CHAPLAINCY APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Reference these instructions for each form; make sure you submit the correct form based on your readiness for endorsement.

General Guidelines:

• Submit all forms in digital format.
• Take time to prepare a neat application, giving attention to spelling and grammar. This is a professional application for a professional position. Incomplete or incorrect forms cannot be processed by the Endorser.

There are three forms you will need to submit, one at a time.

1 – Chaplain Questionnaire

Your first official contact with the FBFI Endorsing Agency must be made on the Chaplain Questionnaire. After you have submitted the questionnaire, we will acknowledge receipt and give you further instructions on how to proceed.

2 – Preliminary Chaplain Endorser Application, Short Form

If you are still in seminary, have not yet been ordained, or do not have the required ministry experience, you must use the Short Form. Submit the following with your application:

• A digital color photo (family, if applicable): The photo need not be studio quality but must be clear.
• $150 application fee: Contact the home office for payment options.

3 – Request for Endorsement, Long Form

The Long Form is only used when you can document your completed seminary qualifications, your ordination, and your required ministry experience.

Additional Notes:

1. Background Check: The FBFI home office will contact all references and order a background check. Before you are accessioned in the chaplaincy, you will have to report any legal citations, including traffic citations, civil legal actions against you including bankruptcy, and the status of all outstanding financial obligations. Any such matter in your life will require a “moral waiver” by the military branch or civilian agency to which you are applying for chaplaincy and must be fully disclosed to your endorser in writing, who will be required to acknowledge in writing that the disclosure has been made and that endorsement is granted with full awareness.
2. Fellowships: Plan to attend subsequent FBFI regional fellowship meetings in your area and the annual fellowship meeting after your initial application form is submitted. These meetings are listed on the website under the “Regions and Fellowships” tab.
3. Training: Chaplain training is conducted during the FBFI Winter Board Meeting in February and is required for applicants and endorsed chaplains. If you are unable to attend training, a make-up session will be held during the annual fellowship.
4. Military Chaplaincy: Endorsement for military chaplaincy can only occur when your endorser files a DD2088 (Department of Defense Form 2088), but the DD2088 is the LAST step in your lengthy application and qualification process. (All administrative actions take place on the DD2088.)
5. Community Chaplaincy: Fire Service, Health Care, Hospital, VA, Law Enforcement, Civil Air Patrol, Corporate, and/or any other local community chaplaincy will complete both the Short Form and the Long Form at the appropriate time.

Depending on where you are in your educational pursuit, readiness for ordination, and/or ministry experience, it can take several years for an interested applicant to become a chaplain. It is a long and comprehensive process.

At the beginning of the application process, the Home Office will send you the FBFI Chaplain’s Manual. You will need to read this document thoroughly and affirm the FBFI Statement of Faith.

If you change endorsers without permission from both sending and receiving endorsers, or if you fail to maintain endorsement from a qualified endorser at all times, you will be discharged from the military and possibly dismissed from the civilian agency where you serve.