A Ministry of Compassion

Over the past two years, Chris Hale has moved from chaplain intern with the Abilene Fire Department to Division Chief/Fire Chaplain. Faculty and students who know Chris are not surprised that he has excelled in this ministry. When Chris walks into a room, his care and compassion embraces you. Chris combines a deep faith and a disciplined work ethic to all his commitments. Dr. Charles Siburt has been mentoring Chris for two years. He states, "Chris Hale has a rare gift for ministering to people who are in crisis. He brings a powerful blend of compassion, encouragement, hope, and even joy to troubled times in the lives of friends or strangers. And no one has a more infectious sense of humor than Chris. Pastoral ministry seems to come easily to him, yet I know that he works hard at it. Chris brings a loving presence to people and situations that need it, and he does it with grace and discernment."

eConnections asked Chris to share his story with you .

How did you begin your work with the Abilene Fire Department?

Chaplain Chris Hale

In August 2003, my family and I moved to Abilene for me to attend the Graduate School of Theology thus leaving the inner city ministry in St. Louis that God led us to begin in 1995. Before I tell you how I began working with our Fire Department in Abilene, I feel it is important to give some background on our spiritual journey to this point. It was a difficult decision to leave St. Louis, but we felt the Lord was leading our family in a new direction. During our time in St. Louis, we lived in an urban environment that allowed us to serve in diverse ministry opportunities including gang violence, drug addiction, homelessness, and urban poverty. While serving the church that we helped plant, we realized the work God had called us to reached beyond the confines of the building and into the community addressing issues that plagued our North St. Louis neighborhood. Before long, we realized that our church was a church without walls. What I mean is that our church included so much more than those who sat on the pew; it became the children, staff, teachers and administrators of two public schools, the children in our neighborhood that would come to our home for physical and spiritual nourishment, the mentally challenged, addicts that came to the house for prayer and friendships with no strings attached, adults with little education and those with doctorates. This brought us face to face with real issues of how a marginalized community seeks God. Churches outside of St. Louis joined us in ministry on campaigns throughout the year. These campaigners left St. Louis filled with a new vision of what 'church' can be. I remember receiving a call one evening concerning a fire that had killed six children asking if I would come and be with the teachers and staff. After arriving I found out four of the six children attended a school nearby. Over the next few weeks, I worked closely with the St. Louis Public Schools crisis team providing pastoral care for the staff and those participating in the planning process for a memorial service. It was during this time I realized how important it is to be there for people in the capacity of a chaplain. I knew words were not enough. Pastoral ministry involves being a presence for God for people who are hurting.

Tragic events occur around us everyday. When those events unfold, usually the first people on the scene are the members of the Fire Department. In April of 1995, following the Murrah Building Bombing and September 2001 following terrorist attacks, I had the opportunity to serve as a chaplain with the Red Cross in Oklahoma City and New York. I had the opportunity to spend time serving the families of the victims and members of OKCFD, FDNY, OKCPD, and the NYPD. While in New York at ground zero, the armory, Pier 94, and Fresh Kills, I was moved by the bravery and compassion of members of the FDNY. I recall the pain of visiting with family members where I saw, heard, and smelled the devastation. I would pray for words but my words were inadequate. God led me to understand the importance of presence and comfort on a greater level. Visiting the Fire Stations and talking with the firefighters as they recalled the events and seeing the pictures of the lost was overwhelming. I remember walking in lower Manhattan when suddenly silence fell as all machinery and movement stopped. All paused as a sign of respect because another firefighter had been found. 343 firefighters and one fire chaplain died. While being forever changed by those events, I knew God was calling me to serve as a fire chaplain for those who put their lives on the line for our communities.

When we arrived in Abilene we prayed that if it was God's will, he would provide an opportunity for me to serve the Fire Department. The chaplain for "Abilene's Bravest" was Division Chief Alan Rogers and the Fire Chief was Brad Fitzer. They provided me with an opportunity to serve first as an intern then promoted me to Captain/Assistant Fire Chaplain. While training I learned the ropes of fire service and how to serve this group of dedicated men and women spiritually. Chaplain Rogers mentored and taught me by allowing me to minister in some very difficult situations. I am grateful for the trust and opportunity that Chief Fitzer and Chaplain Rogers both afforded me. Chaplain Rogers recently left to serve the United States Navy as a Marine Chaplain with the 1st Division and recommended that I replace him. A few weeks ago I began a new phase of service as the Division Chief/Fire Chaplain for the Abilene Fire Department. I am thankful for the vision of both Chief Fitzer and Chaplain Rogers, for their insight into the importance of providing spiritual care for the Department and for allowing me to serve in this capacity. I am also thankful for how the Abilene Fire Department has welcomed me into their family. I am receiving so much more than I give.

While serving as chaplain and going to school full-time, God has given me some great encouragers outside the department as well. My wife, Kelliann, and children, Rory and Carrick, support me in my work knowing I may be called at any moment. My instructors and friends at the Graduate School of Theology also provide me with encouragement and support. I am thankful to have family and spiritual support because, without it, doing this work, raising a family, and going to graduate school could prove overwhelming.

Describe some of your experiences.

You may think the fire department only responds to fires, but they respond to all emergencies, automobile accidents, medical emergencies, and rescues. During these times, comfort is given to the victims but it also gives the firefighters reassurance that the families are cared for. After these tragic events, it is my job to check with firefighters back at the house (station) and make sure they are okay. While the outward appearance is one of bravery and courage, what we often take for granted are their huge hearts of compassion and how they are sometimes affected by tragic events. It is during these times a pat on the back, a word of encouragement, and a listening ear are needed and appreciated.

Charles Siburt and Chris Hale

I recall late one evening being called to the scene of a suicide. The scene was filled with people, police, fire, and family. I saw three firemen walking toward me to give an update on the situation and direct me toward the family. During these times I am given the opportunity to walk with them in their pain. Emotions are high, words are said out of frustration, and the question that always comes is "Why?" Attempting to be God's ambassador is humbling because I realize that only God can intervene and bring comfort and peace.

The most heart breaking of all situations is when a child is tragically and unexpectedly taken. It is during these times I am moved by the compassion of firefighters. It is again humbling to see their caring hearts and how they console families after such a tragic event. I have had the privilege to serve families during these times. I am thankful that I do not have to provide an answer to the unanswerable questions, but simply to be available for them. It is also a privilege to tell our firefighters, "you did everything you were trained to do and you did your best." We take comfort in knowing God is here with us and sharing in our hurt even in tragedy.

The training I have received in Critical Incident Stress Management and Crisis Pastoral Care emphasizes providing comfort and stability in crisis. However, ministry also happens in the day-to-day station visits. Ministry happens around the table drinking coffee or sharing a meal together, taking a box of donuts to the stations, or showing up at the fire scene with cold water. It is in these moments when credibility is built and it is understood that I am there for them as a person and as an ambassador of God. Around a table offering a prayer or listening to them in their retelling of a difficult incident, I am able to share a word of encouragement and comfort in the name of God. Not long ago I was asked to perform a funeral for the father of a fire fighter. It was an honor to serve in such a personal moment.
 
How has your role changed over time?

The major changes that have occurred relate to the level of comfort and trust I feel. Comfort in learning the intricacies of the fire department's history, traditions, terminology, lingo, and equipment. Subsequently, a level of trust and acceptance develops. Most of the one-on-one time takes place in the field. Our department has eight stations and approximately 200 firefighters serving on three different shifts. I am not able to see every firefighter each week, but I attempt to see as many as possible. Firefighters are family because of their training and dependence on each other in life and death situations, but also because they live one third of their lives together working shifts twenty-four hours on and forty-eight hours off. Firefighters serve each other around the station making emergency runs, cooking, sleeping, and eating--they are family. Over time, with the grace of God and a willingness to be persistent and available, the Lord has allowed me into their family. This is a great honor and allows me opportunities to walk with them and share about spiritual matters that normally go unspoken. Every event with the firefighters humbles me, and I hold onto Paul's words, "God's power is made perfect in weakness."

What qualities are needed to be an effective chaplain for the Abilene Fire Department?

I believe serving "Abilene's Bravest" as a chaplain takes a heart of understanding and respect for what these people do every day. It's seeing past the bravery and the courage into the hearts of compassion that drive them to serve others and to put themselves in harm's way for strangers. I believe that training is essential. Just as these men and women train to perform their duties, training for the chaplaincy is equally important. Beyond the training, it comes down to being available for those who are there for us. Although not for everyone, God has led me through some experiences and training that have equipped me for this type of ministry.

How has your role as chaplain affected your personal faith walk and your ministry with your faith family?

Being a Fire Department Chaplain makes me ask different questions about life than I did before. Today, I see the miracle of life more clearly and how God uses people to encourage others on the job. Before entering ministry I worked in the court system as a law clerk for eleven years. When I entered the ministry I saw a distinction between the secular and the spiritual. In this job, I am able to meld the two by entering into the everyday jobs of people providing spiritual care and support for them. This is an unbelievable privilege. God allows me to encounter people where they are--outside a church setting. I feel honored to be able to meet people in the world as they encounter it. This experience has led me to a deeper understanding of God's presence and the words "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us."

What's next for you?

My focus is to be a good dad and husband, complete graduate school, and serve "Abilene's Bravest." I am mindful and confident of how God moves and directs. I am looking forward to walking in faith as he leads us to our next challenge and adventure.