Lay Led Ministries in USAREUR: Impact on Command and Community

摘要

The primary purpose of this study is not to suggest solutions or policy, but to present the results of literature search and research. The goal is to present a clear focus of the issues and perceptions of lay led ministries, primarily worship services. In addition to interviewing key personnel whose duties require them to be involved in lay ministry issues and to be decision makers, on-sire research was also conducted and analyzed. On-site research took place in Germany and was accomplished primarily through a questionnaire and interviews with key personnel such as commanders, chaplains, lay worship leaders, and parishioners. To assist in determining the impact that lay ministries have on USAREUR command and community, the research focused on: (1) Command and chaplain perceptions of lay led ministries (worship services); (2) Perceptions of lay leaders and parishioners on lay led worship services; (3) Guidance which has been given to supervisory chaplains; (4) Chaplains Corps doctrine on the subject matter.