Army chaplain recruiting video message from Chief of Chaplai

[keithsdrinker]

GO ARMY CHAPLAINCY, this is a fantastic video. God bless our soldiers, sailors and airmen, and thank you for all you do.

[CorneliusOnTheCob]

You must pray in the name of JESUS.

The source of everlasting life.

[MAOfights]

I will ask it here because I can't find the answer anywhere and between the Chaplain Recruiter and a few other resources....i am not getting a solid answer.

I am currently a Reservist. I have been accepted to an MDiv program, can easily get Ecclesiastical endorsement and have a calling to serve....but I want to serve on Active Duty. I have been instructed that we must have 2 years post ordination experience. That will be hard for me to get and....

[MAOfights]

@MAOfights ...I feel as though if I were to try to serve a civilian populace for a couple of years before applying to Active Duty, that I would be providing a disservice since I would only be doing it to move on in the military. My calling feels very, very specific and I am concerned that I will never get to serve on Active Duty. Does anyone have any good advice or ideas regarding this?

[danielsparks]

@MAOfights You won't be able to go on active duty without the ministry experience. There are reasons why this experience is required. You make a better chaplain by having it. Soldiers don't need someone learning the ropes of ministry when they're having crises. Be mentored in ministry for a couple of years, and then you should be prepared for this very demanding work as an Army chaplain.

[MAOfights]

@danielsparks

Sir, I understand. Unfortunately for me...the ministerial experience that I have is not acceptable, but I have had more closed door sessions than I can count. I am week at the Devine Liturgy, which I would get in Seminary. I belive with every fiber of my being that I am here to serve Soldiers and do whatever my talents permit to maintain their welfare. It does not translate as well to the civilan World unfortunately. This is not to say that I would ignore their needs but...

[MAOfights]

@MAOfights I also understand that I would not be as focused. I spend hours daily concerned about my Army and my Soldiers. I spend time everyday becoming a better Soldier and learning what my duty billet requires so that I can perform at the top level that I can. Soldiers are my people, as I am a Soldier. I can maintain every level of compassion that a human can for any other human...however...I know my calling and it is not ambiguous. I have decided that due to the regulations, I am better off..

[MAOfights]

@MAOfights ...serving as a regular line officer. At least at this level I can be responsible for the welfare of the troops assigned to my command. While I can not spiritually minister to them, I can at least be a servant leader, since the Army' s regulations are going to force me to remain a Reservist should I consider the Chaplaincy. If I committed to be a civilian Priest within my faith group, I would be doing a tremendous diservice to my flock should I leave once the military permitted, but..

[MAOfights]

@MAOfights I'd have to leave them to follow my calling. I am not willing to play this level of duality. It would be sinful to do so. I can not commit to do something my church asks in order to fufill the requirements when it would leave my church in the lurch once the Army decided accept my ability to serve as a minister on Active Duty. Once again, I am forced to ignore my full calling to accept the beaurocratic nighmare that has punished me.

[danielsparks]

@MAOfights I don't want to discuss all the personal situation in this open forum, but if you'll send me a message, I'll be happy to continue privately by email or phone.

[tiamat9989]

I'm considering this call seriously myself after a few years, but I do have a question regarding the physical requirements.

Will a PCL tear in one of my knees be a major issue? I have a bit of pain if I'm driving for over an hour without break, but running/jumping/swimming and basically everything else is no problem.

Thanks, and God bless.

[danielsparks]

@tiamat9989 You should pay a visit to your local Army recruiter to discuss this. This is an Army medical issue that the recruiter should be able to help find info about. Ultimately, it would depend on what the doctor says at the physical exam.

[KKidGodStyle]

Will God call someone who has been medically retired back on active duty to become a chaplain? I HAVE to get back in the military. I love it and now I feel God calling me back in. What should I do?

[danielsparks]

@KKidGodStyle If your medical issue is no longer a concern that would inhibit you in any way in meeting the physical demands of military service, you should contact a chaplain recruiter. You will also need to meet the educational and ecclesiastical requirements for chaplaincy. If your medical situation has not changed since you were discharged, I do not foresee how you could be approved for returning to the service.

[KKidGodStyle]

@danielsparks My medical conditions are no longer an issue. I am currently in ROTC to get myself started at becoming a chaplain. It will be a dream/nightmare come true. A dream because I would love to live a life where I have the opportunity to wear the best uniform in the world with a mission to reach people for God. A nightmare because it out right scares me that God may be calling me to this. But where he sends me I will go.

[AmenSoldier]

are there any young chaplains?

[danielsparks]

@AmenSoldier What do you consider "young"? The average age of an Army chaplain entering active duty is 35.

[AmenSoldier]

@danielsparks im getting commission in 4 yrs and im goin to seminary for 2-3. i would be about 25 when i come out. i was curious cause i have never seen a chaplin/pastor that young. am i missing something? i understand that after seminary i would become a captain as well.

[danielsparks]

@AmenSoldier You may be overlooking the pastoral ministry requirement of at least 2 years post-seminary. If you earn a master degree with less requirements than the M.Div., you may be on track for ministry sooner than normal. However, I caution you against trying to become a chaplain before you have had significant and serious ministry experience. Such folks are of no use to the average Soldier when facing critical life issues.

[guncrazyish]

@danielsparks im sighed up 4 the army im17 and i'm going to try for the full run like my grandpa i just hope god helps me through it all

[Grmnshprd]

I am an active duty chaplain assistant and love it. If your considering being an army chaplain but your heart is not in it...don't waste your time. Your soldiers will see right through it.

[CPTBlackDragon07]

@Grmnshprd Great observation Soldier! God bless you and keep on serving both God and Country!

[scoutjonathan]

7He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

[LovedbyTheKing1990]

What if you are Catholic but married or engaged? Do you accompany a priest or what?

[juanitalackey]

Wow, it felt like he was talking directly to me. I've giving it some thought and I'm going to go ahead and sign up....!

[juanitalackey]

Wow it felt like he was talking directly to me! I'm signing up

[streetfighterzulu]

i scored an 85 on my asvab and being an air force chaplain is the 1st choice on my MEPS job list.. i'm praying to help as a chaplain assistant until i get my degree.

my youth pastor told me that God loaned me the gift of teaching, so I hope I am following Gods path for me.

[Crugirl4christ]

i know him!! he is great!

[TRIBENATION1]

I'm trying to join the Chaplaincy program but my weight and large body frame is holding me back. I have a BD, MDiv and an MA in Theology. But like I said, I'm still struggling to lose the weight and also have a very large body frame.

[jcw209]

I am considering the call into the army national guard as a chaplain, but don't have a degree in theology

[ministergeneral]

Amen and HOOAH!

[israperz3308]

HOOAH!!!!!!!

[cwdegn]

Thank you, Chaplain Carver, for your call to serve. Your service is an example to us all as one of God's Soldiers. As a fellow Army Chaplain, I say a loud "Amen!" & "Hooah!" to his words. My family & I have been richly blessed over 8 years of service in the Army Chaplain Corps. It will be one of the toughest, yet most rewarding experiences in your life. If you answer the call & give it your all, the Lord will use you (& your family) to bless many lives in times of war & of peace.