Exactly a month ago, the trustees of the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Conventionissued a set of guidelines to be followed by their missionaries as those missionaries work in cross cultural contexts. These guidelines explain the way the Southern Baptist Military Chaplain will interact in the culture that his unit will interact.
First, it must be said that, as an Army Chaplain. I am NOT (I say again)–AM NOT to be a missionary to the Iraq people or the Afghan people, or the German people–that is not my role. But, in the role of the Chaplain of the Battalion it is imperative that I am involved in developing relationships with the local Religious Leaders, so that we (together) might bring peace to the area. It is a role that is common sense and has historically precedented. These guidelines from the International Missions Board of my endorsing denomination make it possible for me to assist in bringing peace. At the same time, they give me guidelines for how to draw the line in my own beliefs–lest I slip into pluralism. I am there to cooperate with others  not compromise my beliefs.