Chaplain Candidate Program
The chaplain candidate program is for seminary students who know they want to serve as an Active Duty or Reserve chaplain. The program is a head start through the requirements and get chaplains connected into their areas of service. Upon commissioning, an Apostolic Chaplain receives benefits comparable to an active duty or reserve chaplain during the time they are serving with official orders. The candidate gets real world experience as he or she may perform 45 days of active duty for training per year and receive pay and allowances commensurate with his/her rank.
Where do I get started?
When you pursue a career as an Apostolic Military Chaplain you’re not just joining an organization, you’re joining an Apostolic Chaplain Family that is here to help you. At any point along the way, call the UPCI Department of Military Chaplaincy at 636-229-7900 to talk about your specific situation and any questions you have.
Step 1: Read over the requirements for UPCI endorsement for the Chaplain Candidate Program:
• Agree with and Practice the UPCI’s Articles of Faith.
• Undergraduate degree of 120 semester hours from an accredited institution.
• Full-time graduate student (or have letter of acceptance) at an accredited seminary or graduate school (non-resident programs are acceptable).
• Take the required four doctrinal courses at Urshan Graduate School of Theology (UGST) or complete UPCI Ministry Central Reading Requirements, if attending a graduate theological school other than UGST.
• Familiar with the provisions of the UPCI Manual relating to ministerial licensing in Article VII and with the provisions for military chaplaincy in Article IX, Section 2 and 5, and OEE Policies, Section 8 Military Chaplaincy Policies.
• Letter of Endorsement from the chaplain candidate program from the UPCI Department of Chaplaincy Endorsing Agent. (If applicable)
• Letter of approval from the UPCI District Superintendent and sponsoring church pastor. (Non-UPCI candidates will provide a letter of approval from their ordaining Bishop or Superintendent and their local pastor).
• Willingness to facilitate and coordinate programs for individuals of all religious faiths.
• Citizen of the United States.
• Appropriate age for a specific branch of service.
• Pass physical requirements and examination.
• Receive favorable National Agency Check (background and credit check.)
• Letter of Endorsement from the UPCI Department of Military Chaplaincy Endorsing Agent. (Contact UPCI Department of Military Chaplaincy for Ecclesiastical Endorsement Application).
• Successful interview with UPCI Department of Chaplaincy in Weldon Spring, MO. The candidate’s spouse is strongly recommended to meet with the Department of Chaplaincy for this interview.
• Signed Statement of Affirmation concerning UPCI Military Chaplain Endorsement Responsibilities and Requirements.
Step 2: Contact the UPCI Department of Chaplaincy at 636-229-7900.
Step 3: Fill out Ecclesiastical Endorsement Application.
Step 4: Contact Chaplain Recruiter.