Basic Requirements

The Government Chaplains flyer lists the basic requirements for ordained ministers interested in all branches of the government:  Military Chaplaincy, Department of Veterans Affairs and the Federal Bureau of Prisons.  (State prisons are handled under Professional Organizations.)  

The Chaplain Candidate Program (CCPO) flyer lists the basic requirements for seminarians interested in Military Chaplaincy.  This program requires Ecclesiastical Approval as opposed to Ecclesiastical Endorsement since the student is not an ordained minister yet.

How to Apply for Ecclesiastical Endorsement/Approval for Government Organizations

Endorsement Process and Application

The endorsement process and requirements are found in the United Church of Christ Manual on Ministry, Section 9, titled Ecclesiastical Endorsement.  The first half of Section 9 is on government chaplaincy and the second half is on professional organizations.  The Manual on Ministry can be found online at  www.ucc.org/ministers/manual.  Paper copies are also available from United Church of Christ Resources, (800) 537-3394.


Application Form

IMPORTANT NOTE:  If you are interested in applying for Government Chaplaincy, please contact the United Church of Christ endorser (listed on this page) before filling out application.  

Please click here for Application Form for Ecclesiastical Endorsement/Approval for Government Chaplaincy.