If  you  are  wondering  why  these  actions  should  be included  in  your  normal  routines,  you  should  remember that statistical data, if not recorded, cannot be recalled when your chaplain may need these facts for reports or accountability.  The  fact  that  150  people  observed Jewish  worship  or  that  you  took  75  telephone  calls  in regard to facility usage per day for the past month are important data and represent a very important function in your normal duties and responsibilities. In addition to your chaplain, the following officials will need to use the data you collect: Commanding  officers—Your  commanding officer  will  need  to  know  how  dynamic  the  CRP is. Chief of Chaplains—This official will need to know how the various assigned chaplains are functioning. Major  claimants—These  authorities  need  to  be advised  on  the  ministries  within  their claimancy. Endorsing agents—These groups need to know that their chaplains are effective in ministry. As an RP, you must understand how important the accurate gathering of data is not only to your CRP but also to religious program support Navywide. RELIGIOUS  MINISTRY  FACILITY One of the most important areas with which you will be concerned is the religious ministry facility (RMF). The RMF, whether afloat or ashore, is the center for worship. As an RP, you should always keep in mind that the RMF is a reflection of the sea service personnel we serve. Built from stones, steel, glass, and wood, the RMF  is  the  heart  and  cornerstone  of  the  naval community  because  it  is  the  place  where  people  of  all religious,  ethnic,  and  cultural  backgrounds  can assemble to worship. An  RMF  contains  areas  that  are  referred  to  in technical terms that every RP must be able to use and understand. The three primary elements in an RMF are: 1.  Worship  center 2.  Religious  education  center 3. Administrative office In the following paragraphs, let’s take a look at each of  these  elements. WORSHIP  CENTER As its name implies, the worship center is a building provided for worship and proclaimed to welcome all people for the free exercise of their religion. Because worship centers are intended to be used by all faith groups,  they  are  designed  for  multiple  uses.  Each worship center must be meticulously cared for and made suitable  for  the  active  participation  of  all  naval personnel  and  their  families. A worship center may have several distinct sections: the  nave,  choir,  narthex,  aisle,  chancel,  baptistery, chapel, sanctuary, and sacristy. As an RP dedicated to religious program service, you should be familiar with all of these sections. Nave The nave is the main body of the worship center. As the area reserved for the worshipers, the nave consists of the central open space, including the side aisles, that extends to the rear of the facility. Choir As its name implies, the choir is the section set aside for a musical choir. Some RMFs make use of a choir loft, either in the sanctuary or at the entrance, in which both the organ and the musical choir perform. Modern architecture will often try to place the choir where it can be seen by the congregation without obstructing the congregation’s view of the sanctuary. Narthex The narthex is the vestibule, or porch, at the entrance of the church. It is separated from the nave by a wall, railing, or screen. Aisle The aisle is the architectural division of the worship center on either side of the nave. It can be separated from the worship center by a series of columns or pillars. Chancel The  chancel  is  the  area  of  the  worship  center assigned to the officiating clergy. The chancel includes the area around the altar, and may even include the choir area. 1-5