» Active Duty
Chaplains are ever-present in the lives of the active duty men and women they serve. Because they are held to the same rigorous standards, chaplains become a trusted member of the military family. New recruits turn to chaplains for encouragement and guidance as they adjust to military life. Officers of all ranks confide in chaplains during times of crisis and question, allowing chaplains a powerful place of influence among those who serve our country. Routine duties: lead worship services and Bible studies, teach classes on morals and ethics, counsel and support military members, represent Christ to all cultures and religions, serve in settings as diverse as the military presence around the world.
Where do I get started?
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. Read over requirements for Military Chaplaincy:
- Undergraduate degree of 120 semester hours from an accredited institution.
- Master of Divinity/Theology degree from an American Theological School (ATS) or regional accredited seminary of school of theology, minimum 72 hours. The 72 hour minimum must be a singular degree of at least the minimum required hours.
- Ordained by the Assemblies of God.
- Two years pastoral ministry with experience in conducting baptisms, communion services, weddings, funerals, and grief counseling.
- Willingness to facilitate and coordinate programs for individuals of all religious faiths.
- Citizen of the United States.
- Appropriate age for specific branch of service (see Frequently Asked Questions for details.)
- Pass physical requirements and examination by the Armed Forces.
- Receive favorable National Agency Check (background and credit check.)
- Make application to the National Chaplaincy Department for Ecclesiastical Endorsement.
- 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.
Step 2. Contact the Chaplaincy Office at 417.862.2781.
Step 3. Fill out the endorsement application. To receive an application, please email [email protected].
Step 4. Contact Chaplain Recruiter
- ARMY (Active Duty, Reserves, and Army National Guard)
- AIR FORCE (Active Duty, Reserves, Air National Guard, and Civil Air Patrol)
- NAVY (Active Duty, Reserves, Marines, and Coast Guard)
» Armed Forces Reserves/National Guard
For a chaplain interested in part-time ministry with military personnel, the Reserve and National Guard branches are a perfect fit. Chaplains have the opportunity to speak Christ’s message to those serving our country and continue to lead another career at the same time.
Routine duties: counsel Reserve and National Guard members, lead in Bible studies, serve with unit during national emergencies, represent Christ to all cultures and religions. Train with unit for two weeks each year, meet with unit 16 hours a month.
Where do I get started?
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. Read over requirements for Armed Forces Reserves/National Guard chaplaincy:
- Undergraduate degree of 120 semester hours from an accredited institution.
- Master of Divinity/Theology degree from an American Theological School (ATS) or regional accredited seminary of school of theology, minimum 72 hours. The 72 hour minimum must be a singular degree of at least the minimum required hours.
- Ordained by the Assemblies of God.
- Have had, or be engaged in pastoral ministry, not limited to senior pastor.
- Willingness to provide and coordinate programs for individuals of all faiths.
- Citizen of the United States.
- Appropriate age for specific branch of service (see Frequently Asked Questions for details.)
- Pass physical requirements and examination by the Armed Forces.
- Receive favorable National Agency Check (background and credit check.)
- Make application to the National Chaplaincy Department for Ecclesiastical Endorsement.
- 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.
Step 2. Contact the Chaplaincy Office at 417.862.2781.
Step 3. Fill out the endorsement application. To receive an application, please email [email protected].
Step 4. Contact Chaplain Recruiter
» Civil Air Patrol/State Militia
This branch offers amazing opportunities for chaplains into their local communities. Chaplains invest in the men and women prepared to serve during emergency situations--from youth cadets to senior members of the group. In times of local disasters or emergency, chaplains speak God’s love and comfort to victims and their families.
Routine duties: teach classes, counsel and pray for those in the group, serve during emergency situations.
Where do I get started?
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. Read over requirements for Civil Air Patrol/State Military chaplaincy:
- Master of Divinity or equivalency degree from an accredited seminary. Waivers may be granted depending on ministry experience.
- Undergraduate degree of 120 semester hours from an accredited institution.
- Ordained by the Assemblies of God.
- Engaged in full-time pastoral ministry, not limited to senior pastoral.
- Willingness to provide and coordinate programs for individuals of all faiths.
- Citizen of the United States.
- Receive favorable National Agency Check (background and credit check.)
- 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.
Step 2. Contact the Chaplaincy Office at 417.862.2781.
Step 3. Fill out the endorsement application. To receive an application, please email [email protected].
Step 4. Contact Chaplain Recruiter
» Veteran Affairs
Veterans face specialized challenges based on the sacrifice they have given to our country, and chaplains serve an important role of influence to them. Chaplains point to Christ’s comfort and peace to those dealing with physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual hurts. Chaplains serve as a pastor within VA hospitals, allowing them the opportunity to help patients and families.
Routine duties: lead worship services and Bible studies, conduct funerals, counsel veterans and families, lead marriage and family classes, act as liaison between VA hospital and civilian community.
Where do I get started?
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. Read over requirements for Veteran Affairs chaplaincy:
- Master of Divinity/Theology degree from an American Theological School (ATS) or regional 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.
- Undergraduate degree of 120 semester hours from an accredited institution.
- Four units (1600 hours) of Clinical Pastoral Education.
- Ordained by the Assemblies of God.
- Two years pastoral ministry with experience in conducting baptisms, communion services, weddings,
funerals, and death notifications. - Willingness to provide and coordinate programs for individuals of all faiths.
- Citizen of the United States.
- Pass physical requirements and examination by the Armed Forces.
- Receive favorable National Agency Check (background and credit check.)
- Make application to the National Chaplaincy Department for Ecclesiastical Endorsement.
- 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.
Step 2. Contact the Chaplaincy Office at 417.862.2781.
Step 3. Fill out the endorsement application. To receive an application, please email [email protected].
Step 4. Contact Chaplain Recruiter
» Chaplain Candidate
The chaplain candidate program is for seminary students who know they want to serve as an Active Duty or Reserve chaplain. The program is a head start through the requirements and get chaplains connected into their areas of service.
Upon commissioning, a chaplain receives benefits comparable to an active duty or reserve chaplain during the time they are serving with official orders. The candidate gets real world experience as he or she may perform 45 days of active duty for training per year and receive pay and allowances commensurate with his/her rank.
Requirements:
- Full-time graduate student at an American Theological School (ATS) or regional accredited institution.
- Undergraduate degree of 120 semester hours from an accredited institution.
- Applied with District for ministerial credentials.
- Citizen of the United States.
- Appropriate age for specific branch of service (see Frequently Asked Questions for details.)
- Pass physical requirements and examination by the Armed Forces.
- Receive favorable National Agency Check (background and credit check.)
- Make application to the National Chaplaincy Department for Chaplain Candidate Program approval.