JesusOnlyWay
introduces
Chaplain and Pastoral Care Ministry
JesusOnlyWay Ministry has a heart for the pastor and staff of the local church and for the chaplain that ministers in the prison system. Because of that, we have branched out and created the Chaplain and Pastoral Division of our ministry.
This new exciting division continues to maintain the core beliefs and goals of JesusOnlyWay in that the desired outcome is that the inmate and families are strengthened when the chaplain and pastor are sound. It is our desire to come along side the chaplain and pastor to provide a safe secure place that they can obtain help in their ministry as well as their personal lives.
We would like to introduce Tom Taylor as our Director of Chaplain and Pastoral Care. Tom has served in every capacity within the local church from bus driver to senior pastor and has over 30 years of ministry experience. He has the heart and insight to see and feel what the pastor goes through every day.
Tim and Tom join together to offer love, care, comfort, support, a listening ear, and most of all, a safe place, to the people that fill the chaplaincy in the prison systems and the leadership positions of the local church.
Think of this. You are a chaplin in the prison system somewhere, you have a desire to do good for the inmates and have them come to Christ for salvation and grow in their Christian walk. There are some problems that a chaplain faces that begin to eat away at the confidence he possesses. He is in a state or county system and receives little or no encouragement from the state or county, warden, or guards. Unlike a local pastor he doesn't have many people to turn to. We understand this and desire to help.
Romans 14:7 tells us that no one lives unto himself. While we know that Scripture is absolute in its truth, many chaplains and pastors still find themselves out on an island as far as their ministries are concerned. They are basically alone in their ministry without a place or people to turn to in times of need. As a pastor for several years I can attest to the statement above. Far too often a pastor finds they are virtually alone.
The church should be a place of safety. And, for the most part it is just that; for everyone except the pastor. Safety in the church is being able to share your feelings, fears, concerns, and yes even your shortcomings without being judged or condemned. This is something the pastor doesn’t usually enjoy.
Many times the pastor or staff is unable to share the struggles they face with anyone in their church and a chaplin has even fewer choices. Pastors aren’t afforded that luxury because the people in the congregation expect them to be super-human in every aspect of their lives. They are judged in an unfair manner for their families, their ministry, and their spiritual and personal lives. In short, they aren’t afforded the same grace that the congregation enjoys.
The chaplain is without a doubt facing some of the most difficult days of his life as he basically stands alone. Without someone who cares to listen, pray with them and offer a safe haven. These ministers often fade in their desires, drives, and motivations for real spiritual effectiveness.
We exist to provide a warm friendly place where chaplains and pastors are free to share their frustrations, cares, concerns, and yes, even their sins. A place where help and encouragement abound and when admonishment is needed, it comes biblically through the grace of God.
Likewise, we are there to help the congregation learn how to love and care for their pastors. We are also there to help the church, when needed, take the proper steps in intervention and confrontation regarding pastor church relationships.
Congregations need to learn how to encourage their pastor and recognize that the pastor is just as prone to humanity as they are. They need to learn love and even forgive pastors for their shortcomings, and yet make sure that the church and congregation is protected.
Through the love of God and the proper application of Scripture, JesusOnlyWay offers a partnership with both church and pastor.
Our Mission
"To affect an everlasting change in the lives of inmates and their families through Biblical counseling and the interactive study of Scripture."
