SMOKEY POINT — To say James Lindstrand is a youth pastor is a true statement. But Lindstrand is not a typical youth pastor, because he knows how to field strip and clean an M-16.
Besides being the youth pastor for The Point church in Smokey Point, Lindstrand also is a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserves, currently serving as a chaplain assistant with the 654th Regional Support Group in Tacoma.
He jokingly insists that hand-to-hand combat isn’t part of youth group discipline.
“Being a youth pastor is a lot of responsibility,” Lindstrand said. “Before, I was helping the vision of the chaplain (in the reserve unit). I was serving in a support role. Now, I have to create my own vision for a youth ministry.”
Lindstrand joined the Army on a delayed entry program after graduating from Marysville-Pilchuck High School in 1998, enlisting as a infantryman. While serving in the infantry, he saw his fellow soldiers’ spiritual needs.
“Becoming a chaplain assistant was a way to fulfill that need and serve my fellow soldiers,” Lindstrand said. “Plus, I want to be a chaplain one day, and it is a great way to see what being a chaplain is all about.”
The role of a chaplain assistant is twofold, combining the duties of both a bodyguard and an administrative clerk.
Recently, Lindstrand has been part of a team ministering to the needs of Army veterans coming home after serving in Operation Enduring Freedom.
“There are just as many emotional wounds as there are physical. Post-traumatic stress disorder is prevalent, and we do what we can to help everyone,” Lindstrand said.
Lindstrand has worked on retreats for families and married couples. Readjustment to civilian life often is difficult, and chaplains are responsible for helping soldiers readjust physically as well as spiritually.
“I was able to teach a couple sessions at the marriage retreat,” Lindstrand said. “It was a great experience. I taught the friendship aspect of marriage, and the fun of dating.”
Lindstrand has taken the eye for detail and administration that he learned in the Army and has applied it as a youth pastor. The Army maxim “lead, follow, or get out of the way” has helped as he transitions to a civilian position of spiritual leadership.
“When you are in a support role, you know what it’s like to be the person behind the scenes,” Lindstrand said. “All those years as a chaplain assistant have helped prepare me, and have equipped me.”
Now Lindstrand is developing his own youth program, which, in his words, is “a constant battle for relevancy.” With the ministry center located adjacent to the Arlington Skate-Park, the Journey youth group could be a prime location during the summer months.
“The transition itself isn’t that fine. The change of focus, different age groups and different communities, so the biggest change has really been in myself,” Lindstrand said. “Being a civilian, I have to actually think about what I’m going to wear for the day that isn’t my standard Army combat uniform.”
Reporter Justin Arnold: 425-339-3432 or jarnold@heraldnet.com.
Journey Youth Group
When: 5:30 to 7 p.m. Sundays
Where: The Point church, 18722 59th Ave. NE, Arlington
More information: 360-435-1616, www.thepointchurch.net
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