Chaplaincy is often ministry rooted in the 'local church' that takes one outside its tradition walls to ministry in specialized settings.It is difficult to say how this happens.It does not happen in the same manner for everyone.There are often antecedents that culminate in the realization of this 'calling'.

Chaplain John Shares His Experience

I knew that I was 'called' into ministry from the age of sixteen.The challenge for me was that many others felt that too.I wanted this to be personal for me.Being patted on the head and told 'what a good boy' I was somehow watered down the sacredness for me.

...'I needed a Call from God that was powerful!'...I finished high school and proceeded off to college to launch my dream. But my first two years were almost overwhelming. I was a nervous sort, and with slumping grades, the war in Viet Nam, and the death of my mother I began to realize 'I needed a Call from God that was powerful'.I didn't have any time to waste any further. I received Christian Workers papers in 1968...

Soon, with the help of my wonderful wife (Kathleen Swanson) I found a world that was 'ripe' to heard the 'Good News'. I searched to find the niche just for me. I traveled in Evangelistic Work for three years. I taught in a Bible School in Edmonton CA for three months. I became a Youth Pastor. I pursued my Master's Degree in Religion. I was Ordained with the General Council of the Assemblies of God in 1973. I was able to visit the Far East in ministry. There was another Youth Pastorate that opened up the world of Law Enforcement. Then, I learned of the Airport Chaplaincy beginning at Sea-Tac International Airport. Here was an opportunity to help people right where they lived and breathed.

...'the Call' did not have me!'...Each place had had its challenges. Each place brought me to a point of 'success', but there was always a plateau. Emotionally, I gave my career completely back to the Lord for him to guide. As I look back on this, I was missing something. I felt I was called but the call was not 'etched' in my being. Another way to put this… I knew I had the call...'The Call' did not have me!

Doors opened for me with Law Enforcement - I even had to 'give' this back to the Lord before this could develop fully. The Chaplaincy was born in my heart. I would be a Chaplain, but with many around me we would be come a team - 'team chaplaincy'. Soon the ministry at the Airport was incorporated.


...'Team Chaplaincy'...It expanded and grew. The Washington State Criminal Justice Center was asking for a Chaplain in their graduations. The City of SeaTac Fire Department asked if I could help from time to time as Chaplain. A ministry began with Christian Singles that lasted 20 years. The Seattle Police Department asked me to serve as Chaplain in 1978. We directed the Chaplaincy for Goodwill Games in 1990.


Through the tragic events of the Pang Warehouse Fire, I was asked to minister to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms as their Chaplain in1995. Now, a city wide Community Chaplaincy exists for the citizens to use 2002. Most recently, The Red Cross asked if I would help design a Chaplaincy program for their Disaster Assistance Teams. And I am often asked to teach at Seattle Bible College.

All this has taken place because we have kept ourselves close to our local church. We have developed a Board that can continue with the ministry long after our time has ended.We have set up leadership to act as they are dispatched without dependence on us. 'To God be the glory for the things He has done.'