Give

What we do

Chaplains

Helping you care for the spiritual well-being of military members and veterans, as well as the staff, residents and guests of health care and correctional facilities.

Start your application

Endorsing qualified clergy-persons to chaplaincy ministry

Converge serves committed and competent professional chaplains by providing a pastoral community supporting them throughout their ministry.


Chaplaincy is a specialized ministry in various settings. Converge endorses qualified clergy for chaplaincy positions in the military (Department of Defense), the Veterans Administration (VA), the Bureau of Prisons (BOP), healthcare institutions and board certification through the Association of Professional Chaplains (APC).

Normally, an individual applying for endorsement must have completed the M.Div. degree at an accredited school of religion. Additionally, the best-qualified applicants will have a minimum of two years of professional ministry experience after seminary. Our chaplain endorser assists inquirers and applicants in determining and assessing qualifications for chaplaincy ministry

What does a chaplain do?

Military chaplains provide ministry in a manner similar to a local church, performing spiritual, religious and administrative functions akin to those of a senior or lead pastor.

Chaplains serve in pluralistic environments, meaning they must be committed to meeting the religious needs of people from all faith traditions. The specific way this is implemented depends on the government agency or institution where Converge chaplains serve.

General requirements to serve as a chaplain

To become a chaplain, all agencies require:

  • A bachelor’s degree
  • A Master of Divinity (M.Div)
  • Ordination
  • The ability and willingness to minister in a pluralistic setting
  • Professional ministry experience

Agencies have some variations in their requirements, including citizenship, age requirements or specialized training. Please review our Converge Chaplaincy Requirements for more information and see the specific requirements for military, Veteran’s Administration, Bureau of Prisons (Dept. of Justice), Institutional Chaplaincy or Chaplain Candidates.

Our chaplain endorser assists inquiries and applicants in determining and assessing qualifications for chaplaincy ministry.

Requirements to be endorsed as a Converge chaplain

To receive endorsement from Converge, applicants must:

  • Be actively involved in a Converge church
  • A confirmation of your calling to chaplaincy provided by your pastor
  • Affirm agreement with the Converge Affirmation of Faith
  • Pass a background check (criminal and credit background check)
  • Complete a personal interview with a senior chaplain within the agency to which you are applying

Please review our Converge Chaplaincy Requirements for more information and see the specific requirements for military, Veteran’s Association, Bureau of Prisons (Dept. of Justice), Institutional Chaplaincy or Chaplain Candidates.

Converge Chaplaincy Application Process

How does the application process work?

Processing Time: The full application process can take between 4-8 weeks.

What happens after I become a Chaplain?

Once endorsed as a Converge chaplain, you will be connected to a supportive pastoral community and receive ongoing guidance in your ministry. Converge provides opportunities for growth through monthly training, connection with local resources, and gatherings held twice a year at Converge’s S2 Conference.

Are there any fees associated with being a Converge Chaplain?

Applicants pay $35 to cover a one-time background check fee. Endorsed chaplains are required to donate a portion of their earnings to Converge Chaplaincy.

Why do I need to be connected with a Converge church?

Converge is a movement of churches that can be found all over the United States. We require chaplains to be connected to a Converge church because it is the local church that commissions the chaplains and confirms their calling into ministry.

Looking to get connected? Use our church finder to locate a Converge church near you. We understand that unique circumstances arise. Rare exceptions to this requirement may be considered. If you believe your situation qualifies, please contact us at chaplains@converge.org to discuss your options.

Have questions regarding chaplaincy or the endorsement process?

Stories of impact

Read how God is at work through Converge partners across the U.S. and around the world.

Read the stories
Biblical Diversity Featured

Pursuing biblical diversity through the gospel and ministry partnerships

“What can wash away my sin?” the well-known hymn asks.    You may know the answer, but here’s another question: “What can unite the world’s diverse peoples?”    Converge pastors and church planters already know the answer. Today, these servants continue building ministries upon the gospel, which washes away sin and unites people in Christ, no […]

Let’s see more lives changed 
by the gospel

We invite you to be part of a movement of churches committed to helping more people meet, know and follow Jesus. Start a church, strengthen your church, or send the Good News into the world with us.

Join inGive

Stay connected

Hear stories from our churches, access our latest resources and events, and stay connected to what God’s doing through Converge.