All Chaplains have an “Endorser” – A Director from the denomination who prepares Chaplain files to include college/seminary transcripts, License & Ordination documents, security background checks, personal references/requirements, and various records required by the government. When the Endorser observes a Candidate is ready to assume duties as a chaplain, an Endorsement is submitted to the institution the Candidate is requesting Orders (placement). In the military it is called the 2088 Form. The 2088 briefly lists the strengths and attributes the Endorser thinks will best serve a particular institution. Seminary graduates want the Endorser to ensure they have the best advantage to put their training and seminary studies to work.
The Endorser encourages the Student / Chaplain, and is a resource when the Chaplain has questions or is at a crossroad in ministry. The Endorser occasionally visits chaplains at their base, Hospital or Prison and pays a call upon the Chaplain’s Supervisor or Commanding Officer, if requested. Many times, an Endorser’s visit is unofficial, and no formal call upon a CO is planned. When a Chaplain encounters difficulty, the Endorser may be of most help – either in Counsel, requested communication with Superiors, or simple brainstorming. “In the counsel of many elders is found wisdom;” and the wise Chaplain will seek advice when appropriate.
In short: The Chaplain’s Endorser is a valuable help in Preparing the Chaplain for ministry; Liaising between Chaplain and Denomination; Visiting the Chaplain on-site; Celebrating the Chaplain during Conventions, Conferences & Training; and Highlighting Chaplain Ministries in denominational magazines/news articles.
Many Endorsers are former Chaplains, and have helpful connections/ resources that can be of value. Stay close to your Endorser. They may have input in Scholarships, Continuing Education opportunities, Marriage & family situations, post Active-Duty ministry options, Personal references, Pastoral/Pulpit Vacancies, and can liaise between you and your Chief of Chaplains when appropriate.
The Endorser leads a “Chaplain Commission” of clergy who convene to discuss the denomination’s Chaplain Budget, plan Training, Conventions, Ordination Ceremonies (upon request), and Retreats for the occasional fellowship of all Chaplains in the denomination.
Without a seminary of our own, we recruit the finest Pentecostal graduates from seminaries across the country – enriching our Movement and its worldwide effect for the Kingdom. Because God has arranged for both genders to be His Ministers, we are developing a PCG Chaplaincy where soon one-third of our chaplains will be women. They serve as ‘Executives’ in the Defense Department, VA, Hospital/ Hospice and various other institutions as the Holy Spirit places them in the latter 20th Century. A wise 2nd Century PCG will continue to nurture and harness such Executive Expertise for its own growth.
