Alonzo Daniels, pastor of Union Missionary Baptist Church in Brundidge, has received certification as a professional chaplain and will now reassume his fulltime pastorate.

Daniels received his certification at a graduation ceremony at St. Francis Hospital Chapel in Columbus, Georgia, where he completed his residency.

“As a professional chaplain, I will be able to also minister to those in prisons, hospitals and mental institutions,” Daniels said. “God led me to the pulpit ministry and He has led me to this ministry. Certification as a professional chaplain allows me the opportunity to encounter people that I would not usually minister to in the framework of church ministry and people in situations of difficulty, uncertainty or crisis.”

Daniels said the overall objectives of clinical pastoral education/training are the deeper development of personal and pastoral identity as a caregiver and growth in the competence in care giving.

“I am looking forward to this outreach ministry,” he said. “I so much appreciate the support of my church in allowing me to be absent for 16 months during the week and many weekends to pursue other goals outside of the local parish. I don’t know of many churches that would allow their pastors to do that.”

Daniels said that Union Missionary Baptist is a great church and he has many good memories of his 20 years of service as the church pastor.

“I’ve been working with the best group of people who never felt they shouldn’t try something or be innovative,” he said. “They have always been open to change, to try new things and reach out to the community. Union has a very loving attitude and commitment, which has showed itself in so many ways. They think more of what they can do for others than for themselves.”

Daniels said Union Missionary Baptist Church has allowed him to operate outside the box.

“I am grateful for their loving support and dedication to the ‘Body of Christ’ in my limited service for almost a year and a half,” he said. “Words can’t express my gratitude to the associate ministers and the laity of the church family.”