The Vision of ODB Global Leadership in the New Millennium

Introduction:

Through its chaplains and leadership ODB, Missions participates in the Global mission of the Body, to leave not stone unturned and deny no one in need. This is a rather large task to fulfill however we are assured that we can do all things through Christ. We define Christ as Jesus being the head and we are the body. ODB leadership at all levels will function as servant leaders, facilitating the ministry of professional clergy chaplains, volunteer clergy chaplains, lay chaplain assistants and others in the church. The vision of ODB, Global leadership involves five major objectives for this specialized ministry:

Objective Number 1:
Development of a Spiritually-committed and Mission-focused Ministry.

The ministry of Jesus serves as our model.

We will recruit chaplains who are spiritually-committed, possess requisite spiritual gifts and who are people-centered in all they do.

We will promote an orientation to the mission of the church among all our chaplains.


Objective Number 2:
Development of a Chaplaincy Force Participating in the Mission Outreach of the body.

We will promote ministry roles that involve outreach in campus, corrections, healthcare, military and other settings.

We will seek to be part of Global Mission through our involvement with the local church and the conference and through mentoring others in ministry.


Objective Number 3:
Development of a Professional and Competent Chaplaincy.

We will promote educational standards and help provide educational opportunities for professional clergy chaplains, volunteer clergy chaplains and lay chaplain assistants.

We will provide functional support to the field through sample job descriptions and definitions.

We will provide resources to the field, such as a chaplains' manual, "how to" material, model policies and programs and human resources.

We will promote ecclesiastical endorsement in all divisions through the development of endorsement and recognition guidelines for professional clergy chaplains, volunteer clergy chaplains and lay chaplain assistants.


Objective Number 4:
Development of a Chaplaincy Supported and Resourced by the body.

We will develop and circulate model policies for the Association of Christian Chaplains at all levels of church organization.

We will promote creative funding options, including divisional ODB offerings and grant sources.

We will seek to enhance the quality of chaplaincy through assistance in recruiting and placement.

We will endeavor to raise the level of awareness about chaplains, through articles in church papers and chaplaincy recognition.


Objective Number 5:
Development of a Ministry That Is Networking and Systems-Oriented.

The General Conference ODB office will make consultation and guidance available to all divisions.

An international board for chaplaincy will provide coordination of all related efforts, and also conduct periodic advisories.

We will seek to:
1) Develop a network of world chaplaincy leaders serving all levels of church organization,

2) Encourage working relationships between ODB and relevant ministries (Education, Health Ministries, Transitional Houses, Loaves and Fishes. Ministerial, Youth).

We will connect ODB chaplains and leadership through newsletters, conferences and the internet, and through creation of a database.

We will create ministry growth opportunities through mentoring.

We will support our chaplains in the field through endorser field visitation, mentoring, career guidance and counseling.