The great variety exists because the hiring institution sets many of the prerequisites as well as those established by the denomination. Please give me a call to discuss the specific requirements for the area of chaplaincy in which you are interested. A. Ecclesiastical requirements are ordination, two years of pastoral experience and national endorsement from the Assemblies of God Commission on Chaplains. B. Educational requirements vary, but generally include a bachelors degree from and accredited college or university. Many chaplaincies, such as the Federal Prison System and many health care positions, also require the Master of Divinity degree from an accredited seminary.
Ecclesiastical endorsement is both a legal and technical term in chaplaincy.
It is the official process by which a denomination evaluates chaplain applicants and certifies to hiring agencies that this applicant is qualified for a particular chaplaincy position. In the Assemblies of God this process begins with a written application for endorsement and culminates with a personal interview with the Commission on Chaplains. Growth in state and federal prison populations means correctional chaplaincies are also growing. Other settings in industry and specialized ministries also offer opportunity for dedicated missionaries to reach people who are not normally touched with the Gospel. For qualified and dedicated men and women, there are unlimited possibilities for chaplaincy ministry.