Tom Dupree
I first got connected to the chaplaincy ministry at JGR by one of the chaplains building a relationship with me. He initially would come by and talk to me while I was working and got to know me. Then he would invite me to go to lunch with him or workout. We even began weekly working out or playing football on Wednesday with other guys in the shop. I particularly remember one time being invited to go eat with another co-worker to talk about life and spirituality.
The chaplains ministry has been a great opportunity for me personally to think a little deeper about life and its meaning. It has helped me think through the bigger questions in life. I also consider questions like, “Is this thing happening at work a big deal?” I feel like the greatest impact has come from the fellowship and conversations that I have in the Small Group that I joined two years ago. It has been a great place where I have been able to discuss life and challenges with others. It is crazy how it seem that at times we discuss just what I need to hear at that point in life.
I think the chaplaincy ministry is a much needed resource because of the high performance industry that we work int. It is good to have some outlets that are geared less on performance and more on community. I appreciate the welcoming relationships that the chaplains offer to those here at the shop. It is much needed!