Teachable Moments
Chaplain Erik Young, LT, USNR

“Ever since he was a youngster, faith has been a central part of Erik Young’s life. “I always wanted to be part of something that makes the world better…that affects life in a positive way,” he says.

As he matured, a question remained: How best can I serve God and my fellow man?

In college, Erik was naturally drawn to a seminary program. Here, he grew in his Lutheran faith and learned the basics of serving in a local parish. But he felt that he was being called to something more. Then, after establishing himself in his own local parish as a youth minister, he met another pastor who offered words that would change his life: You’d be a great Navy Chaplain. You should join.

That’s how Erik Young found his way into the Navy Reserve.

One thing that helped Chaplain Young make his choice was the fact that he didn’t have to abandon his parishioners in order to serve his country. On the contrary, after learning about his chance to serve as a Navy Chaplain, the men and women of his congregation enthusiastically supported the decision. In their eyes, occasionally sharing their pastor with servicemembers was just another way to give back to the country they loved.

He explains, “A lot of times people ask questions like Wow, what does that ribbon mean?...or...What do you do? We call it a teachable moment. I help them understand what I do and whom I do it with. And it helps them see that part of their ministry is something bigger than this church.”

Back home, his parishioners are also the recipients of another benefit. “Serving in the Navy Reserve gives me new sermons, new stories, new ways to relate things to my congregation,” he says. And it all helps Chaplain Young to be even better equipped for the job of spiritual leader and counselor.

Nowadays, Chaplain Young spends two days a month serving with the Marines at a nearby base in California. One of his responsibilities is to work with Religious Program Specialists (Chaplain Assistants) to make sure they’re fully prepared and outfitted to embark on any mission at a moment’s notice.

In the end, Chaplain Young has found a perfect balance between serving God, country and those at his parish. “I can simply say it is one of the best decisions I have ever made. It is something that has been rewarding for me and my congregation. It’s been rewarding for my family. There’s a sense of pride that you can’t really explain.”

There is also a sense of fulfillment that's quite evident. “When I come back from serving in the Navy Reserve, my wife says, You come back just exuding joy.”

Read more Stories of Service now.

Learn more about a Chaplain career in the Navy.