Newbie, Chaplain

[Chaplain]

I was referred to TENTMAKER by my Mentor, Teacher, and Pastor who "raised me up" and instructed me in the ways of the Lord  while in my 30's, working aboard the Lightship Chesapeake as a sailor. I have been speaking to him recently about the spiritual disconnect I have been experiencing within the "Church" body.

My name is Roland Dell; I am a Disabled American Veteran (US Army Ret.) I worked 20 years on the docks as a Marine Machinery Technician for the Army.
Today I am a volunteer Chaplain for Lightship Ministries. Org here on Kent Island, Maryland.

I am a fairly new Chaplain to the; United Christian Chaplains and Counselors International, and the United Evangelical Church of America.  I was accredited by Dr. Martin Wisor and Dr. William Reynolds; of Emmanuel Baptist University.

This was largely due to my experienced learned while in "Street Ministry" from 1983-1989 under the instruction of Rev. Michael W. Gross D.D., Th.D., Ph.D. in (Christian Counseling). Dr. Michael Gross personally instructed me for six years in my Christian walk with our Lord and has specialized in occult counseling.
 
Although raised a Reformed Presbyterian, and holding a leadership position within the Church (while surpassing the training for both Deacons and Elders), I have always felt a calling to minister to others on my own. "I have put in parentheses about surpassing of the PCA training as to bring glory to God, and not myself", you see I was born with a severe learning disability that exempted me from attending any Colleges.
I would like to add that I believe that despite my success in Church leadership academics, I was rejected by the upper leadership because I embarrassed them with my knowledge of the Bible and my more "Spiritual" experiences with our Lord as, (having had learned to walk with Him, and hear Him while ministering on the streets). Furthermore, I personally have been rejected by many a denominational Clergymen's bias, due to there lack of Spiritual understanding of the inner working of our Lord, something not taught in Seminaries.

Maybe I was wrong in seeking acceptance and accreditations with others of the Clergy, but on the other hand: with so many doctrinal false teachings, humanism, and cult heresies' I felt it was important to show some type of accreditation and endorsement to put others at ease in preaching Christ. Besides, I have always had a gift in talking to others about Christ.
As a teenager many of my friends came to a saving faith, one becoming a Catholic Priest.
I did 23 years in the military, and starting in basic training the Lord used me (to my surprise), to bring others to Himself. I have really never found a comfortable "nitch" for myself in a Church, or with most other Ministers. Perhaps we are to simply minister to others as we feel led?
It seems funny to me that "The Church" as an organization has seemed to have little impact on most people I have met in my Christian life.


Glad to be aboard Tentmaker.Org!
My dad was a "Tentmaker", working for the oldest canvas company in America (1814).
He still serves as a Deacon at his Church today, at 80.

[Paul Hazelwood]

There is nothing wrong with having some credentials that certain people may find important.  Unfortunatly even someone with the most impressive of credentials will be labeled a heretic when they go against the ebb and flow of the idols of peoples hearts, but held in awe when they conform to the religious norm.

Christ was a Carpenter, I am an Auto Mechanic,  Welcome Roland.    :Sparkletooth:

[martincisneros]

There is nothing wrong with having some credentials that certain people may find important.

Finally! A clear-headed Universalist on this subject!

Unfortunatly even someone with the most impressive of credentials will be labeled a heretic when they go against the ebb and flow of the idols of peoples hearts, but held in awe when they conform to the religious norm.

Way too true!

Anyway, welcome to Tentmaker, Chaplain!  I'm glad you've joined!! :welcome: :soccer: :king:

[Chaplain]

Hello Guys,

Great to be here and thank you for the warm reception!
I think I may have finally found a home here.
Dr. Gross encouraged me to check out this site after speaking with him last week, Tentmaker holds allot of the same truths he and I have come to believe.
It can be a lonely walk with the Lord when legalism and dogmas will not allow you to fellowship as one body IN Christ.

Oh yes, I do believe in Biblical principles, but I do not worship them but rather my Creator.

Thanks' for your understanding, and Praise God for what He has given us!

[firstborn888]

Hi Roland,
  Enjoyed reading your story. Welcome to the tent!
- Byron

[Taffy]

Hi and Welcome Roland :icon_flower:

[rosered]

  Howdy Chap !  :laughing7:
  I am not  much  for posting ,  but enjoyed your post very much so   
God bless you on your journey   man ........
     I am a luker in these here parts lol
   in His peace ............rose

[Pierac]

:welcome: to the Tentmaker!

Look forward to reading your thoughts.

Paul

[ChuckK3]

Welcome fellow Marylander!

I'm in Baltimore City, just one block from Johns Hopkins University, and I have of course seen the Lighthouse Ship Chesapeake at its permanent place in the Inner Harbor.

Chuck