Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
These “Frequently Asked Questions” (FAQ) are divided into two categories. First, the questions we are frequently asked by those who are investigating chaplaincy as a possible area of ministry, as well as chaplains who are new to Guardian Chaplains. Second, is the more ‘general’ questions we are often asked about the role of a chaplain and expectations.
When you click on any of the below questions, a short answer will pop up. With some of these answers, you will also find a link to More Details in case you’d like a more comprehensive answer.
The below questions are listed in frequency order, with the questions we are asked most often, listed first.
Other Questions?
Please use the “Contact Us” page to reach out to us if you are thinking about becoming a chaplain and your question was not answered here. If you feel that God wants you to be a chaplain, so that you can minister to those who serve on the frontlines of our society, we want to help you fulfill that mission. Please let us know how we can help.
Q: Can chaplains ordained through Guardian Chaplains officiate at marriages and other community rites such as funerals, memorials, baptisms, child dedications, or celebration services, etc.? A: Yes. However, a few States in the U.S. and elsewhere require a minister to register their credentials or jump through other hoops, so check local requirements before proceeding.
Q: How is Guardian Chaplains different from other chaplaincy training programs? A: Since our goal is to recruit, train, and ordain the chaplains who are in short supply today, which will be desperately needed in the days ahead, Guardian Chaplains was created to provide a low-cost, user-friendly, fast-track online method to meet these needs. More Details To accomplish this, we established an advisory council of experienced chaplains and top scholars who come from the various fields of expertise needed for comprehensive training. When possible, we use existing training materials gleaned from the best-of-the-best instructors to keep our education highly relevant and representative of ‘best practices’ in each specialty field. Guardian Chaplains is registered with the U.S. government as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit education, ordination, and accreditation agency. This makes it possible for us to move forward aggressively with few impediments because we do it all. Here at Guardian Chaplains, we are results-oriented. We have instituted an online education mechanism that recognizes past experiences and encourages ongoing, continuing education. Our concept is to give chaplains the training they need to get started, followed by the resources they need for ongoing personal and spiritual growth, as well as professional development and specialty training and certification. Similar to a college’s self-designed major, we offer different tracks of education, and we offer our chaplains their choice of obtaining chaplaincy ordination, certification, and/or licensing as a Christian chaplain. We also offer training and credentials for those who want to become ‘guardian chaplains.’ To learn more about the difference between these two categories of chaplaincy, visit this website's “Getting Started” page and the “About Us” pages. Another uniqueness of Guardian Chaplains is that next year, we plan to launch an online community for our chaplains. It will offer Q&A iron-sharpens-iron relationship forums, mentoring/mentee opportunities, and an environment to brainstorm solutions to the real-world problems faced by chaplains.
Q: Do years of service in a church, church leadership, or past experience count toward ordination? A: Yes. In some cases, no further education is required, but it is still recommended. We also have a provision for issuing temporary credentials to meet a pressing need. Most often, past experience fits into our education track that acknowledges Bible knowledge and church experience, only requiring additional training in the specific category of chaplaincy where you intend to serve (police, fire, emergency services, etc.).
Q: What is the theology or denominational viewpoint of Guardian Chaplains? A: Our approach is nondenominational, with a high view of Scripture as the Word of God. This is further explained by our Statement of Faith, the content of our Chaplain’s Pledge, and other information available in this website's “About Us” section. More Detail Here at Guardian Chaplains, we acknowledge and understand that as Christian chaplains, and as Christians generally, we must be serious about studying the Bible and diligent in the pursuit of our own personal, spiritual growth. This is part of self-care. However, while important, that is a different yet important topic. In answer to this question about theology and denominational viewpoints, which aligns closely with a similar question also answered here in our FAQ section, with the role of a Christian chaplain we urge caution. As Christians grow, we sometimes become dogmatic about our theological viewpoints or prideful in having knowledge. While we acknowledge the importance of having Bible knowledge, and while we are quick to add that we value ‘iron-sharpens-iron’ conversations, for Christian chaplains, there is a higher road. We are not ambivalent about the answer to this question, nor are we trying to avoid answering it. Rather, there is a specific, intentional reason why we don’t endorse or teach any denominational viewpoint. All of us here at Guardian Chaplains have our own viewpoints, and by intentional design, these span the breadth of mainstream Christianity. However, with our training and public stance, we are careful only to endorse historical, traditional Christianity. This approach is explained in our Statement of Faith. More to the point here is that this is the approach we advocate for Christian chaplains. If you are interested in the specifics of our organization’s Statement of Faith, we encourage you to read this website's ‘About Us’ pages. Importantly, beyond our nondenominational stance and our commitment to traditional Christian beliefs, our view is this: For “on duty” chaplains, conversations on denominational differences, theology, or the fine points of eschatology generally, hinder the chaplain’s mission. While these conversations may be engaging and meaningful in a different setting, a Chaplain who succumbs to this temptation while on duty has stepped away from their role and duty as a chaplain. Prospective chaplains must understand the unique role of a chaplain before they enter into training and before they seek ordination or certification. Furthermore, unnecessary in-depth conversations between chaplains often serve to create divisions or “camps” within the chaplaincy corps. This is counterproductive. As chaplains, rather than getting wrapped up in winning an argument, we must “win” at Christian unity. We need to work together, so that together, we can serve our community as the hands and feet of Jesus Christ. Christ-centered unity and mutual support are essential to make a chaplaincy program effective. However, if an issue of apostasy surfaces in a team of chaplains, this does need to be addressed. As soon as this is observed, the situation should be immediately handled by either the leader of the chaplaincy program or the chaplaincy corps meeting together to discuss the issue with the offender. In all cases, it should be handled in a private setting. If public admonishment or censure is necessary to maintain the integrity of the chaplaincy program, that can be accomplished in a timely fashion, but at a later time. With this caveat, when a chaplain argues a point of theology and thereby departs from keeping the main thing, the main thing (essential Christian Truths), they have abandoned the primary duty and role of a Christian chaplain. At this point, even a truth-filled conversation becomes a distraction or, worse, counterproductive. The chaplain’s mission and primary responsibility is to serve their specific community according to their Mission or job description. The primary focus of a chaplain is outward; community service. Whereas the primary focus of most church pastors, elders, deacons, and church leaders is inward; equipping their congregation or fellow Christians. Even when a church has a high view of outward service, the church itself (and its pastor and leaders), focus on expository preaching or teaching on biblical topics, discipleship, fellowship, worship, and equipping church members for service. Christian chaplains serve a different audience. Furthermore, they do not make these distinctions when it comes to who they serve. They serve everyone. Conversely, a “chaplain” who has accepted an ‘official’ service role, expects that it will come with assigned duties, expectations, and accountability to either their sponsoring government agency, NGO, or nonprofit organization. Therefore, prospective chaplains must understand these expectations before they even apply for a chaplaincy position. Furthermore, in the day-to-day routine of a chaplain, they should not be distracted by deep theological instruction, even among their constituents. Theological teaching is important, but this is the role of a pastor or Bible study leader, not an on-duty Christian chaplain. Even when a conversation is fruitful, it may nevertheless sidetrack the chaplain from seeking-out those who need them. While we heartily endorse and seek to facilitate a deep-dive into Scripture, and while we encourage learning and the development of theological viewpoints rooted in sound Bible doctrine, we urge our chaplains to reserve these weighty conversations for times when they are off-duty. For the chaplain, this historic Christian motto is always relevant… “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity (kindness].” While we unwaveringly contend for the Faith, a Christian chaplain is not argumentative or strident and should not push his/her own agenda. Rather, we must be known for our love of every human being; for being the hands and feet of Jesus. With this, we must exude peace, godly joy, forbearance, kindness, thoughtfulness, goodness, and self-control. In summary, we must exude the winsome Spirit of Jesus Christ.
Q: Is being a chaplain a paid job or a volunteer position? A: It can be either, but most often, these are unpaid volunteer positions.
Q: What is the difference between the role of a ‘secular’ chaplain and a ‘Christian’ chaplain? A: Importantly, a Christian chaplain has the capacity to serve as both a generic or secular chaplain, as well as a Christian chaplain. While there is a lot of overlap between a secular and Christian chaplain, the reverse is not true. A Christian chaplain has (or should have) additional tools in his/her toolbox. The Christian chaplain can respond to the deeper questions of life; questions and issues outside the purview of a non-religious, secular chaplain. Questions such as, “If God is loving, if He cares about us, why does He allow pain and suffering?” There are four legs to the stool of healthy living: a) physical health, b) mental health, c) relational health, and d) spiritual health. While a secular chaplain may be able to address the first three legs of healthy living, a four-legged stool provides more balance, durability, and a firm foundation when all four legs become a unified support system. More Detail Importantly, a trained Christian chaplain has the benefit of a belief structure that is built on the time-tested Truths contained in the Holy Bible. This volume, sometimes referred to as containing the Old and New Testaments, incorporates 66 Books that were penned by 40+ authors over the span of several thousand years, yet it contains a unified, consistent message. This Book, the Christian’s Holy Bible, underpins the approach and methods of a Christian chaplain. While we readily acknowledge that a secular chaplain may be extremely competent, highly trained, possess many years of experience, and be a valuable resource to those they serve, they nevertheless can’t deliver the essential balance brought about by addressing, in unison, all four legs of the stool needed to support healthy living. (1. Physical health, 2. Mental health, 3. Relational health, and 4. Spiritual health.) If any leg of the stool is missing, the result is a less stable, less reliable platform for living life. Still, secular and Christian chaplains can work together closely, utilizing each other’s strengths to offset their areas of weakness. By working together, they can be a powerful team. Still, the identity of the Christian chaplain must be maintained and set apart, to avoid confusion among those they serve. Since many people assume all chaplains are also pastors or religious counselors, this clarification is essential but should be presented graciously. While a Christian chaplain can step into the role of a secular chaplain, the opposite is not true. A Christian chaplain is unique. They have the capacity to serve more broadly and, in our experience, more meaningfully than their secular counterpart. Those who qualify to be Guardian Chaplains have yet another level of training. For more on this topic, visit our “Getting Started” page. This explanation of tiers of service (secular chaplain, Christian chaplain, and Guardian Chaplain) should not be understood as a disparaging statement. It is simply a qualifier and explanation. Just as we recognize that a medical professional may be either a nurse, a physician, or have a specialty role, we respect each and acknowledge their value. Beyond these distinctions, a secular and Christian chaplain’s job description may vary greatly according to the needs of their sponsoring agency and their specific assignment. Notwithstanding, the baseline of any Christian chaplain’s work is this: The role of the Christian chaplain is not that of a church pastor, priest, evangelist, apologist, in-house theologian, professional counselor, psychologist, or career counselor. It is totally different from all of these roles but contains a bit of each. A Christian chaplain must be equipped with a smattering of skills drawn from various and diverse disciplines. This versatility is like a handyman who arrives to help but may eventually need to provide a referral to a specialist.
Q: Is a chaplain a religious person? A: The answer to this question depends on your definition of the word “religious.” Chaplains are often thought of as “religious counselors,” but this is not an accurate description, at least not in our modern Western world. The uninformed public tends to regard a chaplain as a spiritual resource, but this may not be the orientation of a chaplain, especially in a secular environment. Chaplains who serve in a government or secular organization may not have any religious or spiritual underpinnings. However, Christian chaplains do have a faith-based orientation that is sometimes thought of as ‘religious,’ but most of the services they perform are not of a religious or spiritual nature. Rather, a Christian chaplain is whole-person oriented. This is what makes a Christian chaplain distinctively different. Many nonreligious groups have chaplains, such as motorcycle clubs, so individuals who are far from looking pious, can be chaplains. However, even hardcore people who are chaplains need to have good morals and act as representatives of Jesus Christ. By definition, a Guardian Chaplain should be equipped to help with all sorts of situations, ranging from marital problems to talking down a suicidal person, from providing counsel for dealing with a person’s problems at work to questions on the meaning of life, from delivering death notifications to helping a community cope after a tragedy. The role of both a Christian chaplain and a Guardian Chaplain is broad and includes all facets of living a healthy, robust, meaningful life. More Detail Regrettably, some think a “Christian chaplain” is simply a person who prays at official gatherings or officiates at weddings, funerals, baptisms, etc. While the title of ‘Christian chaplain’ often includes being “ordained” and, therefore, the opportunity to serve in these capacities, these officiant responsibilities are infrequent for most Christian chaplains. While we accept that some people take a quick and easy online shortcut to become ordained, in our view, this common practice should come with a different title. We accept that these individuals often follow this path simply because they want to officiate at a religious ceremony. We are okay with this; it’s a reality of our modern world. However, these people are not qualified to serve as Christian chaplains in any broader role. This fact becomes immediately obvious as soon as you review the different roles of a chaplain and the training we offer – most of which is for provided without cost to the chaplain. Here at Guardian Chaplains, we do make ordination and certification easier and faster. Yet, our process strives for excellence and endeavors to be comprehensive, promotes ongoing education, and builds on past experience. Our education program was structured to keep chaplains engaged in ongoing learning opportunities. And, similar to a college’s design-your-own major, we make it possible for a chaplain to tailor their education to match the needs in their arena of intended service. We don’t circumvent essential education, but we do remove the fluff. At its core, our program is one of continuing education. Along with our required education modules, we promote and facilitate lifelong learning and link this to mentoring, apprenticeship, and on-the-job training. Our goal is to facilitate and speed the placement of chaplains, help them grow professionally, constantly expand their expertise, and continuously expand the practical skillsets relevant to a chaplain's work. Our objective is to get chaplains operational as quickly as possible, so they can begin to serve as soon as possible. We aren’t here to crank out ordained chaplains; we are working to rapidly equip serious Christians to serve those who desperately need a chaplain. A secular chaplain typically regards this spiritual perception as a varnish that must be overcome, while others may acknowledge it but embrace it without any depth. Even military chaplains who wear the lapel pin or patch of a Christian cross may be secular in their beliefs about God and the Bible. Even chaplains who express a belief in Jesus Christ may be thoroughly secular in their approach to their job. Still, a chaplain who self-identifies as a “Christian chaplain” should be distinctly different. While a Christian chaplain must believe in the Bible as the Word of God, and in Jesus as God/man who was killed and rose from the grave, a Christian chaplain is not necessarily a religious person. Their orientation may be forgiveness and reconciliation with our Creator rather than adhering to religious trappings. Regrettably, this same lack of clarity is often true for a Jewish chaplain, as well, who may even be an atheist. Conversely, a Muslim chaplain, as well as those who represent another religion, such as a Buddhist chaplain, usually have a religious orientation toward their work that reflects their religious beliefs. These tend to want to serve their own religious group rather than the broad outlook of both secular and Christian chaplains. Officially, the term ‘secular chaplain’ indicates a chaplaincy role devoid of spiritual underpinnings. This term is sometimes used for recruitment or in a job description, but it may not represent the orientation of an individual chaplain in that role. Most Christian chaplains, along with many non-religious “secular” people, regard forced secularization of the chaplaincy role as an affront to Constitutionally protected religious freedom. Oftentimes, this is not perceived as simply an infringement on the individual Rights of a chaplain, but on the Constitutionally protected freedom of the people a chaplain serves. On the everyday practical side of this issue, when a chaplain is requested by a member of their sponsoring agency or organization, whether it be for personal counsel for an employee or to help a member of the general public, it is usually to provide assistance in a situation that is not overtly “religious” or “spiritual.” Rather, it is to help someone who is struggling with a tragedy, trauma, depression, or some aspect of living life that most people do not perceive as something of a religious nature. With this day-to-day role, a chaplain routinely provides personal support as well as practical assistance. These needs are diverse. It might be to offer emotional support after the death of a loved one, to deliver a death notification, to help a person who has experienced psychological trauma, to support the victim of a violent crime, or it might be to support someone who is suffering from physical or emotional abuse, betrayal, relationship problems, depression or despair, addiction, stress, fear, anger, loneliness, loss, unmet needs, or deep disappointment. The role of a chaplain is diverse and multifaceted. With this in mind, the person requesting a chaplain may not be looking for spiritual counsel but rather assistance beyond their ability or capacity to give. These are the arenas where chaplains often operate. A unique aspect of the role of chaplains is that when they are on duty, they are ready and prepared to offer immediate assistance. If allowed by their sponsoring agency, a chaplain is proactive and shows up where they might be needed, even before they have been requested. Along with this, a Christian chaplain is sometimes sought out by someone who is struggling with the big questions of life. This might include wrestling with topics such as their own moral failure, the meaning of life, the existence of evil (or confronting evil), the reason we exist, living with purpose and without regrets, and other topics that secular counselors often evade. A trained Christian chaplain has the orientation to dive deeper into questions such as these and help individuals find solutions to other problems that need more than a temporary, emotional Band-Aid. In addition, the training offered to ‘Guardian Chaplains’ is designed to provide a greater capacity to minister to a community during or after a disaster or major incident. Whether it be a natural disaster, a mass shooting, or an act of terrorism, a chaplain needs to be equipped to help the community as well as individuals. In these situations, all three categories, secular chaplains, Christian chaplains, and Guardian Chaplains, are encouraged to work together and draft into service other professionals, so that each individual can embrace the role best suited to their training and experience. Chaplains must keep the main thing, the main thing. The role of a chaplain is unique. A chaplain should be constantly oriented to the needs of individuals, the needs of the sponsoring agency, and the needs of the community. Keeping the main thing, the main thing, is not easy. For example, if an individual engages a chaplain with a cavernous theological question, the chaplain should not necessarily avoid that conversation but first dig deeper. Often, an individual will approach a chaplain with a question they think the chaplain wants to hear, when, in reality, the conversation they are seeking is awkward for them. Or, their question is designed to help them avoid talking about what is going on in their life, or in the life of the organization or community. If a theological question is a legitimate inquiry, these ‘religious’ conversations are often best facilitated over a cup of coffee during the chaplain’s off-duty hours. While deep or theological conversations may be enjoyable to both the chaplain and their charge, these can easily become a distraction to the chaplain. Even a “good” activity, such as a theological conversation, can sidetrack a chaplain from the “best,” which is to seek out those with pressing needs. These “best” conversations may surface through friendly conversations with individuals the chaplain meets, or they may be casually sought as a result of a “tip” from a peer or supervisor. A chaplain does not “push” conversations. A chaplain who is discerning is available for conversation when those they serve are ready to talk. Importantly, a chaplain should invest their time in people who need them. This assistance may to be to serve as a sounding board for them to work their way through ideas or a problem; it may be sage advice, being a safe place to vent anger or emotions, or simply walking through life together as a trustworthy, supportive friend or confidant. A chaplain is an encourager who helps those they serve let down their guard so they can be themselves; a friend with whom they can enjoy safe, meaningful conversations, a peer they can trust to be understanding and accepting, who is dependable and worthy of their trust. In this sense, a chaplain is a pastor, but their pastoral role is primarily one of listening, asking questions that stimulate self-discovery, a ‘pastor’ with whom they can have legally protected conversations. Legally, conversations with a chaplain are regarded as having the same protections as talking with a church pastor, psychologist, or medical doctor. Similarly, what the chaplain hears that is of a confidential nature should be forever kept private. The role of an on-duty chaplain is that of a pastor who is not a preacher but is pastoral. A chaplain is a very different role from that of a church pastor. A chaplain is also not a teacher or supervisor unless specifically assigned these secondary roles. Rather, a chaplain is a trusted friend who understands, supports, and prays for individuals and their agency or organization. He/she is someone with whom people can open up and talk freely, knowing they will receive responses that are reasoned, wise, and nonjudgmental. A chaplain is someone they can trust, and with whom they can enjoy total confidentiality, who will help them, or get them the help they need. For more on this topic, visit our “About Us” website page and read our Statement of Faith, our chaplain’s pledge, Code of Ethics, and related information on the role of a chaplain.
Q: In some schools, there is an option for a student to create a self-designed major or field of study. Does Guardian Chaplains offer something similar? A: Yes, but unless the ordination and chaplaincy is something unusual, this isn’t usually worth the effort. We already offer several education tracks. However, if you think your situation might fit into this special category, please use the “Contact Us” page to send us a message.
Q: Does the ordination provided by Guardian Chaplains equip me to pastor a church? A: Our ordination is specifically designed to help those who want to serve warriors who are our guardians in emergency services, but the credentials we provide are ministry credentials. Therefore, they can also be used by a church pastor, home-church pastor, Bible study leader, and in other ministry roles. It is up to the individual ministry if they will accept our credentials of ‘ordained chaplain.’ Regardless, at Guardian Chaplains, the training we advocate and the ordination and credentials we provide may be used to pastor any congregation, especially those that are oriented toward community service.
Q: Do Guardian Chaplain credentials provide access to jails, prisons, or secure government facilities? A: Yes and no. This depends on the circumstance and the institution. However, if you use our credentials as a ruse to gain access to a secure facility for a purpose other than legitimate ministry, they will be revoked.
Q: Is the education and training you advocate, Bible-based? A: Yes, absolutely. However, we do tap into secular resources for specialty training, such as techniques of de-escalation, suicide prevention, and other topics not comprehensively addressed in the Bible. Yet, these are filtered to make sure their approach is compatible with the teaching found in the Bible. Perhaps this will help: Our program is based on traditional Christianity, not woke theology.
Q: Is Guardian Chaplains an accredited school? A: Yes. We are a faith-based organization sponsored by Guardian Ministries (GM), which is registered in the State of Texas and with the United States federal government as a 501(c)(3) religious and education organization. We are closely aligned yet separate from GM; they stipulate our conditions for ordination, and they provide our umbrella as a nonprofit charitable organization.
Q: Do you accept tax-deductible donations, similar to a church or other 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations? A: Yes, but we do not ‘push’ or actively solicit donations. We do not send solicitation letters to our students or chaplains. That explained, we do welcome and greatly appreciate donations. Donations can be sent by mail to the address listed on our “Contact Us” page, or made online through our “Store” page. For our day-to-day operations, we rely on the modest fees we charge for services and the sale of books and products purchased from our online store. And, we rely heavily on the work donated by our volunteers. Still, we do sometimes run short, so donations of any size are put to good use. Periodically, we also seek grants to fund equipment, projects, etc.
Q: Are you interested in hearing my recommendations or comments on books, training materials, schools, or suggestions for improving Guardian Chaplains? A: Yes, this is a community and we value your input. You are our eyes and ears. We appreciate your suggestions. Please use the “Contact Us” page to communicate with us. If you are one of our chaplains or volunteers, please reach out to your contact person.
Q: Do you have age restrictions for enrolling or becoming a chaplain? A: Yes, we require candidates requesting ordination to be at least 18 years of age, but younger people can engage in our education program if they are recommended by an organization that is recruiting them for service. Guardian Chaplains must be at least 21 years of age. We do not have an upper age limit. Worth noting is that retired people often make great volunteer chaplains. Many of our chaplains have retired from their careers but haven’t retired from wanting to serve God and make their lives count. Further, those who are mature in their Faith, who have retired from the profession in which they now want to serve, often make the best chaplains. For example, a retired police officer is often extremely effective as a police chaplain (if they keep their mouth shut and remember that they are a chaplain and not a supervisor or a training officer.)
Q: Do Guardian Chaplains, or chaplains in general, have requirements for physical fitness, health, or specific physical or education requirements? A: No. We do not have mobility or education requirements, but physical limitations will often reduce your service opportunities. And, if your preferred area of service (law enforcement, fire/rescue, etc.) has stringent physical fitness requirements, your ability to ‘connect’ with those you want to serve will be hampered if you are perceived to be out of sync with their world. Physical abilities, health, education, and experience are valuable assets, but we do not have specific requirements for participation in our education program. More Details Don’t let a perception of inadequacy stop you; just know that you may need to develop a strategy to overcome obstacles. We all have obstacles to being effective in ministry. If you are called to this ministry, consider this: Faithfulness, perseverance, and commitment often win over natural abilities and formal education. Every new chaplain, and every time a chaplain enters a new area of service, they will face obstacles to overcome. These can often be diminished through tenacity, regularly showing up, being a good listener and not a big talker, and demonstrating that you can be trusted to keep confidential information, confidential. Believing that everyone can find an avenue to serve as a chaplain, we do not limit participation, nor do we deny ordination based on physical abilities or education.
Q: Does Guardian Chaplains offer its services to those who don’t speak English? A: At this point, our program best serves English speakers, but we look forward to expanding into other languages as we are able. For now, we will endeavor to help those who are not native English speakers but can read and write in English.
Q: Do you accept students who have a criminal history? A: We do not perform a criminal history check on prospective students, but we do a comprehensive background and criminal history check on those who apply for ordination or chaplaincy certification. Candidates who fail to submit to our background and criminal history check, and who fail to sign our Statement of Faith and Chaplain’s Pledge are denied ordination, licensing, or any form of certification. Those who have a criminal history must disclose that in the chaplain-ordination application process. If they do not, they are subject to rejection. However, we do believe in redemption, so those with a criminal history will not be automatically rejected. Instead, the approval process is more extensive, and we will require statements of support from your pastor, church elders, or others who are willing to endorse you as a chaplain. However, those with a criminal history are not accepted for ordination as a police (LEO) chaplain, fire department or EMS chaplain, prison chaplain, or school chaplain.
Q: Are applicants for ordination required to sign a Statement of Christian Faith? A: Yes. As our Statement of Faith explains, our programs are Bible-based and distinctly Christian. Nevertheless, regardless of religious orientation or beliefs, we do accept anyone into our education programs to receive training. With this, all participants must understand and respect our Bible-based Christian orientation and refrain from any disruptive conduct. This is not a forum for debate or anti-Bible or anti-Christian protest. However, we will not ordain or otherwise certify anyone who refuses to endorse our Statement of Faith and our Chaplain’s Pledge, which includes a statement of Christian beliefs and commitment to a high standard of moral conduct. More Details Those who fail to respect our Bible-based orientation and anyone who fails to practice civility will be removed from our program. If Guardian Chaplains has already ordained them, their credentials will be revoked. Chaplains must always be civil, be respectful of others, and conduct themselves according to the moral standards specified by the Holy Bible. Breaches are investigated and handled individually by a committee that exists for this purpose. Those who apply for ordination through Guardian Chaplains must affirm our Statement of Faith, which represents the historic, time-tested beliefs of the Christian Church. Anyone is welcome to join us for study, but everyone will not be ordained as a chaplain. Our ordination requirements do not require our applicants to be perfect. Still, they are Bible-based, and ordination is only available to those who strive to live pure, obedient lives according to Scripture, as articulated in our Statement of Faith and related materials that can be found in the “About Us” section of this website.
Q: What is the code of conduct and responsibilities of a Guardian Chaplain? A: The answer to this question requires more detail than we can provide in a brief explanation. To better understand the responsibilities of a chaplain, read our Statement of Faith, Chaplain’s Pledge, and other details explained in the “About Us” pages of this website.
Q: Does receiving ordination or certification as a Guardian Chaplain guarantee me a position where I can serve? Can I get paid as a chaplain? A: Most police, fire, EMS, and other organizations where chaplains serve, have a specific number of chaplaincy positions. If you are an outstanding candidate, you may be able to get an organization or agency to expand their program. However, our credentials do not guarantee that you will automatically be added to any chaplaincy team. In most First Responder agencies, chaplains serve as volunteers without any compensation. While many do supply uniforms and essential equipment, most do not even reimburse the chaplain for expenses. For this reason, it is not unusual for a local church or group of churches, to dedicate a little support to the chaplaincy effort. Those who are looking for a paid chaplaincy position should consider the healthcare industry. Hospitals, senior care facilities, hospice care, and veteran’s affairs frequently employ and pay chaplains a modest wage. However, we do not provide training for these types of chaplaincy ministries. This is not because we don’t think they are important, it’s because these ministries are radically different from our areas of emphasis.
Q: What does the application process look like when seeking a volunteer chaplain position? A: Almost all organizations require the completion of an application form. Your certificate indicating chaplaincy training and ordination is often a requirement even to start the process. Still, it does not assure your acceptance into a program. Some agencies require background checks or even background investigations, and others don’t. Every organization has a different process. Each agency typically has its own qualifications and job requirements, rules, and standard operating procedures. Even agencies in the same community are often very different from each other. Please don’t complain to one agency about anything that is done, or not done, by a different agency. Chaplains are servants, not whiners.
Q: Is chaplaincy a full-time or part-time role? A: Most chaplaincy positions are unpaid, part-time jobs. Many of these only require a few hours of work each month, while others expect a greater time commitment. Conversely, most full-time chaplaincy roles come with a modest salary, but other full-time slots are unpaid volunteer positions.
Q: Once ordained as a chaplain, how do I get involved in this work? A: Expect every agency and organization to have a different process. The first step is to see if the agency you want to serve, has an opening. If they do, only then it’s worth undertaking their application process. However, it is not unusual for an agency to create a new volunteer chaplain position if they think you are a strong candidate, but this rarely happens except through a face-to-face visit with the person who is in charge of the program. As you proceed, you may discover that the organization does not even have a formal chaplaincy program, or they depend on a local pastor who may be called upon when help is needed. Still, this does not automatically stop you from getting involved. They may have other opportunities for service, or they may be willing to start a chaplaincy program if someone (like you) is willing to put it together. In situations such as this, Guardian Chaplains will periodically provide counsel and a start-up manual to help a motivated chaplain who has been ordained or licensed as a Guardian Chaplain.
Q: How do I decide where I should serve? A: This starts with prayer and reflection on your abilities, personality, and past experience. Where can you serve and make a difference? What assignment is the best fit for you? Unfortunately, this question can’t be answered analytically; God may have a different plan. Still, this is the place to begin. A good place to start is to talk with other chaplains in the organization. Or, ministers you know who are acquainted with the organization. If you have recently moved into the area, try to meet employees who might know about their chaplaincy program.
Q: What is the organization expecting from a chaplain? A: As you contemplate where you will serve as a chaplain, first learn what the organization expects. What is the monthly or weekly time commitment? Do they expect 24-hr on-call availability? Are your shift assignments assigned or at your discretion? And, what will your on-duty time typically look like? What are the other, extra assignments that you might be called upon to fulfill? (Public prayers at meetings and events, marriages or funerals, special events, etc.) Before you apply, clarify the responsibilities of the position to make sure they mesh with your expectations. Next, learn from the director of the program what the organization wants from its chaplains. How long has the chaplaincy program been operating, and why did it get started? Are they expecting their chaplains to primarily serve their employees' needs, or is the chaplain's work to be outward-focused toward the community?
Q: Do you have an official stance on chaplains engaging in evangelism or proselytizing? A: Proselytizing must be avoided. In most chaplaincy roles, it is specifically prohibited. But that does not mean that a chaplain is prohibited from Faith-oriented conversations. What must be grasped is that a chaplain is there to meet the needs of others upon their request; not to advance the chaplain’s personal agenda of evangelism. More Details A chaplain who is serving in a government or First Responder environment is generally strictly prohibited from proselytizing. We agree with that prohibition. However, this prohibition does not mean that a chaplain cannot share his/her personal experiences, nor that they must be silent about their Christian beliefs. What it does mean is that the role of a chaplain cannot be used as a ruse for an evangelism campaign. While the role of a chaplain may often include conversations on spiritual topics, a chaplain must always be careful to not force his/her own agenda on the person being served. The role of a chaplain, generally, and of a Guardian Chaplain specifically, is to thoughtfully, meet the needs of the person being served. When invited, this can include spiritual counseling and personal faith conversations. However, if the individual does not walk through a door you open, that offers them access to a Faith-oriented conversation, that conversation should not be forced. Absent them walking through a door or them initiating a spiritual conversation, the role of a chaplain is first to be a caring friend who asks questions that comfortably lead to a deeper relationship, to deliver help when requested, or to provide the path and introductions to facilitate them getting the help they request. A chaplain is a friend and confidential confidant who cares and helps, as requested. A chaplain develops relationships over time, and with this, cultivates opportunities to engage in deeper, meaningful conversations. And also, to be called up by anyone, to help strangers during their time of need, such as after or during a traumatic event. What is expected of a chaplain is to open doors for the person being served, but let the individual being served, decide which doors to walk through. “Tact” and “service” are operative words for a chaplain. Christian chaplains and Guardian Chaplains are to serve others as the hands and feet of Jesus Christ. While a chaplain may engage in evangelism when “off duty,” aggressive or in-your-face apologetics cannot be done under the banner of a chaplaincy role. If a chaplain is operating in an official capacity as a representative of an organization, then that entity has authority over the conduct of that chaplain. If you don’t like the “rules,” then either obey them anyway, work to change them, or resign. Respect the organization you represent; don’t ignore their rules. When the organization the chaplain represents grants access, this ‘official’ role comes with responsibilities, conduct and behavior expectations, and decorum that aligns with the organization being served. Even when off duty, if a chaplain is recognized as a chaplain, they are expected to represent their organization and their chaplaincy role as per the organization’s expectations. Just as a pastor is always a pastor, a chaplain is always a chaplain and not a free agent.
Q: What if the agency I’m interested in doesn’t have an opening, or doesn’t even have a chaplaincy program? A: If you repeatedly encounter roadblocks, don’t get discouraged. Just move on in search of a different opportunity. Or, you can offer to start a chaplaincy program. Example: If your passion is to help police officers (or those serving in any “guardian” role), but if your local police and sheriff’s departments are a dead-end, consider other options. Investigate opportunities with organizations that have a similar mission. Law enforcement might include your local Veteran’s Affairs Police, School Police, Tribal Police, Fish & Game Wardens, or Transit Authority Police. Or, consider a related service. This might be your local fire department or EMS organization. This path might eventually lead you back to chaplaincy in a law enforcement agency, or God may redirect your passion to your new category of chaplaincy service. If God has called you to the chaplaincy, if you are persistent and creative, He will provide you with an avenue of service. Whether it is in uniform or out of uniform, whether it be a formal or informal chaplaincy role, God will provide you with a way to serve that community of guardians. Organizations that don’t have a chaplaincy program often don’t understand what it is and isn’t, and the benefits to the organization and the broader community. Or, they may be misinformed and think that a chaplaincy program would violate the separation of church and state. Or, more likely, they have never had someone offer to champion implementation and do the hard work of getting it started. Either way, new programs need to be created. Chaplaincy is an area of rapidly growing need, so local pastors may help with advice or connections even if they are not inclined to become chaplains themselves. With this, it is important to understand that just because an individual has graduated from seminary or has even been a church pastor for many years, this does not automatically qualify them to serve as a chaplain. While in some situations, these credentials may ‘check a necessary box’ on an application form, the role of most chaplaincy positions is very different from that of a typical pastor. If any of this represents your situation, we encourage you to pray about these tasks before you even make your first contact. And, continue to pray about it as you progress down these roads.
Q: What are the Ethical Standards you require to obtain and maintain the ordination, certification, or license you issue? A: Our standards of ethics are straightforward: to have a loyal personal relationship with Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and Lord, and to live according to biblical precepts as revealed in the Holy Bible. Our standards of conduct are summed up by Colossians 2:6-8, but if you need further explanation, please read our Statement of Faith and Chaplain’s Pledge and the other materials found on this website's “About Us” page.