How to Become a Chaplain

How to become a chaplain

Chaplains are religious professionals who may minister to people in a variety of settings. Some chaplains may work in the military—others may work in prisons or hospitals. This page will provide information on how to become a chaplain.

Introduction
- Chaplains are spiritual leaders who often serve as counselors, offering support to people during times of great stress. To become a chaplain, you should have a strong background in religion and a willingness to serve others.
Step 1: Personal Characteristics of a Chaplain
- A chaplain needs to be compassionate, and able to work calmly under stressful situations while comforting and counseling people of all faiths and beliefs.
Step 2: Where Will You Work as a Chaplain?
- If you are interested in becoming a chaplain you will need to decide where you wish to work. Chaplains are often work for:
1. Hospitals
2. The military
3. Police and fire departments
4. Prisons
5. Nursing homes
6. Colleges and universities
- Where you work will often determine the type of ministering you will do. Chaplains who work in hospitals and nursing homes, for instance, are often on hand to lend support and religious guidance to families of seriously ill or dying hospital patients. Prison chaplains may counsel condemned prisoners in the hours before they are executed. Military chaplains deal with young men and woman who are far from home, dealing with the extreme stresses that are experienced by members of the armed forces on a daily basis.
Step 3: Education and Requirements for a Chaplain
- Almost all chaplains are expected to have a bachelor's degree in theology or a related area. Other specific requirements will vary depending on where a chaplain chooses to work.
Requirements to be a Military Chaplain
- Military chaplains are required to have a 72 hours of graduate education after receiving a bachelor's degree, with half of those hours being in theology. A Masters of Divinity degree is preferred. In addition, military chaplains must:
1. Have an ecclesiastical endorsement from their particular faith
2. Have a minimum of two years of full-time professional experience
3. Pass a military physical
4. Obtain a military security clearance
5. Possess United States citizenship (Dual citizenship is not permitted)
6. Must be under 40 when originally commissioned for the army; the navy and air force have raised this age to 42.NCMAF: How to Become a Chaplain
Step 4: Finding a Job as a Chaplain
- Once you have obtained your education, it is time to search for a job. Decide where you would like to minister: would you be more comfortable in a hospital setting? Would you be willing to minister to convicted criminals in a federal prison? If you wish to work as a military chaplain, you will first need to enroll in the military. You may be able to work full time, as an active Army chaplain, for example. You can also work on a part time basis, as a member of the military reserves.
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