Chaplaincy and Care Director's Note March 2022

Accountability. What's your first reaction when you read this word? Is it a word that sometimes makes you feel uneasy and a little bit apprehensive?

As a new chaplain in the Army, it was drummed into me how important it was to have accountability of soldiers and equipment. I remember signing my name at the bottom of an equipment inventory list of over $250,000. Did my hand shake? I’m sure it did!

Yet accountability is essential to healthy ministry. It begins with a congregation calling us and then appearing before classis for the examination; talk about hands shaking! After the examination, we are installed by the local congregation and make promises to the congregation and they make promises to us to; promises to hold each other accountable. This relationship rooted and nourished on accountability also includes Chaplaincy and Care Ministry. 

As the Chaplaincy and Care Ministry Director, I prepare a number of reports and communications for the denomination and other organizations. Many of you in your settings also do similar tasks. Both the church and the institutions that we serve depend on accountability.

In the next 30 days, I will be sharing with all our active chaplains a snapshot of what we have currently in your folder. I will be asking that you confirm or update us on changes in the information found in the snapshot. All of this helps us to be better partners in ministry. I also will be asking for annual reports. Your reports provide wonderful insights about your ministries and families which help us to better serve and advocate for you. Your reports teach us about what God is doing in your life and how we can pray on your behalf.

Isn’t accountability a wonderful thing?

Grace and Peace,

Tim Rietkerk

Director of Chaplaincy and Care