New Bridge Community Chaplaincy

                                                                                               "Building Bridges to Christ"

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS & ANSWERS…

What Is a Community Chaplain?

A NBCC community chaplain is a nonsectarian interdenominational member of the ordained clergy serving as a Samaritan, counselor and friend to all hurting people in that community.  Often the chaplain is called to assist those perceived as the “least of these” in a community; those that are often overlooked in our congregations for their needs, and perceived problems can be multilayered.  Their process to change is not a simple i.e.  “take these two scriptures and call me in the morning” approach.  It involves a process of direct intentional application and accountability of scripture applied in their lives.  

Jeremiah 31:34 (NLT) ³⁴ And they will not need to teach their neighbors, nor will they need to teach their relatives, saying, ‘You should know the Lord’ For everyone, from the least to the greatest, will know me already,” says the Lord. “And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins.”

Why use a chaplain to help hurting people in the community?

We have found that specially trained chaplains are acceptable to a large segment of the un-churched population. A chaplain is perceived as being more in touch with the community, for he is not tied to a church office or building.  The chaplain is out in the community working with people and frequently connecting those in need with agencies that can deliver material assistance they need.  Because of this level of interaction, the chaplain is seen as more accessible than the typical pastor.  The people generally perceive a community chaplain as… “ he is more like one of us and comes to me to help.”   

How is a NBCC chaplain different from other chaplains? 

The NBCC chaplain serves all of the people in the community who have a wide range of needs and challenges without discrimination.  Typical chaplains usually serve a particular agency or organization with more limited range of needs.  Often a chaplain within an agency is restricted to offer only the views of the agency or organization that has hired them.  The only basis for an NBCC chaplain is the biblical base for our interaction with the people we serve so the full power and authority of scripture can be applied to a life to bring about lasting change in a life. 

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT) ¹⁶ All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. ¹⁷ God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

What is the need in all communities? 

We know that out of every five households in our neighborhoods only one regularly attends a church. Individuals from the other four households generally limit attendance to weddings and funerals. Most of these individuals are not connected to a life support group.  We have also discovered that one out of four families that we help are seriously estranged from the church.

How does the NBCC program work?

We have established a missionary to the entire community of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan in the form of a community chaplain. The title chaplain is broadly accepted and considered neutral of any particular denomination. Currently, one third of our work is with Native Americans.  We plan to establish other chaplaincies in other communities as funding becomes available. 

The program is very simple.  Be a true Samaritan to the neighbors in the community.  An amazing 85% of the people that the chaplain has counseled are applying biblical principles to get their lives back on track.  50% of the individuals helped and their families have returned to a church of their choice. 

Is NBCC duplicating other available social services? 

In the rare occasion that services mirror other organizations, the chaplain helps to connect the dots within an agency, and between agencies to get a person the help they need.  Without this connecting, the person in need will fall through the cracks and be without the assistance they could have received.

Most counseling and social agencies refrain from addressing the spiritual component of people’s problems.  In fact we have secular agencies referring some of their clients to NBCC.  The chaplain goes to them, works with them, and then follows up with the person being counseled and their families to bring about holistic long-term healing. 

What is unique about the NBCC program?

First of all we go to the hurting people and don't expect them to come to us.  The objective is to have hurting individuals use biblical principles to get their lives back on track.  Many times a chaplain serves as a "triage director" connecting individuals with services to fulfill their need.  The chaplain is seen as a safe person to talk to by teenagers and adults. 

How efficient is NBCC in stewardship? 

More than $.90 out of every dollar is used directly for Ministry.  All support personnel are volunteers. 

Does NBCC charge for the chaplain’s services?

No.  We will accept donations from individuals that have been helped. 

How is NBCC funded? 

NBCC is funded through the generosity of people like you, churches, businesses, and foundations.  Current economic conditions are very challenging.  We would greatly appreciate your tax deductable help.