Chaplain Alan Rogers talks with Marines in Iraq. Photo courtesy Alan Rogers

ATLANTA – One day, CBF-endorsed chaplain and Navy Lieut. Alan Rogers was asked to baptize a Marine Corps corporal in the Euphrates River in Iraq, near the Syrian border.

"He courageously made a public proclamation of his faith in front of his squad as they crouched in the bushes on the riverbank, providing security for us," Rogers said. "When he emerged from the water, I said, ‘God bless you my brother.’ He replied, ‘God bless you too, Chaps. Now let’s get out of here before we get shot!’"

Stationed in Al Anbar Province, Iraq, supporting Task Force 3/4, Rogers is the Command’s chaplain, serving as an officer on the Task Force Commander’s staff. His duties include planning and implementing the religious ministry functions for the Task Force.

"My primary role here is to facilitate the free exercise of religion and accommodate the religious needs and practices of Marines, Sailors, and their families," Rogers said. "I strive to bring both a ‘ministry of presence’ and a ‘ministry of purpose’ through actions that deliberately provide proactive and responsive ministry support to every member of the force."

Rogers’ ministry is three-pronged: to provide specific religious ministries to members of the Christian faith, protect and facilitate ministry for those of other faith groups, and to extend compassionate pastoral care to all members of the unit and their families regardless of affiliation, including those who choose not to hold a religious belief at all.

"In this context, it’s perhaps the most religiously pluralistic ministry setting anywhere," Rogers said. "I am the ‘Chaps’ not only for the Baptist, Protestant or Christian Marine or Sailor, but equally serve those of many faith groups who are afforded the same religious freedoms they serve here to defend.

"In my opinion, it is a microcosm of the best of the religious liberty of America, and I am blessed to serve these who are truly among America’s best, brightest and most dedicated guardians of freedom."

Rogers provides a continuous "ministry of presence" which means he routinely goes into the battlefield, accompanying Marines and soldiers on patrols, in convoys, or just being there to share a conversation or a meal.

"This setting provides the best opportunity for me to listen as these men express concerns that would not be so readily discussed in another context," Rogers said. "Although I only share a small fraction of the hardship and danger they experience, through my presence I develop credibility and earn trust by simply being with them where they are, sharing with them some of their burdens and helping them shoulder some of their emotional and spiritual loads."

Rogers offers field worship services at battlefield locations.

"I regularly offer short devotionals, prayers and quick words of encouragement," Rogers said. "It’s a humbling experience to pray with these young men as they do a final check of their gear prior to embarking on a combat patrol."

Rogers was commissioned in the Navy Chaplain Corps in 2004 and is assigned to the Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, stationed at Twentynine Palms, Calif. He graduated from the Logsdon School of Theology at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas, where he was a CBF leadership scholar.

"In addition to the blessing of tuition assistance during seminary, this association with CBF also began a meaningful foundation for the ministry to which God called and was preparing me," Rogers said. "I was able to attend a CBF General Assembly, which marked the beginning, for both my wife and me, of lasting mentoring relationships with chaplains, ministers and other brothers and sisters in Christ who now equip, encourage, and sustain us."

As with any military operation, casualties are a way of life. Rogers said ministering to the wounded and dying is the least desirable but arguably most meaningful of his duties.

"While I always strive to offer ministry respecting the distinctive faith group of the individual within the scope of my own endorsement, it is most often a calm presence and reassuring touch and tone they most value," Rogers said. "In this setting where religious, denominational, cultural and political differences quickly lose their divisive power, I am continually reminded that I am always endorsed to offer a loving presence.

"As difficult as this aspect of ministry is, it is also a sacred responsibility and privilege to hold the hand, pray wit