Serving the Military

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.

Chaplain Erik Alfsen, U.S. Army, shares his experiences as a Chaplain and with BENCHMARK, in these videos.

*The views presented are those of the speaker and do not necessarily represent the views of DoD or its components.

BENCHMARK offers unique, customized services which expands a Chaplain’s options. These services are based on shared objectives, which include:

1. Strengthening Soldiers’ leadership skills
2. Growing supportive relationships between Soldiers and Chaplains and fellow Soldiers
3. 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.

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.

Infantry, Aviation, Ranger, Training and Special Operation units at….

• Fort Campbell, KY
• Fort Carson, CO
• Fort Johnson, LA (formerly Fort Polk)
• Fort Bragg, NC
• Fort Benning, GA
• Fort Riley, KS
• Fort Stewart, GA
• Hunter Army Airfield, GA
• Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA
• Military District of Washington D.C.