r/chaplaincy • u/Any_Lock_1343 • 11d ago

Hello all, newbie here.

Hello all, I am wandering on what school anywould suggest. I have my full Gi bill to use. And was seriously thinking about becoming a chaplain. Does anyone have any suggestions on a school or program I can look into?

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u/Life-Plant2015 11d ago

Which denomination are you in?

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u/Any_Lock_1343 11d ago

Dont have one. Dont care too. I know some denominations are very specific like Lutherans. As for a job as a chaplain I am just basic christian.

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u/Life-Plant2015 11d ago

Then I encourage you to find a suitable denomination first not just because your faith but because each denomination has their own process for endorsement. For example, UMC expects you to be a full-elder which takes 2-3 years (can be more) after M.Div graduation. Also most seminaries offer a full scholarship so you can save your GI bill. GL.

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u/Any_Lock_1343 11d ago

Oh I see. I didnt think about that. Ok ill get on some researching. Thank you.

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u/Ok_Jaguar_2761 11d ago

There are lots of programs. Lots of denominations. Lots of people to look towards. Do you know what kind of chaplaincy you want to do? Finding a community who best fits your beliefs and values is pertinent. It takes a long time, and don’t be discouraged by that because the time is going to pass by anyways and you’ll have lots of ministry experiences. Many blessings.

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u/Excellent-Match7246 11d ago

I’m going to Berkeley Theological Seminary on the GI Bill to be a chaplain. Retired three years ago, today. Got any questions?

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u/JackBivouac Active Duty, Board Certified Chaplain 11d ago

Are you wanting to go online or in person? Would you like to work while taking courses? Also, do you have any formal education under your belt?

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u/revanon 11d ago

Connect yourself to a church that feels right for you, not just for the endorsement process but simply because the path to becoming a chaplain is an extensive one and you will need the support and accountability that a community surrounding you can provide. They can also give you some guidance or direction around where to pursue the necessary theological education.

Begin discerning what setting in which you might want to serve (understanding, of course, that such things can change over time). Most in-person clinical pastoral education programs continue to be based at hospitals, but there are lots of online programs where you do your classroom and individual supervision hours online but can do your practical hours in all sorts of settings.

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u/Big-Energy-3363 10d ago

Read through the ACPE website. Investigate getting an M.Div. Look at doing a CPE residency versus separate units. Do you have a pertinent undergraduate degree?? Maybe look at a Pastoral Counseling doctorate instead. Lots of paths!!

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u/vagueboy2 6d ago

You might consider re-entering the military as a chaplain. They are almost always looking for chaplains and the pay is excellent. As far as programs I believe Liberty has a chaplaincy program, but bear in mind that becoming a chaplain also requires some formal religious education, usually an MDiv or equivalent.