Federal Endorser Update

Federal Endorser Update
Doug Carver, Executive Director of SBC Chaplaincy

As you know, I assumed temporary responsibilities as the Federal Endorser on May 1. We have prayerfully considered the next person to serve in this important ministry position and expect to announce the selection of a new Federal Endorser soon.

Professional Preparation for the Military Chaplaincy

The Army Chief of Chaplains’ Office recently published helpful guidance to denominational endorsers regarding what the Accessions Board is looking for in their selection of potential military chaplains. Each Accessions Board closely evaluates the applicant’s calling, character, and competence using the following evaluation tools.

Accessions Essay. The “Chaplain Accessions Essay” articulates a potential chaplain’s purpose, meaning, and calling to the military chaplaincy. The Accessions Board will evaluate the professional calling and character of the applicant from the essay. Please ensure that your essay is clear, concise, and grammatically correct.
Professional Work Experience (PWE) Chronology. [NOTE: Not required for applicants for Chaplain Candidacy]. Each applicant must provide a summary of ministry experience. The Accessions Board will evaluate the applicant’s ministry competence through the PWE Chronology. Applicants applying for Regular Army (RA) Chaplaincy must have two years of PWE.
Sacred Communication Video. [NOTE: Not required for applicants for Chaplain Candidacy]. Applicant must provide a sacred communication video from a sermon, homily, meditation, or instruction from the applicant’s faith tradition. The Accessions Board will evaluate the professional competence of the applicant’s ability and skill to deliver a message relevant to the current environment and applicable to the audience in their presence, presentation, and proclamation. The Sacred Communication must meet the following standards:
- Professional attire in accordance with applicant’s faith tradition.
- Delivered in front of a congregation or gathering in a religious setting that is in keeping with their faith tradition.
- Delivered within the last 12 months.
- Meets all technological standards (file size, length, video, and audio).
Accessions Interview. [NOTE: Not required for applicants for Chaplain Candidacy]. Receipt of the official Ecclesiastical Endorsement (DD form 2088) initiates the Accessions Office to coordinate with the Senior Chaplain to conduct an accessions interview. Interview is in professional attire in accordance with applicant’s faith tradition. Dress professionally, as you would for any job interview. The Senior Chaplain will document the interview on the Accessions Interview Form and forward that form to the Accessions Office. The applicant will not get a copy of the accessions interview. General topics addressed in the interview:
- Discernment and calling to professional ministry
- Ministry experience and other professional experience
- Serving in a pluralistic and diverse environment
- Conflicts and challenges faced that impact professional ministry

Planning Information:

Monthly Chaplain Candidate Roundtable: Earlier this year, we initiated a monthly “Roundtable” for SBC chaplain candidates, which meets on the first Tuesday of each month at noon and 3 p.m. Topics include sharing prayer requests and an update on your current Chaplain Candidate status. Stay tuned for the date of the next Roundtable.
Designated Giving:Consider supporting the NAMB Chaplaincy ministry by designating a gift to “Chaplaincy.” Give online or mail your gift to 4200 North Point Parkway, Alpharetta, GA 30022. Thank you!

Overseas Training:

Below are the Europe and Asia training dates. Please make sure to mark your calendar and plan accordingly.