COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The 14th Flying Training Wing Chapel team is switching up their routines in order to connect the chapel with Team BLAZE.
The chapel’s new mission is to bring the chapel to the Airmen, and the Airmen to life.
Rather than hosting every event at the chapel, the Chapel-on-Demand initiative is meant to make spiritual and religious services readily available to the wing by bringing chaplains, guest speakers and food to a unit versus the unit having to go to them.
“Our goal is to bring the resources, interventions, knowledge, passion and innovation of the chapel to the Airmen,” said Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Steven Richardson, 14th FTW wing chaplain. “We want to bring the entire chapel to the people, so they can thrive in their personal and work lives.”
Some of the events the chapel has hosted include worship services on the flight line, unit prayer breakfasts, bible studies and vacation bible school.
Although the mission has changed, the chapel team still provides counseling services, weekly church services and they help meet the religious needs of Airmen and their families.
“The mission of taking care of Airmen will never change, but the way we are going about doing it will,” said Chaplain (Maj.) Bradley Kimble, 14th FTW deputy chaplain.
Working with the chapel is one of many ways Airmen can enhance their spiritual fitness, whether it be through religion or just looking for a sense of purpose.
Although the chapel mainly offers Catholic and Protestant services, they will assist Airmen with finding the right worship service that suits them. The team provides opportunities for Columbus AFB Airmen’s voices to be heard and validate their concerns.
The chaplain’s doors are always open to Airmen and their families to offer confidential counseling. Airmen are welcome to come and talk with chaplains about anything and everything without fear of reprisal.
Even with their programs and flight visits, the ministry professionals take every opportunity to talk and get to know Airmen. Kimble gave an example of when he went with Richardson to the 14th Force Support Squadron Military Personnel Flight to get his common access card fixed. He said in that simple trip, they were able to reach out and connect with those Airmen by sparking a simple conversation.
By adapting the new Chapel-on-Demand concept, the BLAZE Chapel continues to look for new and innovative ways to help Airmen of Columbus Air Force Base stay strong in their work and personal lives.