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Institutional/Occupational Chaplaincy Qualifications Back to Index

The specific qualifications for chaplains serving in secular institutions and specialized settings are as diverse as the settings in which chaplains serve. The reason for the variances in qualifications is primarily due to the differences in the nature of the settings and the operating procedures of the institutions concerned. Generally speaking, healthcare and correctional institutions develop their own set of qualifications for chaplains they employ. These qualifications are greatly influenced by the respective regulations and budgets of these institutions and/or facilities. Accordingly, candidates who are seeking endorsement are encouraged to determine the overall qualifications and especially educational requirements for the position they are seeking to fill. 

Ecclesiastical Endorsement

Ecclesiastical endorsement is the written acknowledgement by a faith group/denomination that an individual is in good standing and meets the qualifications for clergy credentials with their faith group/denomination. Generally speaking, major institutions, federal/state correctional systems, and healthcare facilities require that chaplains and pastoral counselors have the endorsement of their respective faith group/denomination.

Endorsement Types

At the May 2004 meeting of the Commission on Chaplains adopted the following criteria for endorsement.

 

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Correctional Chaplaincy Back to Index

The roles and functions of Correctional Chaplains will vary depending on the institutions and specific ministry settings in which they serve. Chaplains have opportunities to minister to inmates, their families, their victims, and the law enforcement officials with whom they work. Men and women who are incarcerated are often open to the gospel because hope is gone, friends have forsaken them, money has run out, and many families have disintegrated. Under the circumstances, chaplains must depend on the direction of the Holy Spirit to discern the correct time and the most effective way to witness and counsel.

Federal Bureau of Prisons Chaplaincy

1. Master of Divinity degree or the equivalent (20 graduate hours of theology, 20 graduate hours of sacred writings, 20 graduate hours of church history or comparative religions, and 20 graduate hours of ministry courses) from an American Theological School (ATS) accredited residential seminary or school of theology.
2. Ordained by the Assemblies of God.
3. Two years of pastoral ministry with experience in conducting:  baptisms, communion services, weddings, funerals, and death notifications. 
4. Willingness to provide religious and worship services in the tradition of one’s faith group and coordinate programs for inmates of all faiths.
5. Selected by the Federal Bureau of Prisons by age 37.
6. Pass physical requirements and examination by the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
7. Make application to the National Chaplaincy Department for Advanced Endorsement.
8. Interview with Commission on Chaplains in Springfield, MO.  Interviews are scheduled twice a year in May and November.
9. Debt can be a hindering issue for this type of Chaplaincy Ministry.  If you have concerns that this might be a factor for you, please contact our office to discuss this with the endorser.  

State Correctional Chaplaincy

1. Educational requirements will vary by state, but generally a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree is required. Applicants should contact the appropriate state Department of Corrections for information concerning educational qualifications.
2. Credentialed by the Assemblies of God.
3. Two years of pastoral ministry with experience in conducting:  baptisms, communion services, weddings, funerals, and death notifications. 
4. Willingness to provide and coordinate programs for inmates of all faiths.
5. Make application to the National Chaplaincy Department for Endorsement.  Level of endorsement is determined by the Chaplaincy Department and is based upon education, ministerial credentials, and employment status. (See Endorsement Levels.)
6. Interview with Commission on Chaplains or Chaplaincy Representative, depending on Endorsement Level.

City and County Jail Chaplaincy

1. Educational requirements will vary by facility.  Contact individual facility for their specifications.
2. Credentialed by the Assemblies of God.
3. Two years of pastoral ministry with experience in conducting:  baptisms, communion services, weddings, funerals, and death notifications. 
4. Willingness to provide and coordinate programs for inmates of all faiths.
5. Make application to the National Chaplaincy Department for Endorsement.  Level of endorsement is determined by the Chaplaincy Department and is based upon education, ministerial credentials, and employment status. (See Endorsement Levels.)
6. Interview with Commission on Chaplains or Chaplaincy Representative, depending on Endorsement Level.

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Healthcare Chaplaincy Back to Index

The role and functions of healthcare chaplains are diverse and include a variety of ministry settings. For example, chaplains may serve as vital members of interdisciplinary healthcare teams in hospitals, mental health institutions, hospices, nursing homes, or facilities for the severely disabled. They offer critically needed spiritual and emotional support to patients and their families who are facing the most difficult times in their lives. Serving as a bridge between patients, families and medical staff, chaplains provide counsel on the religious implications of a variety of healthcare options, including end of life issues and organ donation.

Hospital

The Chaplaincy Department encourages applicants seeking endorsement as hospital chaplains to meet the criteria outlined by the Association of Professional Chaplains (see Frequently Asked Questions). Within the professional field, the following qualifications are desired for hospital chaplains. However, it is understood that all hospitals do not require their chaplains to meet these qualifications. 

1. A Master of Divinity degree or the equivalent (72 hours) from an American Theological School (ATS) accredited seminary or school of theology.
2. Ordained by the Assemblies of God.
3. Two years of pastoral ministry with experience in conducting:  baptisms, communion services, weddings, funerals, and death notifications. 
4. Willingness to provide and coordinate programs for individuals of all faiths.
5. Pass physical examination required by the hiring institution.
6. Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) four units/1600 hours, accredited by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education.
7. Make application to the National Chaplaincy Department for Endorsement. Level of endorsement is determined by the Chaplaincy Department and is based upon education, ministerial credentials, and employment status. (See Endorsement Levels.)
8. Interview with Commission on Chaplains or Chaplaincy Representative, depending on Endorsement Level.

Hospice

The Chaplaincy Department recognizes that there are no universal qualifications for hospice chaplains, therefore, the Department requires that applicants for endorsement meet the qualifications of the hiring institutions. Within the professional field, the following qualifications are desired for hospice chaplains. 

1. A Bachelors degree.
2. Credentialed with the Assemblies of God.
3. Two years of ministry with experience in conducting:  baptisms, communion services, weddings, funerals, and death notifications. 
4. Willingness to provide spiritual support for individuals of all faiths.
5. Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) one unit/400 hours, accredited by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education.
6. Make application to the National Chaplaincy Department for Endorsement. Level of endorsement is determined by the Chaplaincy Department and is based upon education, ministerial credentials, and employment status. (See Endorsement Levels.)
7. Interview with Commission on Chaplains or Chaplaincy Representative, depending on Endorsement Level.

Nursing Home

The Chaplaincy Department recognizes that there are no universal qualifications for nursing home chaplains, therefore, the Department requires that applicants for endorsement meet the qualifications of the hiring institutions. Within the professional field, the following qualifications are desired for nursing home chaplains. 

1. A Bachelors degree.
2. Credentialed by the Assemblies of God.
3. Two years of ministry with experience in conducting:  baptisms, communion services, funerals, and death notifications. 
4. Willingness to provide spiritual support for individuals of all faiths.
5. Make application to the National Chaplaincy Department for Endorsement. Level of endorsement is determined by the Chaplaincy Department and is based upon education, ministerial credentials, and employment status. (See Endorsement Levels.)
6. Interview with Commission on Chaplains or Chaplaincy Representative, depending on Endorsement Level.

Counseling

Generally speaking, endorsement is not required for counselors except for those certified by AAPC. However, for those counselors seeking endorsement the following qualifications apply:

1. Professional Education in Counseling: Graduate degree and/or certification by AAPC.
2. Credentialed by the Assemblies of God.
3. Professional License as required by the state in which the applicant practices counseling.
4. Membership in a professional organization preferred.
5. Counseling Experience:  Advanced Level – 500 hours per year for three consecutive years; Specialized Level – 500 hours for one year.
6. Make application to the National Chaplaincy Department for Endorsement. Level of endorsement is determined by the Chaplaincy Department and is based upon education, ministerial credentials, and employment status. (See Endorsement Levels.)
7. Interview with Commission on Chaplains or Chaplaincy Representative, depending on Endorsement Level.

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Police/Fire Chaplaincy Back to Index

Chaplains serving with fire and police departments often work alongside the fire fighters and police officers they minister to in situations that threaten their own safety. These chaplains also minister to victims and families of those in trauma situations. Today, more than ever, these people need spiritual guidance, counseling for themselves and their families, and assistance coping with stressful occupations.

Police and fire department chaplains should generally meet the following requirements. However, it is understood that all police and fire departments do not require their chaplains to meet these qualifications. 

1. Credentialed by the Assemblies of God.
2. Two years of ministry with experience in conducting:  baptisms, communion services, weddings, funerals, and death notifications. 
3. Willingness to provide spiritual support for individuals of all faiths.
4. Make application to the National Chaplaincy Department for Endorsement. Level of endorsement is determined by the Chaplaincy Department and is based upon education, ministerial credentials, and employment status. (See Endorsement Levels.)
5. Interview with Commission on Chaplains or Chaplaincy Representative, depending on Endorsement Level.

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Specialized Chaplaincy Back to Index

Specialized settings include aviation, corporate, motorcycle, political, racetrack, rescue mission, rodeo, sports, and trucking chaplains as well as many others. In keeping with the example displayed by Jesus Christ, these chaplains will go almost anywhere so that others will know Christ.

1. Credentialed by the Assemblies of God. (If missionary appointment is needed, license or ordination is required ).
2. Two years of ministry with experience in conducting:  baptisms, communion services, weddings, funerals, and death notifications.
3. Willingness to provide spiritual support for individuals of all faiths.
4. Make application to the National Chaplaincy Department for Endorsement. Level of endorsement is determined by the Chaplaincy Department and is based upon education, ministerial credentials, and employment status. (See Endorsement Levels.)
5. Interview with Commission on Chaplains or Chaplaincy Representative, depending on Endorsement Level.

Most specialized chaplains have to raise their own support and must obtain National U.S. Missionary appointment. See website for U.S. Missions requirements (www.usmissions.ag.org).  For U.S. Missions appointment, the interviewing body will be the U.S. Missions Board instead of the Commission on Chaplains. 

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I/O Frequently Asked Questions Back to Index

What is a chaplain?

Webster’s dictionary defines a chaplain as “a member of the clergy officially attached to a special group.”  In the Assemblies of God, a chaplain is a person called by God to reach a particular group of people in a specialized setting with the love of Christ.

Where do chaplains minister?

The Assemblies of God currently has chaplains ministering in jails, prisons, juvenile facilities, nursing homes, hospitals, hospice centers, truck stops, rodeos, race tracks, rescue missions, airports, law enforcement agencies, fire departments, emergency medical services, industries, businesses, schools, sports arenas, motorcycle rallies and mental health facilities. We continue to expand into new areas as God leads.

What do chaplains do?

Chaplains perform a variety of functions depending on their ministry location, but there are general functions common to all. Opportunities for evangelism, discipleship, and pastoral counseling, as well as the administrative duties of record keeping and scheduling of time and facilities are part of the ministry. In addition, preaching and Bible studies give chaplains freedom to expound God’s Word in a variety of settings.

What is Ecclesiastical Endorsement?

Ecclesiastical endorsement is both a legal and technical term in chaplaincy. It is the official process by which a denomination evaluates chaplain applicants and certifies to hiring agencies that the applicant is qualified for a particular chaplaincy position. In the Assemblies of God, this process begins with a written application for endorsement and culminates with a personal interview with the Commission on Chaplains or Chaplaincy Representative.

What is the Commission on Chaplains?

The Commission on Chaplains is the approving and endorsing agency for the Assemblies of God. The Commission grants ecclesiastical endorsement to interviewed applicants for Institutional, Occupational, Military and Veterans Affairs chaplaincy who meet all requirements for their field of ministry.

What is CPE?

Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) is an interfaith professional education for ministry. It brings theological students and ministers of all faiths (pastors, priests, rabbis, imams and others) into supervised encounters with persons in crisis. Out of an intense involvement with persons in need, and the feedback from peers and teachers, students develop new awareness of themselves as persons and of the needs of those to whom they minister. From theological reflection on specific human situations, they gain a new understanding of ministry. Within the interdisciplinary team process of helping persons, they develop skills in interpersonal and inter-professional relationships. Clinical Pastoral Education includes the goals of pastoral reflection, pastoral formation, pastoral competence and pastoral specialization.

Are there openings for chaplains across the United States?

Yes. Many healthcare facilities are growing and establishing or expanding chaplaincy. Growth in state and federal prison populations means correctional chaplaincies are also growing. In addition, settings in industry and specialized ministries offer opportunities to reach people who are not normally touched by the gospel. For qualified and dedicated men and women, there are unlimited possibilities for chaplaincy ministry.

How can I find a chaplaincy position?

There is no national clearinghouse for all chaplaincies, so finding a position requires some commitment. Contact the Chaplaincy Department for specific information and to learn how other chaplains have located positions.

What are the qualifications for certification by the Association of Professional Chaplains for healthcare chaplains?

• Bachelor’s Degree from a college or university that is accredited by a member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
• Theological education at the graduate professional level involving a minimum of three years (72 credit hours) from an institution accredited by the Council of Higher Education Accreditation.
• Ordination by an appropriate religious authority.
• Endorsement by a recognized religious faith group for ministry as a chaplain.
• Four units (1600 hours) of Clinical Education accredited by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education.
• A minimum of one year’s full-time experience as a chaplain apart from clinical training or residency.

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Military/Veterans Affairs Chaplaincy Back to Index

Types of Chaplain Recognition

The Commission on Chaplains is the only officially recognized endorsing agency for Assemblies of God applicants for the Military Chaplain Candidate Program and other military related chaplaincy ministries. It grants two types of recognition:

Ecclesiastical approval for the Chaplain Candidate Program may be given to candidates in a graduate school of theology or seminary who apply during their first or second year of full-time enrollment and who qualify for the Chaplain Candidate Program. The applicant should possess or be in the process of obtaining ministerial credentials with the Assemblies of God and be working toward ordination. If the candidate remains in good standing with the A/G, makes normal progress, and meets all other stipulated requirements, he or she may then be considered for endorsement for Active Duty, Armed Forces Reserves, or National Guard ministry after graduation.

Ecclesiastical endorsement for Active Duty/Reserve/National Guard and Veterans Affairs may be granted by the Commission on Chaplains to interviewed applicants who are ordained and meet all military age, educational and physical requirements. To be endorsed for Active Duty, applicants are expected to have at least two years of pastoral experience, preferably as senior pastor. The Commission on Chaplains has a policy consistent with military expectations that candidates for endorsement must have completed two years of pastoral experience before appointment to Active Duty.

Why is Endorsement Important?

First, one cannot become a military or VA chaplain without ecclesiastical endorsement. Second, endorsement is essential for military chaplains because military leaders depend on denominations to provide this crucial ministry in unusually demanding specialized settings. The Commission on Chaplains will prayerfully and fairly evaluate the qualifications of each applicant, keeping in mind the needs of the denomination, the military services and the individual seeking this ministry. The Assemblies of God has an excellent reputation for screening and preparing its candidates, and it is our desire to maintain this high quality.

 

Military/Veterans Affairs Chaplaincy

Active Duty Chaplains

1. Undergraduate degree of 120 semester hours from an accredited institution.
2. Master of Divinity/Theology degree from an American Theological School (ATS) accredited seminary of school of theology. A Master of Theological Studies (MATS) with additional hours totaling 72 credits is acceptable; a Master of Divinity with 90 credit hours is preferable.
3. Ordained by the Assemblies of God.
4. Two years pastoral ministry with experience in conducting baptisms, communion services, weddings, funerals, and grief counseling.
5. Willingness to facilitate and coordinate programs for individuals of all religious faiths.
6. Citizen of the United States.
7. Appropriate age for specific branch of service (see Frequently Asked Questions for details.)
8. Pass physical requirements and examination by the Armed Forces.
9. Receive favorable National Agency Check (background and credit check.)
10. Make application to the National Chaplaincy Department for Ecclesiastical Endorsement.
11. Successful interview with Commission on Chaplains in Springfield, MO. Interviews are scheduled twice a year in May and November. It is strongly recommended that the candidate’s spouse also meet with the Commission for this interview.

Reserve and National Guard Chaplains

1. Undergraduate degree of 120 semester hours from an accredited institution.

2. Master of Divinity/Theology degree from an American Theological School (ATS) accredited seminary of school of theology. A 72 hour Master of Theology or Biblical Studies degree is acceptable; a Master of Divinity with 90 credit hours is preferable.

3. Ordained by the Assemblies of God.

4. Have had, or be engaged in pastoral ministry, not limited to senior pastor.

5. Willingness to provide and coordinate programs for individuals of all faiths.

6. Citizen of the United States.

7. Appropriate age for specific branch of service (see Frequently Asked Questions for details.)

8. Pass physical requirements and examination by the Armed Forces.

9. Receive favorable National Agency Check (background and credit check.)

10. Make application to the National Chaplaincy Department for Ecclesiastical Endorsement.

11. Successful interview with Commission on Chaplains in Springfield, MO. Interviews are scheduled twice a year in May and November. It is recommended that the candidate’s spouse also meet with the Commission for this interview.

Chaplain Candidate Program

1. Full-time graduate student at an American Theological School (ATS) accredited institution.

2. Undergraduate degree of 120 semester hours from an accredited institution.

3. Applied with District for ministerial credentials.

4. Citizen of the United States.

5. Appropriate age for specific branch of service (see Frequently Asked Questions for details.)

6. Pass physical requirements and examination by the Armed Forces.

7. Receive favorable National Agency Check (background and credit check.)

8. Make application to the National Chaplaincy Department for Chaplain Candidate Program approval.

An interview by the Commission on Chaplains is not required for this program.

The Endorsing Agent of the Assemblies of God grants approval for this program based upon the applicant’s file and references. The interview to become an endorsed chaplain takes place after the student has graduated from seminary and has received ordination.

Veteran’s Affairs Chaplains

1. Master of Divinity/Theology degree from an American Theological School (ATS) accredited seminary of school of theology. A Master of Theology degree with a minimum of 72 credit hours in theology or biblical studies is acceptable; a Master of Divinity with 90 credit hours is preferable.

2. Undergraduate degree of 120 semester hours from an accredited institution.

3. Two units (800 hours) of Clinical Pastoral Education.

4. Ordained by the Assemblies of God.

5. Two years pastoral ministry with experience in conducting baptisms, communion services, weddings, funerals, and death notifications.

6. Willingness to provide and coordinate programs for individuals of all faiths.

7. Citizen of the United States.

8. Appropriate age for specific branch of service (see Frequently Asked Questions for details.)

9. Pass physical requirements and examination by the Armed Forces.

10. Receive favorable National Agency Check (background and credit check.)

11. Make application to the National Chaplaincy Department for Ecclesiastical Endorsement.

12. Successful interview with Commission on Chaplains in Springfield, MO. Interviews are scheduled twice a year in May and November. It is recommended that the candidate’s spouse also meet with the Commission for this interview.

Civil Air Patrol and State Militia Chaplains

1. Master of Divinity or equivalency degree from an accredited seminary. Waivers may be granted depending on ministry experience.

2. Undergraduate degree of 120 semester hours from an accredited institution.

3. Ordained by the Assemblies of God.

4. Engaged in full-time pastoral ministry, not limited to senior pastoral.

5. Willingness to provide and coordinate programs for individuals of all faiths.

6. Citizen of the United States.

7. Receive favorable National Agency Check (background and credit check.)

8. Make application to the National Chaplaincy Department for Ecclesiastical Endorsement.  An interview by the Commission on Chaplains is not required for this program.  The Endorsing Agent of the Assemblies of God grants approval for this program based upon the applicant’s file and references. 

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M/VA Frequently Asked Questions Back to Index

How do I know if my undergraduate or graduate school is an accredited institution?

If the school is listed in the Education Directory, U.S. Department of Education and/or the ATS Bulletin, it is considered by the Military to be an accredited school.

When you say “pastoral experience” is needed, does it make a difference what size church I pastor?

No. Some chaplain candidates obtain their pastoral experience while going to seminary at smaller churches, while others serve as assistants or associates at larger churches. Breadth and quality of experience will be evaluated on a case by case basis, including factors such as time spent each week in ministry and duties performed (preaching, weddings, funerals, communion services, etc.)

Could serving as associate pastor or assistant pastor at a church be considered pastoral experience?

Yes, if considered adequate by the Commission. In order to fulfill the pastoral requirements set forth by the Armed Forces and the Commission, you need to possess pastoral skills to be endorsed as an Active Duty military chaplain. Pastoral skills include:  sermon preparation and delivery, counseling, leading worship services and conducting sacerdotal acts such as weddings, funerals, communion services and baby dedications. The military wants pastors they can train to be chaplains, not chaplains that they have to train to be pastors.

If I want to be an Active Duty, Reserve/National Guard, or Veterans Affairs chaplain, do I need to go to Springfield, Missouri to meet with the Commission or will a phone interview suffice?

Applications for endorsement cannot be completed without a personal interview by the Commission on Chaplains in Springfield, Missouri.

Why do I have to have a personal interview?

The interview offers opportunity for an exchange of information and affords the candidate an opportunity to understand a chaplain’s relationship with the Commission, the denomination, his or her home district and the district in which he or she serves.

What types of questions will the Commission ask during the interview?

Discussion will include questions about the applicant’s call, doctrinal positions, experience and concept of the chaplaincy.

Will my expenses be paid to this meeting?

No. Travel, housing and meal arrangements must be made by, and at the expense of, the candidate.

Does my spouse have to meet the Commission with me?

Although it is preferred by the Commission to meet the candidate’s spouse, it is not mandatory if this will cause undue hardship.

Can I be endorsed before I am ordained with the Assemblies of God?

No. Endorsement can only take place after a candidate receives ordination through his or her district.

When I become a chaplain candidate or an endorsed chaplain, do I have to tithe on money paid to me for pastoral ministry or secular work?

No. The approved and/or endorsed chaplain only pays tithes to the chaplaincy department on money earned from chaplaincy ministry.  The tithing policy is set forth in the General Council by-laws.

Can I get my Master of Divinity degree through extension or distance learning?

It is strongly advised that educational programs be approved in advance to ensure compliance with military/VA regulations and seminary requirements.

What are the age criteria for appointment?

There are numerous variables in Armed Forces programs. The following table indicates the current age requirements for each branch of service without military experience. You must enter prior to corresponding birthday. Extensions may be given for prior Active Duty military service. If you are over age 34, please inquire about age limits prior to beginning your application process.

	Chaplain Candidate	Reserve	Active Duty
Army	34	45	45
Navy	36	38	42
Air Force	35	40	42