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AMC learns from Scott's Airmen Ministry Center

  • Published
  • By Airman Amber Kelly-Woodward
  • 375th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  The chaplains and chaplain's assistants of Scott Air Force Base will be hosting other chaplains and chaplain's assistants from the entire Air Mobility Command this week to train them on the standards they created with the Airmen Ministry Centers. 

The chapel center recently hosted an Air Force-wide Air Force Smart Operations of the 21st Century project to standardize dorm and singles ministries through Airmen Ministry Centers, said Chaplain (Capt.) Scott Savell, director Airmen Ministry Center. 

Scott began implementing their ideas for the Airmen Ministry Centers last summer after attending a conference. Most jobs in the Air Force have standards; however, until now the chapel has not had a standard due to differences in religions. 

Today's generation differs from previous generations because most Airmen today have divorced parents, they are more culturally blended, the Internet brings them instant information, they communicate virtually, they question authority, they have a desire for connection and although they would not consider themselves religious, they would say they are spiritual. 

All humans want to know the meaning and purpose in life, they want to find true love, they want forgiveness and they are interested in a higher being, said Chaplain (Col.) Yerkes. 

This means that the Airmen of today have questions for chaplains, but would not typically walk into the chapel thus, the chaplains need to seek other venues for meeting Airmen, hence the Airmen Ministry Center, which is located in the dormitories, said Chaplain Yerkes. 

The Airmen Ministry Center is a place where Airmen can connect with God, each other and the chapel staff, said Chaplain Frank Yerkes, the wing chaplain. 

Scott developed three phases to connect with Airmen. The first phase is Engage and Explore. This phase involves "low-threat" activities, such as weekly Dorm Nights. The second phase, Experience and Embrace, allows Airmen to connect spiritually with events like bible studies and retreats. The last phase, Equip and Empower, is where Airmen strong in their faith can practice their leadership skills to help other Airmen.
Scott also designed four pillars for Airmen Ministry Centers to use to promote faith. The first pillar is Spiritual Formation, which is the life-long journey of embracing and experiencing faith. The second is Authentic Community, which is where Airmen connect to each other. The third is Serving Others, which encourages Airmen to find spirituality in helping others. The last pillar, Leadership Development, allows trained Airmen to incorporate the other three pillars themselves. 

"I think we have one of the most successful programs in the Air Force," said Chaplain Yerkes. 

"It has made my decision to become an active duty chaplain worth it," said Chaplain Savell, "It just blows me away that I can be apart of something that is Air Force wide - in fact, it's humbling. I think it will be good." 

"It is humbling, it remains to be seen. Five-10 years from now we may have impacted a cultural change," said Chaplain Yerkes in concurrence. 

Chaplain (Capt.) Mike Charey, another Scott chaplain who has a background in psychology, developed an on-line survey for chapel centers to use to measure the ministry effects and identify the best practices as well as other practices that need work. 

"It's been a real team effort," said Chaplain Yerkes. 

The chapel office has also been successful at finding funds to support chapel activities that in most of the activities the chapel holds Airmen pay half or nothing at all to participate. 

"Honestly, I believe that the dorm ministry concept is bringing dorm
residents together," said Senior Airman Jessica Riha, Scott's dorm council president. 
"The Tuesday night bible study and the Thursday night meals are both great ways to reach out to residents. Their involvement grasps all personalities and unites Airmen to be outgoing and positive." 

The goal of the Airmen Ministry Centers is to expand on the Wingman concept, help Airmen in building healthy relationships, develop networking and reinforce the Air Force core values. Spirituality also allows Airmen to find tranquility, stay focused on the mission and be mentally strong in their respective jobs.