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M.Div. Military Chaplaincy Program
Serving God in the ministry is the highest spiritual calling.
Serving God in the military is the highest patriotic calling.
You can serve both God and country as a military Chaplain.
Chaplaincy is broad. While almost half of all enlisted military personnel are under the age of 25, a Chaplain's ministry extends to all age ranges of the military. Soldiers and their families face difficulty during times of peace and uncertainty during times of war. Military Chaplains fight the spiritual battle. They bring God to the Soldiers and the Soldiers to God.
The military has numerous unfilled Chaplain positions every year. The need for men passionate about ministry and compelled by duty to their country is greater than ever. Chaplaincy is demanding. Chaplaincy is rewarding. Chaplaincy is a calling. Chaplaincy is pastoral ministry.
Military Chaplains
Military Chaplains are commissioned military officers. Each branch of the military has Chaplains who serve in active duty or in the Reserves. You can also enter the Chaplain Candidate Program before graduating from seminary. This option provides money for your education and allows you to gain military experience a few weeks each summer. After graduation, you can either enter active duty or the Reserves.
After 20 years of active duty, you can retire from the military and receive pay and benefits for the rest of your life. This money and experience could help you transition successfully to another ministry. After 20 years of Reserve duty, you will receive pay and benefits starting at retirement.
Wherever they serve, Chaplains are spiritual leaders and protectors. Chaplains help Soldiers and their families develop courage, hope, and faith in life and death situations. Chaplains can also influence people who are making decisions that affect our country and world. You can fulfill God's call on your life as a Chaplain.
| Misconceptions |
Reality |
| I won't be able to share the Gospel. |
As a military Chaplain, you are expected to preach the Word and share your faith with those under your care. |
| I'll have to carry a weapon. |
A Chaplain is a non-combatant and does not carry a weapon. |
| I'll have to compromise my denominational or theological convictions. |
The military will not ask you to violate your convictions or calling. Every Chaplain is expected to minister according to his beliefs. |
| Chaplaincy in the Reserves would detract from my ministry. |
Chaplaincy will enhance your experience, education, background, and civilian ministry. |
| I won't be participating in legitimate ministry. |
Military Chaplains are both trained ministers and staff officers who are uniquely prepared to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to military personnel assigned around the world. |
Benefits for Chaplains
• Tuition assistance for your theological education (Chaplain Candidate Program).
• Promotions and pay based upon rank and time in grade
• Retirement plan with no paycheck deductions
• 30 days of paid vacation (active duty)
• Medical and dental care for your family (active duty)
• Free on-base housing or allowance (active duty)
• Continuing education
Chaplaincy Requirements
The basic Department of Defense requirements are:
Ecclesiastical endorsement from your denomination
• A baccalaureate degree of not less than 120 semester hours
• A theological Master's degree. Most endorsers prefer the M.Div. Those with a M.Div. are given priority consideration for appointment and promotion.
• A favorable background check
> Pass a physical exam
• Commissioning prior to a certain age
More Information
www.chaplain.goarmy.com
www.chaplain.navy.mil
www.usafhc.af.mil
www.mca-usa.org
www.dod.mil/dfas
www.defenselink.mil
Most Protestant endorsing agencies accept the BBS M.Div. degree because of its high academic standards and ministry experience. In fact, some endorsers allow our internship to meet the military's experience requirement, which helps you achieve full-time military status much sooner. Check with your endorser to determine their specific requirements.
Why Choose BBS For Your Education?
• Our M.Div. program meets chaplaincy requirements
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Faculty with earned Doctorates
• Chaplain courses taught by successful Chaplains
• A paid pastoral internship
• Multiple counseling courses
• Program and military course transfer flexibility
• Some courses available via the Internet
The BBS M.Div. core curriculum includes courses on military Chaplaincy, pastoral skills, preaching, counseling, discipleship, theology, biblical exposition, and biblical languages. BBS also has a one-year paid internship to better prepare you for ministry. Because of its strength, the BBS internship may fulfill the two-year ministry requirement for those entering active duty. Your endorsing denomination makes this decision.
Each day, a military Chaplain fills the role of a preacher, teacher, counselor, evangelist, friend, and diplomat. BBS will prepare you for each of these roles.
BBS Military Chaplaincy Core Courses
• Military Chaplaincy Philosophy and Practice
• The Military Chaplaincy Cultural Context
• Governmental and Legal Issues in Military Chaplaincy
• Preaching and Teaching in the Military
• How to Accomplish Crisis Intervention in the Military
Enroll in the Chaplain Candidate Program while at BBS to take advantage of the annual tuition assistance. You can enter the program the summer after you complete your undergraduate degree. Contact your denomination's Chaplain recruiter for information.
The BBS M.Div. program offers once a week, module, and online courses. For more information, contact Baptist Bible Seminary at 800.451.2287 or email Paul Golden at pgolden@bbc.edu.
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