Chaplaincy endorsement opens ministry opportunities outside the church.

Emergency Services • Military • Healthcare • Correctional • Specialized

My platform is in a prison. I preach Christ’s freedom across bars and handcuffs. My congregation looks into my eyes and asks big questions like, “How can God love me?”

Federal Bureau of Prisons • State Correctional • City and County Jail

Chaplains who serve in prisons have an incredible opportunity to reach inmates with the message of Christ’s unconditional love. For the men, women, and juveniles within the prison system, chaplains are a life-saving source of Jesus’ grace, mercy, and forgiveness. They serve in juvenile, state, federal, county, and private institutions across the United States. Chaplains also serve to influence and encourage guards and administrators.
Routine duties: provide free exercise of religion to all inmates, lead Bible studies, counsel inmates and guards, teach classes.

» Federal Bureau of Prisons chaplain

When you pursue a career as a chaplain you’re not just joining an organization, you’re joining a team of people. We’re here to help you. At any point along the way, call the Chaplaincy team at 417.862.2781 to talk about your specific situation and any questions you have.

Step 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.
Ordained by the Assemblies of God.
Two years of pastoral ministry with experience in conducting: baptisms, communion services, weddings, funerals, and death notifications.
Willingness to provide religious and worship services in the tradition of one’s faith group and coordinate programs for inmates of all faiths.
Selected by the Federal Bureau of Prisons by age 37.
Pass physical requirements and examination by the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
Make application to the National Chaplaincy Department for Advanced Endorsement.
Interview with Commission on Chaplains in Springfield, MO. Interviews are scheduled twice a year in May and November.
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.

Step 2. Fill out the endorsement application. To receive an application, please email [email protected].

Step 3. Read about Ecclesiastical Endorsement options.

» State Correctional chaplain

Step 1. Read over the general guidelines often required.

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.
Credentialed by the Assemblies of God.
Two years of pastoral ministry with experience in conducting: baptisms, communion services, weddings, funerals, and death notifications.
Willingness to provide and coordinate programs for inmates of all faiths.

Step 2. Fill out the endorsement application. To receive an application, please email [email protected].

Step 3. Read about Ecclesiastical Endorsement options.

» City and County Jail chaplain

Step 1. Read over these general guidelines often required:

Educational requirements will vary by facility. Contact individual facility for their specifications.
Credentialed by the Assemblies of God.
Two years of pastoral ministry with experience in conducting: baptisms, communion services, weddings, funerals, and death notifications.
Willingness to provide and coordinate programs for inmates of all faiths.

Step 2. Fill out the endorsement application. To receive an application, please email [email protected].

Step 3. Read about Ecclesiastical Endorsement options.