Recently Civil Air Patrol Chaplain Jack Epperly from Hartsville, SC went to Kittihawk, NC with 18 cadets from Camden Military Academy.  They went to participate in the 100th anniversary celebration of the Wright Brothers Flight.

As the chaplain during this trip, Epperly got to lead a worship service and hold daily devotions with the cadets.

This squadron of 18 cadets, ages 12-17, is led by Squadron Commander Lieutenant Colonel Melberg, who invited Epperly to go on the trip.  The two had not previously met; however, Melberg wanted a chaplain and Epperly was highly recommended.

Melburg told Epperly that he wanted him to lead a worship service on Sunday and to “just be there for the guys.”

“He said worship service, which is different from the generic moral leadership classes I teach.  I couldn’t say no to this opportunity,” Epperly said.

Upon returning Epperly reported that the group saw President Bush and several people who have walked on the moon.  According to the chaplain, that was a highlight of the trip, but what he enjoyed the most were the nightly devotions with the cadets. 

This particular squadron currently does not have a regular chaplain, and now they want Epperly full-time.  Currently Epperly serves as the state Wing Commander, but he is considering becoming the chaplain for the group of 18 cadets from Camden also.

“This is a much needed ministry,” Epperly said.

Currently only about 25 percent of South Carolina Civil Air Patrol squadrons have chaplains.  Epperly reported that several squadron commanders are actively seeking chaplains and others need them too.  Since each squadron can have more than one chaplain, there are many vacancies to fill, he said.

“There are many benefits to being a chaplain, but the main one is getting to share the Gospel message,” Epperly said.

The Civil Air Patrol runs search and rescue missions and has aerospace technology programs.  Often squadrons go to Bermuda High Soaring in Lancaster, SC for orientation rides or to Fort Jackson for rappelling training.  The cadets participate in air shows at Shaw Air Force Base and the Florence Airport, and during the summer they have encampments across the state.  Also, there is a foreign exchange program in place for cadets, squadron commanders and chaplains. 

“Chaplains can go to any events that their squadron participates in,” said Epperly, who has also been involved with summer encampments.

Epperly teaches Moral Leadership, a required course for cadets, at the encampments.  Not only does he teach the required lesson, Epperly stays with the cadets for the duration of the camp.  This past summer he had the opportunity to lead devotions at a camp, and more than 30 of the 168 students there accepted Christ.

According to Epperly, the opportunities to minister are endless and volunteer chaplains are in short supply and high demand.

“The purpose of the Civil Air Patrol chaplain program is simply to grow the kingdom of Christ,” Epperly said.

To become a Civil Air Patrol chaplain, volunteers must have at Masters of Divinity degree, be endorsed by the North American Mission Board and have three years of ministry experience.  Church staff members, such as pastors and youth ministers, are usually already qualified to become volunteer chaplains if they accept the challenge to get involved, Epperly said.

For more information on becoming a chaplain, contact Epperly at (843) 383-5094.  For general information on chaplaincy, contact the South Carolina Baptist Convention at (800) 723-7242, ext. 5624 or email timrice@scbaptist.org.