Chaplain Day

Today, the Hancock Air National Guard Base Chaplain office sponsored ministry day.
Clergy from the Greater Syracuse area were invited to the Air Base. The purpose was
to help the Clergy understand what the military goes - esp during and after deployments.

Also the Chaplains explained that there are several Chaplain openings in the New York National
Guard as well as the NY Guard. Some quick info was given on Navy, active duty and Reserves as well.

When I got home tonight - I looked up the requirements to be a Chaplain.
Here is the link for the SBC Chaplain candidates: https://www.namb.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/sbc_chaplaincy_endorsement_manual.pdf

Presently, the Chaplains Commission of the North American Mission Board endorses chaplains to the following categories: community services, corporate, correctional, disaster relief, healthcare, military, pastoral counselors and public safety.

If you have had prior military service - that would count for total service - including longevity pay.

Two interesting paragraphs -

1) Women
Regarding Women in Ministry The Chaplains Commission and the SBC Chaplaincy Team supports the statement regarding the pastorate in Article VI of the SBC Faith and Message 2000. 8 Every follower of Jesus Christ is a minister and is called to serve in the church (Eph. 4:16). However, the New Testament as a whole upholds restrictions on the ministry of women, barring them from teaching men or having authority over them (1 Tim. 2:12). Nevertheless, the Bible reveals the significant role of women have in the ministry. We encourage the ministry of women in all aspects of the chaplaincy other 7 For more information regarding a chaplain’s religious freedoms, please become familiar with the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. 8 The Baptist Faith and Message 2000, Article VI “The Church”, accessed February 1, 2021, Baptist Faith & Message 2000 - The Baptist Faith and Message

2) on Divorce and Re-marriage
"Divorce and Remarriage We support the statement regarding marriage in Article XVIII of the SBC Baptist Faith and Message 2000. 16 However, divorce is complicated. We endorse divorced chaplain applicants with the full support of their SBC church, but it is by exception. Current NAMB policy indicates that from the official date of divorce, the chaplaincy applicant shall have waited two years before remarriage. In the event of remarriage, the chaplaincy applicant will have experienced five years of a successful second 15 See Appendix A, Chaplaincy Code of Conduct. 16 The Baptist Faith and Message 2000, Article XVIII “The Family”, accessed February 1, 2021, Baptist Faith & Message 2000 - The Baptist Faith and Message . 33 marriage. When we receive an application from someone who has been divorced, we consider their entire application package, including the church placement letter and pastoral recommendation. Additionally, we seek clarification/explanation from the applicant regarding the marital history to determine the appropriate response. The Chaplaincy Team desires to play a supportive role with the chaplain and family involved in separation or divorce. A chaplain’s spiritual and relational health is a vital component of their ministry. All endorsed chaplains who are currently serving and get a divorce or remarry will be evaluated with grace and mercy on an individual basis in accordance with NAMB policy."

I am sure that there is a shortage of Chaplains in many State National Guards.
Would you consider being a Chaplain?

Just a quick note on State Guard (as opposed to National Guard)
About half of the States/Commonwealths have a state guard.
As the State Guards are NOT Federal troops, they only comes under authority of the Governor- NOT the President. Thus you never serve outside your State/Commonwealth, let alone overseas.