Dictionary.com defines a Chaplain as;

1. A member of the clergy attached to a chapel.
2.  
1. A member of the clergy who conducts religious services for an institution, such as a prison or hospital.
2. A member of the clergy who is connected with a royal court or an aristocratic household.
3. A member of the clergy attached to a branch of the armed forces.

Although I am not an ordained minister of a church I believe that God has called me to ministry, has ordained me (set me apart) for the task of ministering to people. Within the context of my work in Edinburgh’s Grassmarket amongst homeless people, this ministry is in feeding, guiding and giving spiritual assistance to those who have a need. For you, within the context of the Queen’s Badge Award my ministry to you, I hope, will be to support, guide and assist you in your Christian growth and experience.

I believe that part of the advantage of being involved in an organisation such as the BB is that as you grow from boys to men you are given standards and structure that will enable that growth to be more secure, better founded and rooted and therefore better established; enabling you to face the challenges of your future years. Biblical teaching and principles are invaluable in giving this kind of worthy instruction.

Christianity is not about a bunch of pompous rules and high ideals. Even the most worthy principles and instruction are nothing compared to knowing Jesus in a personal way. Really, it’s not about doing the right thing; it’s about following the right guy. When Jesus called his disciples - a bunch of uneducated, teenage, fishermen -  he simply said "Follow me", Jesus says the same thing to you today.

Now, I don’t want to undermine the object of the Boys' Brigade: far be it from me to contradict that!  I just believe that the best way to advance Christ’s Kingdom amongst Boys (and young men) is to encourage them to follow Jesus: not just in having a respect for His teaching, but in making Him Lord of your life. Putting Jesus first, submitting to His will leads to advancing His kingdom on a corporate scale and also individually promoting those habits of obedience, reverence, discipline, self-respect and all that leads to a TRUE Christian manliness. It’s more than words, more than our efforts, it’s not something we can achieve by striving towards it in our own strength, Jesus calls us to follow Him, to submit to Him and in doing so, in following his example those habits become the norm in our lives.

I want to be available to you all, not just for the duration of the Queen’s Badge Completion Course, but throughout the years when you, as Queen’s Badge Candidates are undertaking this task (and afterwards, when as Queen's Men, you may remain in, or leave the BB).  I would encourage you to get in touch with me by email if you have any questions that I might be able to help you with.  I would also be very happy to meet up with you if there is something you would rather discuss face to face. I am in Edinburgh most days and would be delighted to find the time to have a chat over a coffee (you’re paying!).  There is also the opportunity of being involved in the work that I do amongst people with experience of homelessness in the Grassmarket, this can count towards the Community Service section of the Award. My door is open, just drop me an email or give me a call.

David Todd
Chaplain

I have been asked to recommend some books that might be of interest or might help you to learn more about Christianity.

Questions of Life by Nicky Gumbel. This is the book that the world famous Alpha Course is based on. It contains a series of studies around the basics of Christianity and is an excellent introduction for those who have no knowledge of Christian faith.

Searching Issues by Nicky Gumbel. This book, which compliments the previous book, discusses issues around suffering, sex before marriage, science and the bible, other religions and several other subjects that people sometimes struggle with. A great book for those who want to hear what God says about things that we sometimes find difficult.

Basic Christianity by John Stott. A more serious book, which clearly lays out Christian Theology and explains just what Christians believe and what the bible says about our world and our lives.

What’s So Amazing About Grace by Phil Yancey. A superb book that every Christian should read. It will challenge your preconceptions and encourage your faith. I believe that it’s message of grace and acceptance is absolutely timely in a world where people are quick to judge others.

Rumours of Another World by Phil Yancey. Another of Yancey’s books which is great for those who are searching for the truth of God’s involvement in our world.

Mere Christianity by CS Lewis. CS Lewis who wrote The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe was one of the foremost apologists of the 20^th Century. In this book he argues that Christianity is the only truth worth knowing. This is a great, if challenging, book for the serious reader.

Courageous Leadership by Bill Hybells. A great book for those who are in any kind of leadership role. Bill Hybells spells out his plan for the local church and instructs the reader in Christian leadership. One of the best books I have ever read.

Don’t Just Stand There, Pray Something by Ronald Dunn. A book about and encouraging prayer. An excellent inspiration to a vibrant prayer life.

Six Hours One Friday by Max Lucado. A meditation of the last hours of Jesus’ life. A real inspiration, any of Lucado’s books are worth a read.

Run Baby Run by Nicky Cruz & The Cross and the Switchblade by David Wilkerson. Wilkerson was a British missionary who worked with gangs in the US. Nicky Cruz was one of the gang members. These are great books for teenagers who want to see what the impact of God can be in people’s lives.

Walk On by Steve Stockman. A spiritual biography of the best rock band in the world, U2. Stockman was Bono and The Edge’s youth pastor in Dublin; this is just about the coolest book about the coolest band on earth!

In His Steps by Charles M Sheldon. What would happen if a whole church followed the adage What Would Jesus Do? for a whole year? Recommended by my wife!

No Compromise by Melody Green and David Hazard. A biography of Christian musician and songwriter Keith Green. The story of a man who was not willing to cut corners in his tragically short life. Challenging and inspirational.

All of these books should be available in Wesley Owen or online at Amazon.com.