The Centurion Connection Program was started by the ELCA Federal Chaplaincies Office in order to provide Synods and their congregations a resource in order to support ministry to military service members, veterans, and their families. This also includes increasing awareness and education of the ministry performed by Department of Veterans Affairs, Bureau of Prisons, and Department of Defense Chaplains, which is uniquely different from chaplaincy that is centered on conventional pastoral care and visitation.

The Centurion Connection Program for the Minneapolis Synod strategically supports the ministry of the synod and its congregations in the following areas:

  • Provide resources for observances, rituals, rites, and worship that address the context of those served by ELCA Federal Chaplaincy.

  • Leverage Federal Chaplains’ knowledge and training in support of synodical and congregational ministries.

  • Serve as liaison between the synod, congregations, and individuals in the candidacy and call processes.

The Centurion Connection Program can assist congregations and rostered leaders with the following:

  • Create special liturgies, litanies, and worship services with a focus on military service members, families, veterans, and those imprisoned

  • Provide Suicide Intervention Training (ASIST and safeTALK) for congregations and rostered leaders

  • Provide presentations or advisement on a variety of topics including: ministry and supporting spirituality for those dealing with life crisis, trauma, mental health issues, moral injury, sexual assault, ethics and morality, etc.

  • Help in discernment for rostered leaders considering a call to chaplaincy in  federal contexts (military, Veterans Affairs, Bureau of Prisons)

  • Assist congregations with calling a pastor with a background in federal chaplaincy (active, reserve, or retired)

  • Advice and assistance on ministry and congregational care to military service members, veterans, those imprisoned, and their families.

Resources:

To connect with Centurion Connection Program in the Minneapolis area, reach out to
Rev. Aaron Fuller, Chaplain, US Navy Reserve