The Leapin' Deacon: The Soldier's Chaplain.

The Leapin' Deacon: The Soldier's Chaplain. By Conrad N. Walker and J. Walker Winslow. Austin: Lang-Marc Publishing, 2004. 269 pages. Paper. $18.95 ($22.50 Canada).

Lutheran churches long have had a place of honor in the annals of military ministry. Lutheran chaplains bring a message centered in Jesus and a style of pastoral care centered in Word and sacraments. They stand firmly on the Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions. Many conduct such ministry in a very effective manner. This book is about one who clearly excels in ministry to the soldiers, Conrad Norman Walker, pastor and Army chaplain.

Raised in Minnesota in a Lutheran Norwegian family, "Connie" learned the essentials of hard work and honest living grounded in family and the Lutheran faith of his ancestors. Wrestling, football, and boxing became essential sports for him. His college football experience as a Washington Huskie opened the door for him to make football a career, but the call of service to the Lord was stronger than the lure of the goal line. He entered seminary and soon adapted his pastoral skills to the ministry of an Army chaplain. His great physical strength and ability guided him to the airborne elite and put him with the frontline units in Vietnam. Here he earned a Silver Star, a story he rarely shares. The reader is privileged to read some of this story of physical strength and care for the wounded.

General John Vessey, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has supplied a brief "Foreword," a testimony to how much this gifted leader and Lutheran layman appreciates the ministry he observed and received from Walker.

This is a book for those who know Connie and want to learn even more about him. It is a book for those interested in ministry to the Armed Forces to read and learn about the joys and trials of the chaplaincy. It is a book that will give any pastor a deeper appreciation for the importance of family in our identity as pastors. It is a book to read when you simply want a great story of one empowered by the joy of the gospel message and the excitement of sharing the Good News in often difficult surroundings. It is a gift to all interested in this privileged area of young adult ministry, that of chaplain to those in service to our nation.

J. Walker Winslow provides some background to the writing of this memoir. He aptly summarizes the many testimonies to Connie's ministry and helped organize the material for the book. He helps tell the story about Connie in the words of others.

For those who know him, this book is a fun trip through a man and a family we know and love. For those who have not had this privilege, it is a powerful introduction to the person and ministry of one of the most dynamic and effective chaplains to serve in the U.S. Army.

Kenneth M. Ruppar

Lutheran Church of Our Saviour 

Richmond, Virginia