🌟 Commissioned to Shine: The Call, the Road, and the Journey Ahead

Speaker 1 (Henry):
Well, Chaplain Monte, this is our twelfth and final presentation of this class. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed doing this with you. I’ve learned from you. I’ve been encouraged. I really see your heart for ministry.

Today is a commissioning and sending class. Chaplains are called to spread the light of Christ. Every encounter is an opportunity to bring the gospel. You are commissioned to shine where others only see darkness. Let your light shine.

Today we’re going to talk about being commissioned to shine.

📣 The Call to Go

Speaker 1 (Henry):
Chaplaincy is both a calling and a sending. Every conversation is a chance to make disciples. The gospel is mobile—just like ministry on the road.

When we talk about calling, there is:

  • an internal call—the Holy Spirit stirring within you

  • an external call—people in your life recognizing your heart and presence

  • confirmation of that calling

  • and the response: “Lord, send me.”

That calling leads to study and formation. This is what Christian Leaders Institute and Christian Leaders Alliance exist to support. Using an early church term, someone becomes a catechumen—a learner who desires to grow.

They study, complete training, are confirmed, and then recognized by prayer. That recognition is a gift we call ordination.

This isn’t mail-order ordination—“Send me my certificate.” That’s like Simon the sorcerer. Calling involves discernment and process.

So let me ask you: what are the external marks of calling you see in someone who might be a truck stop chaplain?

Speaker 2 (Monte):
First, their walk with the Lord. Then their passion—for truckers, truck stop employees, people in general.

Persistence matters. Someone who’s called wants to be there. If someone doesn’t want to be there, you have to question their calling.

And I want to say clearly: chaplaincy is not a lesser calling than pastoring. It’s a God-given calling, and it’s very important.

🔥 Empowered by the Holy Spirit

Speaker 1 (Henry):
Absolutely. Chaplains are empowered by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit equips and sustains. Dependence on the Spirit ensures faithfulness. Power flows from prayerful surrender.

Christianity works this way: the more you surrender, the more God’s power is displayed. The more you hold on, the more you operate in your own strength.

It’s the prayer: “Here I am, Lord. Send me.” And as you surrender, the Holy Spirit opens doors.

It reminds me of the old song, Have Thine Own Way, Lord.

Speaker 2 (Monte):
That was one of my favorite songs growing up—in the Christian Church, Disciples of Christ.

Speaker 1 (Henry):
It captures the heart of the kingdom.

🚛 Representing Christ on the Road

Speaker 1 (Henry):
Chaplains carry the presence of Christ into every truck stop and diner. You are ambassadors of reconciliation. Your witness travels wherever your feet go.

God often works through ordinary encounters. A simple act of kindness can spark eternal change. There are no small conversations when Christ is present.

Speaker 2 (Monte):
My wife and I live this way. Even after church on Sundays, when we go out to eat, we’re still in ministry. It’s a lifestyle.

We’ll ask servers, “Is there anything we can pray for you about?” They don’t expect it—but many open up. That can happen anywhere: restaurants, grocery stores, daily life.

Speaker 1 (Henry):
That’s powerful. This is real ministry.

🌱 Training and Multiplying Leaders

Speaker 1 (Henry):
Multiply your impact by equipping others. Reproduction is a hallmark of spiritual maturity.

At CLI, one of the first classes people take is Multiplying Christian Leaders. The point is simple: you’re not the only one called.

At a truck stop, who knows—you might recruit an entire team of chaplains.

Have you seen much multiplication?

Speaker 2 (Monte):
Not a lot. Many people don’t understand chaplaincy. Some pastors worry we’ll steal their sheep.

But we’re not taking people. We’re asking for volunteers—maybe one Sunday a month. This is a legitimate ministry. How will people know they’re called if the need is never shared?

Speaker 1 (Henry):
That really convicts me. There are enough workers—we just need to mobilize them.

What excites me about Christian Leaders Institute and Alliance is that they are multiplication tools.

My challenge to you: can you find five more people and introduce them to this ministry? Let’s take the truck stops of America—and the world—back into Christ-centered territory.

🤝 The Joy and Cost of the Calling

Speaker 2 (Monte):
It is possible. But it can be a lonely ministry.

We don’t have Pastor Appreciation Month. The reward comes from the Lord—seeing lives changed and relationships built.

Truck stop chaplaincy is often misunderstood. That’s why sharing in churches matters. If your church is open, talk to your pastor. Let us share what God is doing.

🌾 Humble in the Harvest

Speaker 1 (Henry):
Ministry is more joyful when shared. Collaboration strengthens the gospel. Stay humble in the harvest. Success belongs to God. Glory belongs to Him alone.

This is not glamorous ministry—but it is vital ministry. Much of it is men’s ministry, and men have been beaten down in Western culture. This work matters deeply.

Behind every driver is often a family—spouse, children, relationships. The ripple effects are enormous.

Speaker 2 (Monte):
They really are. It’s a family ministry. The impact spreads.

⚔️ Facing Opposition and Spiritual Warfare

Speaker 1 (Henry):
Not everyone will receive the gospel warmly. Your peace and perseverance reflect Christ’s strength. Light always triumphs over darkness.

There is spiritual warfare at truck stops.

Speaker 2 (Monte):
Yes. We’ve had witches casting spells on us. But greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world.

🎉 Celebrating Changed Lives

Speaker 1 (Henry):
Celebrate lives changed by grace. Heaven rejoices over every redeemed soul.

The journey of ministry continues as long as you have breath. God’s mission moves forward through your faithfulness. Keep preaching, praying, and serving in love.

“Shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life.” —Philippians 2:15

🚚 Looking Ahead

Speaker 1 (Henry):
Truck stop ministry has the potential to grow like never before. If you’re young, maybe in your twenties, love the road, love Jesus—this is the ground floor.

The hurt and need in our fragmented world is immense.

Speaker 2 (Monte):
It can be a lowly ministry—but it’s deeply rewarding.

Speaker 1 (Henry):
You have the power of the gospel, the opportunity to impact families, the call to multiply leaders, and the chance to help raise the next generation of chaplains.

We are not of those who shrink back, but of those who believe. That’s what this is all about.

Thank you, Monte. Thank you for following through on what the Lord led you to do with this course.

Speaker 2 (Monte):
Thank you.

Speaker 1 (Henry):
And we look forward to seeing what the Holy Spirit will do in your lives as you pursue truck stop chaplaincy.

Last modified: Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 1:40 PM