How To Become an Endorsed Chaplain

Requirements & Procedures

Chaplaincy positions in general require ecclesiastical endorsement by the applicant's denominational headquarters. The Committee on Chaplaincy Endorsement and Services serves in behalf of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the selection of the best qualified ministers available for the ecumenical ministry of the chaplaincy and to provide services to those who serve the Church in these specialized ministries.

Procedures

1. Contact Steve  Doan at (636) 699-7837 or E-mail: Steve Doan
2. Receive a login e-mail address and password to complete Endorsement Packet.
3. When the completed Endorsement Packet has been received and processed, the candidate may be invited to have a personal interview with an On-Site Committee, (personal interview not required by students in training, part-time Veterans Administration chaplaincies, Civil Air Patrol applicants, and applicants for membership in professional societies).
4. In accord with the action of the Committee, a letter of confirmation of endorsement will be sent to:
   1. Employer or Professional Society,
   2. Applicant's Regional Minister, and
   3. The applicant requesting endorsement.
   4. A copy remains on file in the Chaplaincy Office

Application Information

• Military chaplaincies: Army, Navy & Air Force
  See separate brochure of government requirements for Military Chaplaincies. An application for Commission is made directly to the Service desired at the address listed herewith:

• Veterans Administration Chaplaincy
  See separate brochure of government requirements for Veterans Administration Chaplaincies.
  Application should be made directly to:
  Director of Chaplain Services
  Veterans Administration
  810 Vermont Avenue, N.W.
  Washington, DC 20420

• Federal Correctional Institutions Chaplaincy
  Application should be made directly to: Director of Chaplaincy Services
  Federal Bureau of Prisons
  U.S. Department of Justice
  Washington, DC 20534
  
  The administrative paperwork and the personal interview required and accomplished by the Bureau of Prisons is extensive and is in addition to that required by the Church for endorsement.

• Civil Air Patrol Chaplaincy
  See separate brochure for government requirements for the Civil Air Patrol.
  
  Although the CAP requirements permit a waiver in part "in certain cases, upon recommendation of the unit commander and approval of the National Chaplain" the Committee on Chaplaincy Endorsement and Services had ruled in policy that the standards for the CAP Chaplaincy should match fully present qualifications for the military chaplaincy in all Services, which spell out a minimum of four years of college (an AB or BS --minimum of 120 semester hours of credit obtained at a recognized college) and a M.Div. (minimum of 90 semester hours of graduate study performed at an approved theological school).
  
  No educational waivers will be requested by the Committee, and only fully prepared applicants will be approved.
  
  Application should be made directly to:
  National Air Chaplain
  HQS, CAP-USAF (CPCH)
  Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. 36112