Tag: Bible

The Ministry of Presence:

by Chaplain Joshua, posted in Chaplaincy, Scriptures

Why Just Showing Up Matters

“Be still, and know that I am God.”
 — Psalm 46:10

We live in a world that celebrates action; fixing problems, offering advice, filling silence with words. Yet some of the holiest moments in life are found not in doing, but in being present.

This is the heart of chaplaincy: the ministry of presence.
 It’s the quiet courage to sit with someone in pain, to stand beside them in uncertainty, or to wait with them in the in-between. It is the grace of simply showing. 

Presence Over Performance

In chaplaincy, we quickly learn that we cannot always make things better.
There are no perfect words when someone has lost a loved one, when a diagnosis changes everything, or when faith feels like it’s slipping away. But even when we cannot fix the situation, we can still be there.

Our presence tells the other person:

“You are not alone. I see you. I’m here.”

That simple act of being with someone quietly and faithfully speaks volumes. It’s how God’s love often moves through the world: through ordinary people showing up in extraordinary moments.

God’s Presence Through Us

The ministry of presence mirrors the heart of God.
When Scripture says, “Be still and know that I am God,” it’s an invitation to trust that divine love is at work even in silence.
In our stillness — in our willingness to simply accompany — we create space for that love to be felt.

In those moments, presence itself becomes prayer.

Reflection

Who in your life needs your presence more than your words?
Maybe it’s a friend in grief, a family member in crisis, or someone who just needs a safe space to speak. You don’t need perfect answers — just a faithful heart willing to be there.

Sometimes, the holiest thing you can say is nothing at all.

In closing, I believe that God meets us most deeply through presence — not perfection. Whether you’re walking through grief, doubt, or transition, we are here to walk beside you with compassion, stillness, and hope.

What Does a Chaplain Really Do?

by Chaplain Joshua, posted in Chaplaincy, Scriptures

“The greatest ministry is sometimes just being there.”

When people hear the word chaplain, they often think of hospitals, soldiers, or hospice rooms. And while those are sacred spaces of chaplaincy, the truth is that a chaplain’s work reaches far beyond those walls. Chaplaincy is not about a specific place — it’s about a presence.

At its heart, a chaplain is a companion of the soul. We walk beside people through seasons of suffering, uncertainty, and change. We do not come to fix or to preach. We come to listen — to hold space for the stories, questions, and grief that don’t always fit neatly into the boxes of religion or psychology.

We stand at the crossroads of faith and humanity — not as judges or experts, but as witnesses. Sometimes that means saying a prayer; sometimes it means saying nothing at all. Presence itself becomes the prayer.

The Power of Presence

“Two are better than one… If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”

— Ecclesiastes 4:9–10

In a world that rushes to solve, explain, or distract, chaplaincy offers stillness in a crazy world.
It says, “You are not alone. I am here with you. God is here too.”

The greatest ministry, after all, is not found in eloquent words or perfect answers — but in the quiet strength of being fully present with another soul.

Reflection

Take a moment today to notice where God might be inviting you to simply “be there” for someone.
It might be a phone call, a text, a visit — or a silent prayer.
Presence is often the holiest thing we can offer.

Chaplain Services

I believe in the healing power of compassionate presence. Whether you’re struggling with loss, doubt, or transition, a chaplain can help you find peace, hope, and spiritual grounding.

If you’d like to talk or request support, reach out for a confidential session.
Helping people find light in dark places — one soul at a time.