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The Newsletter for Endorsed Chaplains, Certified Chaplains and Advisory Board Members
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| DIRECTOR'S CORNER NAE CHAPLAINCY
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| Welcome to the very first edition of the Evangelical Chaplains Chronicle.
“Serving chaplains in their unique places of ministry.” Those aren't simply words on a page. They express why we exist. Every chaplain serves in a unique place of ministry. Some stand beside hospital beds. Others walk the tiers of correctional institutions, accompany first responders into moments of crisis, minister alongside military members and their families, or care for residents in long-term care facilities. Many serve in workplaces, hospice programs, community ministries, and countless other settings where Christ's presence is needed every day.
Although your ministry settings are different, your calling is the same. God has placed you where few others can go, and it is our privilege at NAE Chaplaincy to come alongside you as you faithfully serve him. Everything we do is driven by one purpose: serving chaplains in their unique places of ministry. That means encouraging you, praying for you, equipping you, connecting you with fellow chaplains, and reminding you that you are part of a larger family of evangelical chaplains who care deeply for one another.
This first issue of the Evangelical Chaplains Chronicle marks another step in that commitment. My prayer is that every edition will encourage your heart, strengthen your ministry, and remind you that NAE Chaplaincy is here to serve you. As you read this, I hope you'll make this your newsletter. Share stories from your ministry. Celebrate what God is doing in your unique place of service.
Let us know how we can pray for you and how we can better serve you. We welcome you to submit articles, photos and announcements for publication in the Evangelical Chaplains Chronicle. Please email your material to Dr. Juliana Lesher at JLesher@NAE.org. Thank you for your faithful ministry.
Many of the people you and other chaplains serve may never remember our names, but they will remember that someone showed up, listened, prayed and reflected the compassion of Christ when they needed it most. Thank you for being that someone. “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV).
Serving alongside you,
STEVE WEST
Director of NAE Chaplaincy
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| Meet Sheila Steward, Executive Assistant
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| Sheila Steward is the executive assistant for NAE Chaplaincy. Sheila lives in Alabaster, Alabama, is married to Dustin, and has four children: Gabe, Michael, Charli Kate, and Mason. She came to saving faith in Christ at the age of 6 and attends Cultivate Church in Shelby County, Alabama. Her favorite scripture is Psalm 91. “I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust” (vs. 2).
Sheila started working for the NAE in October 2025 and feels so very blessed to assist the NAE Chaplaincy Team. Sheila has an associate's degree in applied science business management from Jefferson State Community College in Birmingham, Alabama. Shelia enjoys crafting, making floral arrangements, and serving at Cultivate Church where she is actively involved in the women’s ministry and children’s ministry. Sheila is truly passionate about showing the love of Jesus to women and their families.
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| Meet Karis Watts, Membership Coordinator
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| Karis Watts is the membership coordinator for the Evangelical Chaplains Commission. Karis lives in Alabaster, Alabama, is married to Michael, and has two children: Ellie and Benji. She came to saving faith in Christ at the age of 3 and attends Cultivate Church in Shelby County, Alabama. Her favorite Scripture is Psalm 34:18, “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
Karis started working for the NAE in May 2022 after her pastor, Brandon Doss, inquired if she would be interested in working for the NAE. Karis had been doing administrative work for the church and was not looking for a job, but believes that the Lord brought the ministry opportunity with the NAE to her. Karis enjoys sewing, baking, working out and trying new things. Karis and her husband are DIY’ers and are currently renovating their home, which is a true labor of love. Karis notes that she is a genuine southern gal, and respect and courtesy go a long way with her.
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| PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR AUGUST BIRTHDAYS
Robert Miskowski – August 2
Gene Monnin – August 2
Anthony Achee – August 9
Marvin Bryce – August 9
Lester Olsen – August 10
David Miller – August 13
Katie Sosa – August 15
Megan Aycock – August 19
Jonathan Gallardo – August 19
Ian Laupa – August 19
Mareque Ireland – August 20
Glen Holman – August 20
Argle Smith – August 25
Caroline Wooldridge – August 25
Brett Cole – August 30
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| "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace" (Numbers 6:24–26).
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| ANNUAL ECC ENDORSER'S CONFERENCE
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This annual conference is for all chaplains endorsed by the Evangelical Chaplains Commission. We will meet from August 25–28, 2026 in Birmingham, AL. We look forward to seeing our endorsed chaplains at the Hyatt Regency Birmingham – The Wynfrey Hotel. The training will focus upon the use of artificial intelligence by chaplains. AI offers new tools for documentation, communication, and pastoral care that are relevant to the daily work of chaplains. Come prepared to learn and discuss the theological implications of AI.
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| It is a privilege serving the NAE Chaplaincy.
Prayerfully,
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| JULIANA LESHER
Director of the Evangelical Board of Certified Chaplains
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