How to Become Christian Science Chaplain

A military chaplain serves as a facilitator for military personnel of faith.

A chaplain is a member of the clergy, typically ordained, such as a priest, rabbi or pastor, who serves as a liaison between the personnel of a public institution and their religious affiliation. Though chaplains may serve in a variety of public institutions, they are commonly found in the military as commissioned officers. "Practitioners in Uniform" is the special program developed by the Church of Christ, Scientist (Christian Science), to help train its clergymen and women to meet the requirements of becoming a public chaplain, particularly in the military.

Difficulty:

Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Bachelor's degree
• Graduate degree from accredited institution
• Formal seminary training
• U.S. citizenship
• Passing grade on security background check
• Passing grade on military physical exam
• Active military commission before age 40 for Army--or age 42 for Navy and Air Force

1. Acquire both a bachelor's and some type of advanced graduate degree. Both these degrees should be from accredited institutions; the graduate degree can be obtained at the master's or doctorate level, though the latter is strongly recommended by the Armed Forces Chaplaincy program. Focus on religious, theological and applied philosophical studies, particularly at the graduate level. These studies should be consistent with, or at least applicable to, the tenets and religious practices of the Church of Christian Science.

2. Both an undergraduate and a graduate degree are required by military chaplaincies. king's college front image by Mograph from Fotolia.com

   Begin the application process with the church by contacting the Christian Science military chaplain endorsing agent, requesting and ultimately completing the application. The prospective applicant must first seek an endorsement from the Mother Church of Christ, Science, through the application process. There are three fundamental elements that comprise this stage: formal seminary or divinity training, regular training in Christian Science studies and seeking practical, hands-on experience in the field as an ordained clergy.

3. Fulfill the requirements of the branch of the military for becoming a commissioned chaplain. Each branch is slightly different--for example, the age of commission for the Army is 40, while it's 42 for the Navy and the Air Force--but they all require U.S. citizenship, two years of leadership experience in your religious tradition, a graduate degree in religious studies, and the passing of both a background check and a military-grade physical exam.

4. Submit an application to the chaplaincy office in the service branch of your choice. Submit all the requested documents, proof of training and experience, references, and the endorsement from the Mother Church of Christian Science. If your application is accepted, you will be sent additional materials and instructions, including the location and date where you are to report for active duty.

Tips & Warnings

• Many endorsers for chaplaincy programs require a doctorate of divinity as a graduate degree; for this reason, this academic track is strongly advised.

• The chaplaincy application process for the military is highly competitive. Even after completing all the requirements of the application, there is a good chance that your application will be denied.

References

• Church of Christ, Scientist USA Military Chaplain Program
• National Conference on Ministry to the Armed Forces: How to Become a Chaplain
• Army Chaplain Corps
• Navy Chaplaincy
• Air Force Reserve Chaplain Program