Become a Chaplain
What is Ecclesiastical Endorsement?
Ecclesiastical endorsement is recognition from one’s denomination or fellowship that a minister has the necessary training and experience to serve as a chaplain. The Commission on Chaplains was established to provide the necessary and proper endorsement for AG chaplains. It is the only recognized endorsing agent for the AG.
| Area of Ministry | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qualifications | Military | Veterans Affairs | Bureau of Prisons | State Corrections | Healthcare | Emergency Services | Specialized |
| Credentials | Ordination | Ordination | Ordination | License or Ordination | License or Ordination | Credentials | Credentials |
| Endorsements* | |||||||
| Master of Divinity | Some | Some | Few | ||||
| Pastoral Experience | Most | Most | |||||
| Physical Fitness | some | some | |||||
| Age Restrictions** | |||||||
*Endorsement includes an application, background check, references, and district approval. **Age restrictions for the military vary depending on branch of service. Bureau of Prisons age limit is 36.
Qualifications for Chaplains
Download Qualifications Chart“Becoming a chaplain expanded my understanding of ministry. As a counselor, people don’t come to me because of my faith, but they encounter the God of my faith through my life and profession.”
Heather Bixler
Counseling Chaplain
Chaplain Candidates
Graduate students interested in chaplaincy as a career can apply for chaplain candidacy before they are ready to apply for endorsement. This is recommended especially for those called to military chaplaincy. As a candidate, our office provides support throughout your education, scholarships, and guidance concerning career decisions and development.
Missionary Chaplains
While the majority of our chaplains are employed by other institutions, we do have a number of missionary chaplains. These chaplains serve a specific community need and often partner with churches to teach them how to meet the needs of these community members.
Areas of Chaplaincy
We are here, counseling in times of crisis.
Emergency Services
We are here, walking with Service members through difficult places.
Military/Veterans Affairs
We are here, compassionately listening in times of suffering.
Healthcare
We are here, serving those who need a second chance.
Correctional
We are here, building hope into our communities.
Specialized
Check out our full list of ministry areas
Application Process
The application for endorsement has two stages.
Review and Meet Requirements
Look over the different area(s) of chaplaincy you're interested in and review the requirements chart above. You should have an idea of what the requirements are for your area, which requirements you meet, and which requirements you might need to work on next.
Submit an Application
When you're ready to apply, applicants will work with an administrator from Chaplaincy Ministries to complete an endorsement application packet. This includes the initial application, a background check, other necessary forms, and references.
Complete Interview Process
Finally, once the application packet is complete, applicants will be interviewed. Depending on the individual situation, the interview is either with the Commission on Chaplains, which meets every year in May and November in Springfield, MO, or with a representative from Chaplaincy Ministries.