Church of God Chaplains Commission

This week Chaplain (Colonel, Retired) Richard Pace joins our Chaplains Commission in the role of Coordinator and Endorser for Full-Time Chaplains Ministries. I want to deviate from the normal Weekly Update format to allow him to personally address you.

Warmest greetings in the name of the Lord!

When I sat down at the desk in my new office at the Chaplains Commission a few days ago, there was a stack of mail awaiting my arrival. The very first envelope I opened, which was from one of the senior chaplains in our church, held a pleasant surprise. Transition in any organization is normally a little bumpy, especially when the change is relationship dependant as it is between chaplains and their endorser. Therefore, I must say that I was very encouraged to be greeted by a supportive letter and a generous contribution for the ministry of the Commission from one of our elder brothers in the Church of God Chaplaincy.

It is a sacred privilege to hang up my uniform to join the committed team in the Chaplains Commission in the role of Coordinator and Endorser of Full-Time Chaplains. When I became a Church of God Chaplain twenty-eight years ago, I had little understanding that I was entering the most exciting and fulfilling ministry that is available to Church of God clergy. I am thrilled to now be able to support you in the specialized ministry to which God has called you.

You are a group of gifted and anointed men and women of God. I was motivated to hear the ideas that many of you shared with me at the General Assembly of ways we can team together to continue to build on the great success our Commission has experienced under the leadership of Dr. Robert Crick. I believe the Lord desires to expand the reach of our chaplains as we minister under the missional mandate to take the hope of the gospel into the institutions of our world. We can only succeed if we work together and inspire one another to be who God has empowered us to be.

There is a bright future ahead for our Church of God Chaplains Commission. Under the strategic leadership of Dr. Smith, you have a competent team of godly men and women who love the Lord, love this ministry, and love you. 

As a Church of God Chaplain, you are a divine asset in the kingdom of Christ. I am committed to pray for you and nurture the call of God in you. Brenda and I look forward to engaging with you and your families to know each of you better. 

May God richly bless you as you minister to those under your care, 

Richard Pace

I am confident the wealth of knowledge and experience in chaplaincy ministry that Chaplain Pace brings to the Commission will be a benefit to each of you and our Commission team. I encourage you to remember him and all the Commission staff members in your prayers as we endeavor to serve you and your families.

 Sincerely, 

Donnie W. Smith, D.Min.

Director of Ministries, Chaplains Commission

Executive Administrator, Care Division