#78: Joe Lawhorn - Healing, Growth, and the Grace of God

Joe Lawhorn, recently served as the garrison chaplain for USAG Hawaii. In this conversation, Joe shares his inspiring story of overcoming a dysfunctional and broken childhood to finding faith and purpose in the Army. He credits the sovereignty of God for his transformation and emphasizes the importance of relationships and personal connections in his ministry. Joe's journey led him to become a chaplain and he highlights the significance of one-on-one encounters and small moments of grace in his work. He also discusses his role as a family life chaplain and the healing he experienced during his time in the Ranger Training Battalion. Joe reflects on his personal journey of struggling with depression and finding healing and purpose as a chaplain in the military. He emphasizes the importance of taking care of oneself and prioritizing relationships, both within the family and in leadership roles. He also discusses the challenges of balancing the roles of an officer and a pastor, and the need to resist the trappings of institutional pressures. He encourages chaplains to be true to their calling and to be a light in the darkness, even if it means looking different from others.

 

 

Takeaways

• The sovereignty of God can transform lives and provide purpose
• Building relationships and making personal connections are essential in ministry
• Small moments of grace and one-on-one encounters can have a significant impact
• Overcoming a dysfunctional childhood can shape one's approach to ministry
• Being a family life chaplain involves helping others navigate and heal from family challenges Take care of yourself and prioritize your own well-being, as it is the foundation for helping others.
• Remember that your first priority mission is the one under your own roof.
• Resist the trappings of institutional pressures and focus on being a minister and a pastor to those in need.
• Don't confuse relevance with sameness; be willing to look different and live according to your faith.
• Be a light in the darkness and inspire others through your personal example.

Titles

• The Power of Relationships in Ministry
• From Dysfunction to Faith: Joe LaHorn's Inspiring Journey Balancing the Roles of an Officer and a Pastor
• Finding Healing and Purpose as a Military Chaplain

Sound Bites

• "God rolled out the red carpet for you."
• "I never give up on anybody. I never write anybody off as a lost cause."
• "I would shut the door to my office, flip off the light and hide under my desk."
• "I did that over and over and over again"
• "What the world needs is not more of you. It needs a more healthy you."
• "We've never had it better and hated it more."

Chapters

00:00Introduction and Appreciation

01:28Joe's Childhood and Journey to Faith

08:00Joe's Rebellious Teenage Years and Love for Baseball

12:19Joe's Red Carpet Experience and Decision to Join the Army

27:27Joe's Transition to Family Life Chaplain

40:27Joe's Healing Year in the Ranger Training Battalion

45:28Struggles and Depression at Fort Bragg

46:44Struggling with Depression and Putting on a Facade

49:40Finding Healing and Purpose as a Military Chaplain

55:35Transitioning to Family Life and Shaping Leadership Philosophy

01:00:33Balancing the Roles of an Officer and a Pastor

01:03:19Reflecting on the State of the World and the Importance of Relationships

01:17:44Resisting Institutional Pressures and Prioritizing Relationships

01:27:44Being a Light in the Darkness: Living According to Your Faith