The Territorial Pastoral Care Team provides a ministry of encouragement and affirmation to the officers on the frontlines of service. The team is composed of two territorial pastoral care officers, Majors Timothy and Beverly Best, and 20 regional pastoral care officers who are retired officers. Providing a safe place for officers to talk freely and share what’s on their hearts, pastoral care officers listen, pray with and help officers navigate challenges in ministry and life. In essence, they are “shepherds to the shepherds.”
Given their responsibility, pastoral care officers also need times of soul care. So, in late October the Pastoral Care Team gathered for a retreat of fellowship, training and soul care.
On the first evening, they met with Territorial Commander Commissioner Evie Diaz and Secretary for Personnel Lt. Colonel Dan Jennings. While no names were mentioned as confidentiality is crucial, pastoral care officers shared joys and challenges of the officers throughout the territory. They communicated that while serving is difficult, the level of commitment of officers to the Army’s mission is strong. A deep level of listening was evident by the territorial commander and personnel secretary, as well as the shared desire to grow in understanding and compassion for officers serving on the frontlines.
The second day centered around Soul Care led by Captain Christine Giffey-Brohaugh, a retired officer who has a master’s in biblical counseling and is currently part of the pastoral care team. Captain Christine presented aspects of soul care, such as allowing for transformation, loving the Word of God, prayer, soul searching, simplicity, solitude, having a spiritual mentor, fellowship, rest and reflection. She also shared resources for soul care in times of trauma and grief.
The day included time with Tony Merritt and Dr. Yi-Chien Hung (Itch) of Campion, Barrow and Associates. Tony and Itch led the team in defining their roles and debriefing challenging encounters. They also provided training in officer stress and wellness, problem-solving and having deep and meaningful conversations.
The day ended with focused prayer. Captain Christine guided the team through intentional listening to God, using the phrases, “I’m here God…,” “Forgive me…” and “I’m listening….” Major Karen Salsbury, officer support secretary in the territorial personnel department, then led the team in praying for officers, their families, former officers, and racial equity.
This time of learning, encouragement and personal soul care recharged the Pastoral Care Team.
