Chaplain Endorsement
The Church of Christ consists of independent congregations with no central authority to ordain or endorse ministers beyond the local level.
The Armed Forces Chaplain Board recognizes the Church of Christ in Fairfax, Virginia, as the endorsing organization for qualified individuals to serve as military chaplains or lay leaders for congregations in military facilities.
This authority is also acknowledged by the Federal Prison System and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The Fairfax Chaplaincy Endorsement Committee limits its endorsement ministry to the Federal level. Those seeking to serve as chaplains in hospital systems, state prison systems, police departments, and volunteer chaplain positions should receive endorsement letters from their local congregation.
The Fairfax Church of Christ Endorsement Committee
The “Ecclesiastical Endorsement” is a governmental requirement for someone to serve as a chaplain on the Federal level. When our Endorsing Agent provides the Endorsement, he is attesting that our chaplain(s) meets the necessary educational requirements, is spiritually mature and con function as an effective leader within our faith group, is morally upright, and is a good fit to serve in a diverse, multi-cultural environment. The government sees the Endorsement as an essential professional credential.
We recognize the role men have for governance and authority within the assembled congregation. However, a chaplain is not the same as an elder or preacher in a congregation. We see no obstacle to endorsing women as chaplains within the Federal government and support their service as “missionaries” in the Department of Defense, Federal Bureau of Prisons and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
We strive to make our endorsements consistent with beliefs and practices across a broad mainstream of the Church of Christ, recognizing there are diverse beliefs. Therefore, we rely on the applicant’s local congregation to affirm the person’s good standing in the Church of Christ.
Specific information regarding qualifications and application procedures are contained below.
Please contact the Endorsing Agent, Gary Payne, before proceeding with downloading and using these forms.
Federal Qualifications for Appointment
Meet the age requirement.
Army / Navy / Air Force: Prior to 40 years of age (or 42 with at least two years prior active service). Reserve or National Guard Components allow you to be a few years older. Age limits are subject to change—check with your recruiter.
Veteran’s Administration: Same as Civil Service
Bureau of Prisons: Prior to age 36
OTHER – Research the organization’s requirement
Coast Guard Auxiliary
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Department of Homeland Security
The military offers a Chaplain Candidate Program in which you can start your chaplain experience while you are working on your M.Div.
The Veteran’s Administration also requires four units of Clinical Pastoral Education.
The Bureau of Prisons requires 80 semester hours; however, it will give credit for pastoral experience and Clinical Pastoral Education.
Professional Work Experience (PWE)
Before selection for active duty the military generally requires two years PWE after finishing the M.Div.
The purpose is to show you can function in the wide variety of ministry settings: preaching, teaching, counseling, conducting weddings and funerals, etc.
The National Guard and Reserve Components do not have a PWE requirement.
The Veterans Administration does not have a PWE requirement; however, it does have preference for Residency after one completes four units of Clinical Pastoral Education.
Have an Ecclesiastical Endorsement from a faith group recognized by the Department of Defense Armed Forces Chaplains Board.
Our Endorsing Agent can assist you further.