Chaplain Training Manual
Isaiah 6: 8, I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here I am Lord, send me!” John 20:21 "Peace be with you: as the Father has sent Me, I also send you.
Channel 21 Ministries has been developed due to a growing need in the trucking industry for some structure between family life and the life of a trucker. Carriers have many needs but none of these needs can be fulfilled without a well-balanced driver behind the wheel of their truck. Society puts a lot of pressure on the working man or woman today. Drivers have to maintain a healthy family life and a healthy working relationship with their employer. The carriers of today are measured not just by the lowest rate but by service. Most customers maintain a low inventory, and this requires carriers to have a fleet of drivers that can pick up and deliver on time and in a safe manner. Many eyes are on the driver to ensure he/she performs his job. Pressure brought on by CSA and the driving public puts a lot of pressure on the drivers.
Most drivers have a family life that the industry isn’t at all too kind to. Drivers get home late on weekends and many times have to leave out early. The time spent with the family is valuable time, but it puts stress on a driver who has little ones at home and little time at home. Drivers have the same issues at home as a person with a nine to five job. The industry requires drivers to be professional, courteous and dependable at all times; he has pressure most of us will never know.
This is why Channel 21 Ministries has been formed. To use seasoned drivers in the industry who are follower of Christ to assist these drivers. Channel 21 will develop Road Chaplains that have gone through some of these same issues and will help our drivers gain prospective on their lives. These chaplains will be Spirit lead and have a calling on their lives to share the GOOD NEWS (THE GOSPEL) to others.
PROV 27:17 Iron sharpenth iron; so a man sharpenth the countenance of his friend. (KJV)
As you have seen/will see in the training video, you are not to use doctrine or religious beliefs to beat over the head of a driver. Your best and only true message should be how Christ has worked in your life to help you and your family. Remember: your testimony is what will get this driver interested. The driver wants to know how this “thing” works that you are telling him about. The driver doesn’t want to be preached to; he just wants to know the facts. The driver won’t care how much you know until you show him how much you care. Road Chaplains are not to be preachy to anyone.
James 1:19 says, Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
As a chaplain we must listen to the issues the driver is dealing with. Let the driver open up and share his burdens with you (swift to hear). Let the driver open his heart to you before you start telling him how to deal with his issues (slow to speak). Nine chances out of ten the problem isn’t the topic he will open up with such as these topics: No miles or dispatch issues, money, truck issues. Most of the time the problem is deeper than that. The driver is just trying to vent and as most of us are, we don’t deal well with the main issues. So we spout off about day to day stuff and leave the real problem buried underneath all the junk in our lives. So let’s not try and fix the surface problems. Let’s not try and give advice in issues we need to stay away from. We don’t need to beat up the carrier or the drivers supervisors. We all have the tendency to beat someone up rather than deal with the real issues (slow to wrath).
This is where you need to let the Spirit of the Lord step in. If we are too busy trying to “fix” the earthly issues, we may miss the real purpose of why God has sent this person to you.
Our plan in the very near future will be to have links on our web site www.channel21ministries.com. You will be able to share these links with drivers. These links can help them with issues they may be having in their family life. Our plan is to also have links to trucking magazines with articles about the trucking industry. We will have a verse of the day and the ability to download Bibles and messages to encourage them daily.
So let’s look at what we are to be and what we aren’t to be as a Road Chaplain.
Let’s look first at what we are not to be as a Road Chaplain.
Unless you have a degree in the following areas:
1. We are not “marriage counselors.” I have been married most of my life and I stay confused all the time. So being married all your life doesn’t make you a counselor. More than likely it makes your spouse one to have put up with you all these years. Don’t get into agreements or disagreements about who is right and who is wrong when dealing with a driver with martial problems. After all you are hearing one side of an issue. If infidelity, or lack of trust is the issue for the driver you will need to direct him/her to a local Pastor in his area. Don’t try and counsel the driver on these important issues even if the exact same thing has happened to you. Everyone’s situation is unique to them.
2. Money problems: Unless you are a financial Guru, this one you really need to back off on. If the driver and or his/her spouse have problems handling money, they are going to need a financial specialist to help them. This normally requires several meetings with a financial specialist.
3. Problems with children being disobedient while the driver is away:
I am an expert in this department as I was an unruly kid when my father was on the road. But he did promise me he would straighten me out if he needed to when he returned. If necessary, he always followed up on that promise. Our children should be our greatest assets. God has given them to us to raise under His supervision through His word. Encourage the driver to do all they can to help his/her spouse in raising up their children in a Godly home. Tell him to get his children in a good Sunday School class and under the teaching of a good Youth Pastor.
4. Problems in their employment with the carrier. We are not here to discuss company policy issues. We are to encourage the driver to contact his/her fleet manager in all situations. We are to advise them to look at their driver’s manual and to always follow company policies.
Remember it is a privilege to be a Road Chaplain within your company. One bad decision on your part could get you or Channel 21 Ministries removed from the carrier. If you make an untrue statement that is harmful to the carrier, by the time it gets to the carrier it will be magnified one hundred times. Channel 21 Ministries will not get into the habit of trying to defend our Chaplains for making poor judgment calls.
Matt 5:13 Jesus says you are the salt of the earth. I like eggs and fresh garden tomatoes for breakfast. I like to salt and pepper the eggs and salt the tomatoes. But if I sprinkle too much salt it ruins the flavor of the food. So who controls the salt? I have to judge when to stop pouring it on the food. The same goes with sharing the Gospel. Even when the Spirit is leading you, there can be a tendency to say too much or push too far. Don’t get ahead of the Spirit, Let Him lead you and guide you on what to say and how much to say.
Read James 3: 1 – 12. There is a time and place for us to talk and a time to be silent. Let the Spirit of God lead you while giving your testimony.
Okay, so what is it we are to do while witnessing and guiding our fellow drivers. You don’t always have to lead off with spiritual things. Just being a good listener will help most drivers. We are not out to save the world in one meeting. By giving the driver a CD and one of your cards, you can open up a great relationship and a chance for you to mentor them.
Let’s think of it this way:
Picture yourself as a road sign. That’s right a road sign; let’s get a mental picture here.
The driver is coming up on an intersection; this intersection is a “T” out in front of him. All he sees is one sign; at the top of this sign is an arrow. This arrow is pointing to the right. The lettering on this sign says “JESUS.” Underneath this sign are several more signs above one another.
The first sign says: “JOY.” Jesus offers every one of his children joy unspeakable.
Next sign says: “Peace.” Jesus brings peace beyond all understanding.
Next sign says: “Faith.” Faith has the strength to move mountains from our lives.
Final sign says: “ Eternal Life.” Jesus came and died for our sins so that we will have eternal life. If a driver follows Jesus all these things and more will be given to him. It is up to you the Road Chaplain to show him the way to Jesus.
As a Chaplain, we are to show mercy and compassion for the lost. We are not here to judge or condemn. We are here to show them the love of Jesus, not to judge them or show content. If we try and coerce or speak doctrine, we will lose them before we get the message to them.
Remember, we all have an adversary; the god of this world will set you up to fail. So, always be prayed up everyday. You are a spiritual leader, and you must lead by example. Study His word daily, but don’t ever get in a argument of Bible philosophy. This will put drivers on the defense; that is not out mission here.
Some days you aren’t going to feel like sharing the Good News. There are days I don’t feel very saved, I feel like someone licked all the red off my candy. But those are the days we need to pray to our Lord and Savior. Ask Him for guidance. We are not immune to attacks because we are Christians. If you are in your assignment, attacks are sure to come.
Then he added, "Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: 'I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.' For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners." Matthew 9:13 NLT
CD Ministry at Channel 21 ministries: We are very blessed to have “Lonesome Ministries” in partnership with Channel 21. Gary Rayburn and Bob Wilson have supplied us with hundreds of CD’S that have changed many lives. Some of our Chaplains have been saved due to their ministry. We are grateful to these men for sharing not only their testimony but also the testimony of some awesome men and woman of God. We need to remember to plant seeds into this CD ministry by sending them a love offering every now and then. These CD’S aren’t cheap to make or to mail out. Please plant some seeds and help them with this financial burden.
Remember, there will be times when all you will have time for is to hand someone a CD, or maybe this will be all God wants you to do. But we are not to let the CD’s replace the ministry you have been called to do. You have been called to share the love and knowledge of Jesus Christ with your fellow drivers. Listen to the whisper of the Holy Spirit. The Bible says that He is your guide. Follow His lead and be a witness and a comfort to our fellow drivers and folks that work in our industry. Share a CD with the guard or shipping clerk. Hand a CD to a police officer or a DOT inspector. BUT SHARE THE WORD at all times.
Here is an example of a situation you can find yourself in:
You walk into a driver’s room or are at a customer waiting to load or unload. A driver sees “ROAD CHAPLAIN Channel 21 Ministries” on your hat or on the side of your truck. He asks you what that is all about {opened door}. You could just say that you have been through some tough times out here. They may have been times you were at the end of your rope. Tell him how you were able to get these issued solved, or how you turned it all over to the Lord, and he has helped you and your family. Tell him about the “JOY” He has given you. Plant a seed!! Then let the Spirit of the Lord do His work. We are not the answer, He Is.
You will be able to go to www.channel21ministries.com for a number of resources. We are going to develop a blog for you to send in valuable information and suggestions. We plan on having a section for drivers’ spouses to make comments, suggestions and give testimony. We will be encouraging Channel 21 chaplains to give us feed back and ways we can all improve our ministry.
Thank you for listening to His voice. It is going to be a pleasure working with you for the Kingdom.
May God bless you and your family!!!
Remember to monitor CLEAN TALK RADIO CHANNEL 21!
Channel 21 Ministries has been developed due to a growing need in the trucking industry for some structure between family life and the life of a trucker. Carriers have many needs but none of these needs can be fulfilled without a well-balanced driver behind the wheel of their truck. Society puts a lot of pressure on the working man or woman today. Drivers have to maintain a healthy family life and a healthy working relationship with their employer. The carriers of today are measured not just by the lowest rate but by service. Most customers maintain a low inventory, and this requires carriers to have a fleet of drivers that can pick up and deliver on time and in a safe manner. Many eyes are on the driver to ensure he/she performs his job. Pressure brought on by CSA and the driving public puts a lot of pressure on the drivers.
Most drivers have a family life that the industry isn’t at all too kind to. Drivers get home late on weekends and many times have to leave out early. The time spent with the family is valuable time, but it puts stress on a driver who has little ones at home and little time at home. Drivers have the same issues at home as a person with a nine to five job. The industry requires drivers to be professional, courteous and dependable at all times; he has pressure most of us will never know.
This is why Channel 21 Ministries has been formed. To use seasoned drivers in the industry who are follower of Christ to assist these drivers. Channel 21 will develop Road Chaplains that have gone through some of these same issues and will help our drivers gain prospective on their lives. These chaplains will be Spirit lead and have a calling on their lives to share the GOOD NEWS (THE GOSPEL) to others.
PROV 27:17 Iron sharpenth iron; so a man sharpenth the countenance of his friend. (KJV)
As you have seen/will see in the training video, you are not to use doctrine or religious beliefs to beat over the head of a driver. Your best and only true message should be how Christ has worked in your life to help you and your family. Remember: your testimony is what will get this driver interested. The driver wants to know how this “thing” works that you are telling him about. The driver doesn’t want to be preached to; he just wants to know the facts. The driver won’t care how much you know until you show him how much you care. Road Chaplains are not to be preachy to anyone.
James 1:19 says, Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
As a chaplain we must listen to the issues the driver is dealing with. Let the driver open up and share his burdens with you (swift to hear). Let the driver open his heart to you before you start telling him how to deal with his issues (slow to speak). Nine chances out of ten the problem isn’t the topic he will open up with such as these topics: No miles or dispatch issues, money, truck issues. Most of the time the problem is deeper than that. The driver is just trying to vent and as most of us are, we don’t deal well with the main issues. So we spout off about day to day stuff and leave the real problem buried underneath all the junk in our lives. So let’s not try and fix the surface problems. Let’s not try and give advice in issues we need to stay away from. We don’t need to beat up the carrier or the drivers supervisors. We all have the tendency to beat someone up rather than deal with the real issues (slow to wrath).
This is where you need to let the Spirit of the Lord step in. If we are too busy trying to “fix” the earthly issues, we may miss the real purpose of why God has sent this person to you.
Our plan in the very near future will be to have links on our web site www.channel21ministries.com. You will be able to share these links with drivers. These links can help them with issues they may be having in their family life. Our plan is to also have links to trucking magazines with articles about the trucking industry. We will have a verse of the day and the ability to download Bibles and messages to encourage them daily.
So let’s look at what we are to be and what we aren’t to be as a Road Chaplain.
Let’s look first at what we are not to be as a Road Chaplain.
Unless you have a degree in the following areas:
1. We are not “marriage counselors.” I have been married most of my life and I stay confused all the time. So being married all your life doesn’t make you a counselor. More than likely it makes your spouse one to have put up with you all these years. Don’t get into agreements or disagreements about who is right and who is wrong when dealing with a driver with martial problems. After all you are hearing one side of an issue. If infidelity, or lack of trust is the issue for the driver you will need to direct him/her to a local Pastor in his area. Don’t try and counsel the driver on these important issues even if the exact same thing has happened to you. Everyone’s situation is unique to them.
2. Money problems: Unless you are a financial Guru, this one you really need to back off on. If the driver and or his/her spouse have problems handling money, they are going to need a financial specialist to help them. This normally requires several meetings with a financial specialist.
3. Problems with children being disobedient while the driver is away:
I am an expert in this department as I was an unruly kid when my father was on the road. But he did promise me he would straighten me out if he needed to when he returned. If necessary, he always followed up on that promise. Our children should be our greatest assets. God has given them to us to raise under His supervision through His word. Encourage the driver to do all they can to help his/her spouse in raising up their children in a Godly home. Tell him to get his children in a good Sunday School class and under the teaching of a good Youth Pastor.
4. Problems in their employment with the carrier. We are not here to discuss company policy issues. We are to encourage the driver to contact his/her fleet manager in all situations. We are to advise them to look at their driver’s manual and to always follow company policies.
Remember it is a privilege to be a Road Chaplain within your company. One bad decision on your part could get you or Channel 21 Ministries removed from the carrier. If you make an untrue statement that is harmful to the carrier, by the time it gets to the carrier it will be magnified one hundred times. Channel 21 Ministries will not get into the habit of trying to defend our Chaplains for making poor judgment calls.
Matt 5:13 Jesus says you are the salt of the earth. I like eggs and fresh garden tomatoes for breakfast. I like to salt and pepper the eggs and salt the tomatoes. But if I sprinkle too much salt it ruins the flavor of the food. So who controls the salt? I have to judge when to stop pouring it on the food. The same goes with sharing the Gospel. Even when the Spirit is leading you, there can be a tendency to say too much or push too far. Don’t get ahead of the Spirit, Let Him lead you and guide you on what to say and how much to say.
Read James 3: 1 – 12. There is a time and place for us to talk and a time to be silent. Let the Spirit of God lead you while giving your testimony.
Okay, so what is it we are to do while witnessing and guiding our fellow drivers. You don’t always have to lead off with spiritual things. Just being a good listener will help most drivers. We are not out to save the world in one meeting. By giving the driver a CD and one of your cards, you can open up a great relationship and a chance for you to mentor them.
Let’s think of it this way:
Picture yourself as a road sign. That’s right a road sign; let’s get a mental picture here.
The driver is coming up on an intersection; this intersection is a “T” out in front of him. All he sees is one sign; at the top of this sign is an arrow. This arrow is pointing to the right. The lettering on this sign says “JESUS.” Underneath this sign are several more signs above one another.
The first sign says: “JOY.” Jesus offers every one of his children joy unspeakable.
Next sign says: “Peace.” Jesus brings peace beyond all understanding.
Next sign says: “Faith.” Faith has the strength to move mountains from our lives.
Final sign says: “ Eternal Life.” Jesus came and died for our sins so that we will have eternal life. If a driver follows Jesus all these things and more will be given to him. It is up to you the Road Chaplain to show him the way to Jesus.
As a Chaplain, we are to show mercy and compassion for the lost. We are not here to judge or condemn. We are here to show them the love of Jesus, not to judge them or show content. If we try and coerce or speak doctrine, we will lose them before we get the message to them.
Remember, we all have an adversary; the god of this world will set you up to fail. So, always be prayed up everyday. You are a spiritual leader, and you must lead by example. Study His word daily, but don’t ever get in a argument of Bible philosophy. This will put drivers on the defense; that is not out mission here.
Some days you aren’t going to feel like sharing the Good News. There are days I don’t feel very saved, I feel like someone licked all the red off my candy. But those are the days we need to pray to our Lord and Savior. Ask Him for guidance. We are not immune to attacks because we are Christians. If you are in your assignment, attacks are sure to come.
Then he added, "Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: 'I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.' For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners." Matthew 9:13 NLT
CD Ministry at Channel 21 ministries: We are very blessed to have “Lonesome Ministries” in partnership with Channel 21. Gary Rayburn and Bob Wilson have supplied us with hundreds of CD’S that have changed many lives. Some of our Chaplains have been saved due to their ministry. We are grateful to these men for sharing not only their testimony but also the testimony of some awesome men and woman of God. We need to remember to plant seeds into this CD ministry by sending them a love offering every now and then. These CD’S aren’t cheap to make or to mail out. Please plant some seeds and help them with this financial burden.
Remember, there will be times when all you will have time for is to hand someone a CD, or maybe this will be all God wants you to do. But we are not to let the CD’s replace the ministry you have been called to do. You have been called to share the love and knowledge of Jesus Christ with your fellow drivers. Listen to the whisper of the Holy Spirit. The Bible says that He is your guide. Follow His lead and be a witness and a comfort to our fellow drivers and folks that work in our industry. Share a CD with the guard or shipping clerk. Hand a CD to a police officer or a DOT inspector. BUT SHARE THE WORD at all times.
Here is an example of a situation you can find yourself in:
You walk into a driver’s room or are at a customer waiting to load or unload. A driver sees “ROAD CHAPLAIN Channel 21 Ministries” on your hat or on the side of your truck. He asks you what that is all about {opened door}. You could just say that you have been through some tough times out here. They may have been times you were at the end of your rope. Tell him how you were able to get these issued solved, or how you turned it all over to the Lord, and he has helped you and your family. Tell him about the “JOY” He has given you. Plant a seed!! Then let the Spirit of the Lord do His work. We are not the answer, He Is.
You will be able to go to www.channel21ministries.com for a number of resources. We are going to develop a blog for you to send in valuable information and suggestions. We plan on having a section for drivers’ spouses to make comments, suggestions and give testimony. We will be encouraging Channel 21 chaplains to give us feed back and ways we can all improve our ministry.
Thank you for listening to His voice. It is going to be a pleasure working with you for the Kingdom.
May God bless you and your family!!!
Remember to monitor CLEAN TALK RADIO CHANNEL 21!
Thanks for taking the time to read Channel 21 Ministries manual training!
Lonesome Road Ministries / Channel 21 Ministries is a 501 C 3 Non profit.
Attention Chaplains, we don't have any paid staff . Our ministry is operated by folks that love the Lord. If you are a driver and are unable to attend a church due to being on the road, then we encourage you to tithe to Lonesome Road Ministries. We are growing by the week and spreading Gods love and word to the trucking industry. If possible we would also love to receive love offerings from time to time as well.
Thank you Gary Rayburn
Attention Chaplains, we don't have any paid staff . Our ministry is operated by folks that love the Lord. If you are a driver and are unable to attend a church due to being on the road, then we encourage you to tithe to Lonesome Road Ministries. We are growing by the week and spreading Gods love and word to the trucking industry. If possible we would also love to receive love offerings from time to time as well.
Thank you Gary Rayburn