What has been your experience/impression of chapel services, and how would you recommend improvement?

CH (COL) Geoff Bailey — Sun, 26 Apr 2015 15:46:49 -0400

Have you found the sermons to be relevant and engaging? Was the music well done? Was the service organized well? Did you feel welcome and connected?

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Apr 26 at 2015 4:17 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Sun, 26 Apr 2015 16:17:19 -0400

Being Roman Catholic, I feel a lot depends on how engaging the officiate is. Civilian or military I've encountered some very good priests who can get the congregation's attention and inspire them through their service and some who just monotone it through and flat line. As many know RC is very ritualistic and ceremonial and a priest who isn't inspiring just makes me feel like, "is it over yet?" Our Chaplain on deployment was Episcopalian and a very inspiring individual. I found his services lighter on ceremony and more into the verses and application to every day life with a more "free spirited" view than the RC church.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Apr 26 at 2015 8:36 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Sun, 26 Apr 2015 20:36:20 -0400

I haven't been to on-post services in years. I'll have to check out Davis-Monthan AFB and report back.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2015 8:57 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Apr 2015 20:57:37 -0400

I'm a National Guardsman, so my chapel needs/desires, are probably somewhat different than those of active duty soldiers, as I never attend chapel except in a deployed or field environment. In a garrison environment, I might not care so much about the ministry, but in a deployed/field environment, I like a traditional service. I come for communion, for the music, and last to hear a sermon. I prefer older gospel songs and hymns that many of us know by heart as apposed to trying to learn new songs. As for messages, stick to the bible, and I'm a happy man.