Michael Leskowat

First Baptist Church of Copan, Alaska
Military Chaplaincy, Military Chaplaincy
Anchorage Alaska
First Baptist Church of Copan
August 26
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About My Family

Since I was 16, God has led me step-by-step to serve as an Active Duty Army chaplain. God’s path for me has included studying at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and pastoring First Baptist Church of Copan in Oklahoma.

I am married to my wife, Laura, and together we have four boys, so life is very full!

About My Ministry

I serve as the Chaplain for a Signal Battalion in Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER), Alaska. My role is to provide religious support and to advise my commander. Throughout my chaplaincy role I have opportunities to nurture the living, care for the wounded and honor the fallen. The day-to-day practical aspects of my ministry involve things like preaching for our base chapel service, providing counseling and conducting Bible studies, funerals and memorial ceremonies.

SBC Chaplaincy

Chaplaincy is a "frontline" ministry that is vital to the extension of the local church. Chaplains reach the lost among the thousands of men and women in the U.S. Armed Forces, correctional facilities, healthcare settings, public safety, disaster relief sites and corporate environments. SBC Chaplains care for the broken, offer hope to the hopeless, and advance the Gospel of Jesus Christ in hard to reach places. The qualifications expected of a Southern Baptist applying for endorsement as a chaplain or counselor are established by the using agency and the Chaplains Commission, SBC. These qualification requirements vary according to the type of chaplaincy or counseling ministry involved but all are expected to meet a high level of ministerial competence. A basic qualification from the Chaplains Commission, SBC, is that an applicant is a Southern Baptist who is a member in good standing with an SBC church. Additional qualification requirements may involve certain age limits, educational background, ministry experience, physical condition, financial and credit history, citizenship eligibility for a security clearance, certification by certain national organizations, and other qualifications specific to the Using Agency or Chaplains Commission, SBC. If you are interested in pursuing next steps as an SBC endorsed chaplain from your church, explore the possibilities at Send me. For more information about SBC Chaplaincy, visit www.namb.net/chaplaincy.

Pray

Pray for protection for military service members as they serve and protect the nation in which God has placed them. Pray for receptive hearts among soldiers and their families. Pray churches and individuals will partner through prayer and reach out to the soldiers in their individual communities. Pray I would have integrity, diligence and compassion as I minister.

Participate

Chaplains serve as an extension of the local church in places that other church members and staff sometimes cannot go. Explore the opportunities to extend the reach of your church by becoming a chaplain. Support and pray for chaplains and their families.
NAMB does not provide compensation for SBC endorsed chaplains. However, a general fund is available to receive donations in support of the ministry and pastoral care to SBC endorsed chaplains. To donate, please visit Support Chaplaincy (missionaries.namb.net/projects/full/chaplaincy).
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