Chaplains Partnership Initiative
What do Chaplains face?
Military Chaplains minister on a daily basis to Soldiers and their Families dealing with the overwhelming effects of combat injuries, suicide, mental health injuries, traumatic brain injuries, financial problems, physical abuse, addiction, substance abuse, marital infidelity, parenting issues, sexual promiscuity and other issues.
The Chaplains may face similar challenges in their own lives with the added weight of physical and spiritual warfare. They may also experience isolation and loneliness due to the crushing volume of needs they are meeting, whether they are deployed or living stateside.
How does one Chaplain do it?
Living out their lives with the Soldiers, they rely largely on the support of other Chaplains. Some have additional support networks outside their immediate structure. Their ministries are becoming increasingly more difficult to operate due to shrinking funds and a government that has become more antagonistic to Christ. Still, they are faithful to Him and their calling.
The Chaplains Partnership Initiative directly supports military Chaplains and their Unit Ministry Teams, as they minister to 500-800 Soldiers.
How does BENCHMARK help?
BENCHMARK first comes alongside the Chaplains to minister to them as they walk and live out their calling.
BENCHMARK next supports the Unit Ministry Team, (Chaplain and Chaplain’s Assistant) by offering a variety of interactive experiences and outdoor adventures customized to meet the ministry needs of their unit. These events, whether a few hours or a few days, include activities such as team and relationship building, climbing/rappelling, whitewater rafting, and excellent food in an unhurried outdoor camping or retreat setting.
BENCHMARK then ministers directly to Soldiers in partnership with Chaplains. We increase the Chaplain’s staff capacity by providing resources, facilities, planning, and coordination for events and retreats for their Soldiers.
For those who see Him for the first time and those whose faith simply needs to be encouraged, our customized experiences have initiated powerful change in Soldiers, pointing them to the ultimate benchmark, Christ.
What BENCHMARK has meant to Soldiers, through the eyes of Chaplain Jerry and Religious Affairs Specialist Kurt.
*The opinions expressed in this video are solely those of the individuals featured, and do not imply or constitute a DOD endorsement.
What does Chaplains Partnership Initiative offer
BENCHMARK offers unique, customized services which expands a Chaplain’s options. These services are based on shared objectives, which include:
- Strengthening Soldiers’ leadership skills
- Growing supportive relationships between Soldiers and Chaplains and fellow Soldiers
- Reinforcing Family relationships between Soldiers and their children.
Examples of possible events:
- Soldier / Daughter & Daddy / Daughter Adventures
- Father / Son & Soldier / Son Adventures
- Single Soldier Retreats
CPI also offers planning support and implementation of ½-day enrichment and development events, full-day spiritual fitness support and multi-day adventure retreats.
You Can Help
BENCHMARK needs financial support, volunteers, prayer and help promoting this ministry from people who share our passion for those in the military.
You can directly serve a Soldier and encourage a Chaplain by donating any amount to the Chaplains Partnership Initiative. Donate $300 and provide a full scholarship for a Soldier or one child to participate in a life-changing retreat. Your generous donation is vital to aiding BENCHMARK and Chaplains as they cooperatively create connections for a Soldier and their Family.
Testimonials
”BENCHMARK is sharing life with Soldiers and helping them to live more authentically by asking the right questions and modeling sincere, Christ-like love for all. BENCHMARK has served us with honor and class and grace throughout my experience with the organization over the past 4 years. I thank God for the impact that you’ve had on me personally, but more importantly the many Rangers who were a part of my “flock” during my time as an Army Chaplain where we were able to partner with BENCHMARK on several ministry events.”
”James, how much I value you and what God is doing in and through you to make a difference amongst our Army Chaplains, the heroes of the faith, and amongst our sheep, the heroes of our nation. Love you, brother….I wholeheartedly support BENCHMARK ADVENTURE MINISTRIES!!!!”
“Amazing work what you and your team are doing not only for Soldiers but for the Kingdom of God. May He continue to bless and keep each and every one of you in the palm of His hands. Thanks again. God bless you and the BENCHMARK ministry in the next year.”
“For the record, thank you so much for teaching me a lot in such a short time. Those trips truly meant a lot to me. Though I hike and camp a lot on my own I’m still a young buck with much to learn like the understanding that everything is a tool, always planning ahead and that you can jerry-rig pretty much anything. But more than the physical, because though physical understanding is important, there is more to this world. And it’s not so much what I remember you telling me, but what you asked me: “What does it look like to be a Godly man?”
Military units we’ve served
Infantry, Aviation, Ranger, Training and Special Operation units at….
- Fort Campbell, KY
- Fort Carson, CO
- Fort Johnson, LA (formerly Fort Polk)
- Fort Liberty, NC (formerly Fort Bragg)
- Fort Moore, GA (formerly Fort Benning)
- Fort Riley, KS
- Fort Stewart, GA
- Hunter Army Airfield, GA
- Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA
- Military District of Washington D.C.
