a minor military operation was planned or carried out without making sure that a minister was available to counsel and motivate the colonial fighting men." (The Military Chaplain, Vol LXXII, Number 5) Interesting that by the start of the Revolutionary War, the Military Chaplaincy would already look back upon 150 years of service to the American fighting man. In 1944, at the close World War II, the Swedish Free Church had 153 churches in 14 states with a total membership of about 8,000 and approximately 12,000 attendees. During the same time, we had 2,239 individuals in the military service. Of that number 1,048 were overseas, 49 were service women, six were missing in action (MIA), six were prisoners of war (POWs), and 23 Gold Stars or individuals who had given their lives for their country. During this same time period, the Swedish Free Church had four Military chaplains (C. Alvin Johnson, Ben C. Johnson, Henry E. Nyberg, C. Ray Johnson). Dr. Arnold T. Olson was a United States Army Chaplain endorsed by the Norwegian Free Church. Today, we have 56 individuals serving in every branch of military service. If you are interested click on Military Service and fill out the online form. You will be sent the name of a recruiter and the process for endorsement. |
EFCA Chaplain Ministries Contact: Dr. Roy L. Bebee 11365 Brockton Lane Peyton, CO 80831 (800) 745-2202 toll-free rbebee@efca.org |