Federal Chaplains

Federal Chaplains serve on military installations around the world, on ships at sea, with military forces deployed worldwide. Federal chaplains also serve in federal correctional facilities.

Federal Chaplains include Active Duty, Reserve and National Guard Chaplains. These military chaplains serve in the Army, the Navy and the Air Force. Other Federal Chaplains serve in the Federal Bureau of Prisons and in Veteran Administration Hospitals. Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Chaplains are voluntary federally recognized chaplains that provide ministry to members of the Civil Air Patrol and their families. In the C&MA these are all licensed and ordained spiritual leaders.

These Chaplains serve both God and country by bringing their unique ministry gifts to serve military members and their families, war veterans, professional staffs and federal prisoners. These services may be provided in places and in facilities where local pastors may never be allowed to go. It is a ministry that requires specialized training and may require a commitment to serve the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines of our nation in the broad, challenging, diverse, and ever changing environment. It may require special training in hospital or prison ministry.

Military Chaplains minister to our nation’s sons and daughters, and their families. As with any military member, chaplains must endure the hardships, separations, and deprivations of those whom they serve. Like any Minister, they must provide dynamic and genuine ministry with a shepherd’s heart.

Our nation’s Military VA Hospitals and Federal Prisons deserve qualified, committed, and called men and women to serve as spiritual leaders. The Alliance desires to endorse men and women who truly believe they are called to serve others and to demonstrate the love of Jesus in a specialized environment. If you are considering the call to any of these ministries, please know: the need has never been greater, the experience never so rich.

Academic Requirements

Graduation from an accrediated seminary or graduate school with a Masters of Divinity Degree.
Licensed with The Christian and Missionary Alliance and be ordained or consecrated.
Following ordination/consecration two years of home service with an Alliance ministry prior to endorsement. The application process for endorsement with the C&MA and the endorsement itself prepares the individual to apply to the armed forces branch (Army, Navy, Air Force) of their choice.

Opportunities

Please contact Rev. Bob Collins, Chaplain, US Army (Retired), to find out how you may serve.
Phone: (254) 699–9809
Cell: (254) 258–0400
E-mail: rcollins2@hot.rr.com

The Process

Alliance Federal Chaplains must complete seminary and hold a Masters of Divinity Degree. They must be licensed with The Christian and Missionary Alliance and be ordained or consecrated. Following ordination/consecration two years of service with an Alliance ministry (normally a local setting) is required prior to endorsement to the military chaplaincy. The application process for endorsement with the C&MA and the endorsement itself prepares the individual to apply to the armed forces branch (Army, Navy, Air Force) or Federal agency of their choice. Once the application is completed to and accepted by the selected field of service, the application is placed before a Chaplain Accessions Board. Both the Denominational Endorser and the Applicant is notified when the selection process is completed. The selection process may take six months to a year. If God has called you to this ministry—it will be worth the wait!

Chaplain Candidate Programs

All military service branches offer Chaplain Candidate Programs to assist Seminary Students. The program provides financial assistance and practical experience with the military service. If you are interested in this program please contact the Federal Chaplaincy Ministries director or a recruiter of the branch to which you wish to apply. You will need to apply for a Letter of Approval from the C&MA to participate in this program and meet the requirements of the program itself.