Chaplain Candidate Sojourn 3

Hey everyone. My last Chaplain Candidate post was on April 2, 2010 and I was waiting for my packet to be approved/disapproved by the Chaplain Board. (US Army, Reserve). So this is an update and encouragement for those just starting out in the process or in the same boat. My packet (paperwork/security clearance/MEPS physical/endorsement) went before the Chaplain Board on May 11-12. I got a phone call on Friday the 14, from my recruiter, letting me know that I was approved to be a chaplain candidate! I felt a huge weight being lifted and had a peace about the whole process. I started the paperwork with my recruiter back in October of 2009, and have been anxiously waiting to start drilling with a local RESERVE unit and learn from a seasoned chaplain. Since my packet has been approved, I am now waiting for a letter of Oath of Office (30-60 days after the board), so I can swear-in as a second lieutenant in the US Army Reserve! I will be doing a swearing in ceremony, for family and friends, to document this memorable occasion. I am extremely excited about beginning this path of ministry for two reasons. First, I have always had a ...

Chaplain Candidate Sojourn 2

OK everyone, this is the second post in my Chaplain Candidate series. In this post I am going to explain the "process" that I have experienced thus far in my journey at becoming an Army Chaplain. I started the process around August of 2009, not with a recruiter but with God and my Wife. My advice, for someone looking at the Chaplain Candidate Program or Army Chaplaincy, would be to start with the heart. Seek the desires of your heart to make sure this is something you feel God effectually calling you to. DO NOT SEEK ARMY CHAPLAINCY IF: its about money, family dream or to impress. The Call of a minister is one of servanthood from God to reach a people back to Himself. Seek God, talk with your family and take it slow DO NOT RUSH into this decision. Around October of 2009, I decided to contact my local recruiter and was put on hold for a long time.... like most people seeking information about Army Chaplaincy or the Candidate Program, I could not find a lot of info. Unless you live in a city that has a Chaplain specific recruiter it will be difficult to get the process going. ...