Federal chaplains serve on military installations and among deployed U.S. forces. They are licensed, ordained, or consecrated spiritual leaders in the Army, Navy, Air Force and in active duty, Reserves, and National Guard branches.
Alliance federal chaplains also serve with the Federal Bureau of Prisons and in Veterans Administration (VA) hospitals. Coast Guard Auxiliary (CGA) and Civil Air Patrol (CAP) chaplains serve voluntarily, ministering to CGA and CAP members and their families.
Challenges
Military and Federal chaplaincy requires specialized training and a commitment to serve God and country in often difficult conditions. When called upon, military chaplains serve alongside America’s service men and women when stationed or deployed to foreign lands. Unarmed in combat zones, chaplains offer comfort and hope amid the horrors of war. U.S. VA hospitals and federal prisons welcome committed Alliance men and women to introduce hurting people to the Prince of Peace.
The Alliance desires to endorse those who believe they are called to serve as chaplains and can effectively demonstrate the love of Jesus in a unique environment. Here are the steps required to serve as an Alliance federal chaplain:
Qualifications
Academic Requirements
- Graduation from an accredited seminary or graduate school with a master of divinity degree
- Licensed and ordained or consecrated with The Christian and Missionary Alliance
- Following ordination/consecration, two years of Alliance licensed ministry before endorsement; the C&MA’s endorsement and application process prepares candidates to apply to an armed forces branch (Army, Navy, Air Force) of their choice. Endorsement for federal prison and VA hospital ministry is fulfilled through the same application process.
The Process
- The first step to serving as an Alliance chaplain is to become a licensed official worker through an Alliance district; much of this process can be accomplished while completing a master of divinity degree.
- The application process for endorsement can be undertaken prior to the completion of other chaplaincy requirements (paperwork may be delayed until ministry requirements are fulfilled). The Alliance Chaplain Ministries (ACM) executive director processes all applications.
- Once an application is completed and the district office has sent a solid recommendation approved by the ACM executive director, it is completed and forwarded to the chaplaincy area where the candidate has been selected to serve. It is then presented to the Chaplain Accessions Board (for the military); the denominational endorser and the applicant are notified when the selection process is complete. This may take three to six months.
Chaplain Candidate Program
All military service branches offer chaplain candidate programs to assist seminary students. Each program provides financial assistance and practical experience with military service. For more information, contact the Alliance Chaplain Ministries endorser or a chaplain recruiter at the branch where you wish to apply. You will need to apply for a Letter of Approval from the C&MA to participate and also meet the program’s requirements.