Professional Endorsement 

For clergy who require ecclesiastical endorsement for appointment and professional paid employment as: 

Military chaplains: U.S. Army, Navy or Air Force - Active, Reserve or National Guard.

Civilian Chaplains: Chaplains with the Veterans Administration, Federal Bureau of Prisons, or other government agencies. Those seeking board certification with APC, ACPE, or similar professional organizations.  Chaplains who require endorsement to serve in healthcare, retirement communities, children's homes, prisons, workplaces, and similar settings. 

Other Caring Ministries: CPE educators, pastoral counselors, life coaches, spiritual directors, and other ministries of pastoral care. 

Approval for Volunteer Chaplaincy 

For clergy serving  who require ecclesiastical approval to serve as a volunteer chaplain with Civil Air Patrol, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, law enforcement, fire fighters, and similar settings. 

Military Chaplain Candidate Program

For students in approved seminaries preparing for ordained ministry as elders in the UMC or CME. Required to participate in the military Chaplain Candidate Program with the Army, Navy or Air Force. 

The chaplain candidate program is a learning experience. Approval to participate is not equivalent to endorsement and does not guarantee future endorsement as a chaplain.  

Contact a military chaplain recruiter for more information about eligibility and to apply. 

Contact your denominational endorsing agent for more information about requirements for each program.

The United Methodist Endorsing Agency is responsible for the administration of this site. For assistance or more information, contact UMEA by email at umea@gbhem.org or call 615-340-7411.