Chaplaincy Program

Master of Chaplaincy Studies - Lesson 4

The United Methodist Church has some 150 active-duty military chaplains stationed around the world. In addition, there are over 200 National Guard and Reserve chaplains, more and more of them being called into active duty. (A recent report noted there is a shortage of military chaplains.) They must leave behind their local ministries, families, and the security of home and conference to provide pastoral care to our military personnel and their families. 

"Some of the reasons United Methodist clergy fit well into the military chaplain setting are their training and ordination standards are rigorous, they come from a connectional system that requires accountability, they are ecumenically oriented, the itineration appointment system has many similarities to the military, and they can minister to a wide range of people with the practice of open communion and the ability to baptize by pouring or sprinkling, or immersion," said Ted Hepner, director of endorsement and pastoral care in the Section of Chaplains and Related Ministries at the Board of Higher Education and Ministry.

The overall percentage of United Methodists serving on active duty and in Reserve and National Guard units has decreased because selections are now based on the best qualified and the needs of the service for more than 200 faith groups that now endorse chaplains.

For example, the Army had 169 United Methodist chaplains on active duty in 1980, compared with 88 today. In other branches of the services, the Navy has 62 and the Air Force has 56 United Methodist chaplains.

The Section of Chaplains and Related Ministries endorses people as military chaplains, but each service makes its selections, Hepner said. The military particularly needs more women and ethnic minorities, as well as ecclesiastical diversity.

In order to be endorsed by the United Methodist Church, candidates must be ordained and in full membership in an annual conference; a graduate from an accredited college and seminary; and meet additional requirements specified by the military chaplaincy.

Applications for endorsement are available through the Section of Chaplains and Related Ministries. The process from application to endorsement normally takes four to six months.

The endorsing committee has the authority to grant or deny ecclesiastical endorsement. It is composed of members of the Division of Ordained Ministry.

Submitted by:  Rod Fry

May God Bless you.....

   Rod

Luke 14:23

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