Military Chaplaincy
“Chaplains are members of clergy who are endorsed by their respective religious bodies to serve in various secular institutions. Chaplains in the Armed Forces of the United States, according to the Geneva Convention, do not bear arms and are classified as non-combatants. (Geneva Convention Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War, 12 August 1949, Chapter IV, Article 33, Chapter V, articles 34 – 37) Chaplains serving in the United States Armed Forces are in alignment and obedience to our church constitution.” Excerpt from “War and Military Service,” page 130 – Church of God in Christ Constitution.
Military chaplains must have graduated from an accredited Association of Theological Schools institution, completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum of 120 semester hours, and a Master of Divinity or equivalent theological degree, with no less than 72 hours from an accredited institution. The applicant must be a U.S. citizen. He or she must receive an Ecclesiastical Endorsement from a DoD-recognized endorser. Must meet medical and physical fitness standards. No convictions by courts-martial or by civilian courts (except for minor traffic violations or similar infractions). You also cannot have any disciplinary actions for engaging in an unprofessional or inappropriate relationship. No record of disciplinary action for financial irresponsibility, domestic violence, or child abuse. Must be commissioned by 40 years of age. Age waivers may be available for some services. For example, the Army age waiver is now up to the age of 50 to attract diversity within the Chaplain Corps. You also must have two years of religious ministry leadership experience. When you join the military chaplain corps, you will be commissioned as an officer. Your initial rank will be based on education level experience, and branch of service policies.
The Church of God in Christ has a Military Chaplaincy Candidate Program. This program is an exciting opportunity for seminary and other professional religious school students to evaluate their compatibility and potential for commissioning as a military Chaplain. For more information, contact Evangelist Doris Walls at the Church of God in Christ Military Chaplaincy Office (Click here), and she will be able to connect you with the Division Chief and point of contact for the branch of service you are interested in serving.