Chaplains' Conference to Focus on Prayer

A sociologist who is also a prolific author, a popular Christian humorist, and a one-time finalist on the American Idol TV show will be taking part in the Christian Reformed Church’s annual Chaplaincy & Care Ministry Conference.

The 71st Chaplaincy conference will run June 6-8 in the Prince Center on the campus of Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Mich. The theme of this years’ conference is  "Chaplains and Prayer.’’

“Prayer is the key that unlocks the power of the Holy Spirit within us,” says Rev. Ron Klimp, director of Chaplaincy & Care Ministry.

“We will explore how prayer empowers us to deepen our relationship with Christ, as well as how our prayers can help meet the deepest needs of those to whom we minister.”

Featuring author/speakers Wendy Cadge and Jolene DeHeer and Nashville recording artist Phil Stacey, the conference will bring in CRC chaplains from all over the world for various meetings and workshops.

Chaplains will also have the opportunity to preach and conduct services at area churches on Sunday, June 9.

New this year, says Klimp, will be a poster presentation, allowing chaplains a chance to offer information on special ministries in which they are involved.

He says those giving the highlight presentations will be addressing the topic of prayer and chaplains in different ways — including through music.

Wendy Cadge, an associate professor in the Sociology Department at Brandies University, teaches and writes about religion in the United States, especially focusing on the areas of immigration, sexuality and medicine.

Her new book Paging God: Religion in the Halls of Medicine was released by the University of Chicago Press in January 2013. She has published articles about related topics including intercessory prayer, physicians’ experiences of religion and spirituality, hospital chaplains, the prayers people write in hospital prayer books, religion and spirituality in palliative care, and the experiences of nurses.

Cadge recently co-edited a book Religion on the Edge.

She will give the keynote address, titled "Americans at Prayer: Notes from Times of Crisis."  She also will present a session titled "Prayers in the Context of Religious Diversity,” in which she will focus on interfaith chaplains and how they work with people who are members of religious backgrounds different than their own.

Jolene DeHeer, a Christian humorist and inspirational speaker, gives presentations around the world to an array of groups from teenagers to the elderly.

She has written articles for The Banner, the Christian Reformed Church magazine, as well as youth leadership publications. She has served on the executive board of Youth Unlimited and the former Synodical Youth Ministry Committee for the Christian Reformed Church in North America.

She has written a book called, Be Mine, Your Invitation to God's Lavish Love.

She will offer a session entitled "The Chaplain at Prayer," which will focus on unleashing the power of the Holy Spirit in prayer for ministry.

Musician Phil Stacey was one five finalists on season six of the hit TV show American Idol.

For Stacey, ministry is a family tradition. "Both of my grandfathers were pastors and my father is a pastor; not only were they pastors, they were incredible Christians, great examples of integrity," Stacey says in a press release.

"They weren't religious people, they were relationship people. They had a great relationship with Jesus. I saw that and I wanted that in my life. I got saved when I was very young."

He grew up singing in church and later attended Lee University in Cleveland, Tenn., where he became part of the highly acclaimed Lee Singers.