Chaplaincy is a demanding and rewarding calling. The various branches of the Armed Forces are looking for men passionate about spiritual ministry and compelled by duty to their country to minister within the military. Chaplains are needed in every branch.
Maranatha Baptist Seminary prepares its students to serve as military chaplains upon their graduation. The Department of Defense has approved Maranatha’s Master of Divinity for chaplaincy preparation. Every branch of the Armed Forces offers the explicit chaplaincy training for those who have completed their MDiv. “They want people who have been fully trained in their faith,” said Dr. Larry Oats, Dean of the Seminary.
“This is a great opportunity,” Oats said. “The military is filled with young men and women, most at a very impressionable time in their lives. Some of them will grow up very quickly.”
Almost half of enlisted military personnel are 25 or younger, a time when a godly friend can help shape the future direction of their lives.
Prospective chaplains are not required to enroll in the ROTC program, but may elect to do so. There are also some advantages for those who wish to serve in the Reserves or state National Guard units while completing their education.
The objectives of the (chaplaincy program) Master of Divinity are:
- To comprehend classic theology, as well as current trends in theology
- To understand church and Baptist history and place current events in their historical context
- To discern the relationship of current trends to biblical truth
- To develop exegetical skills in translating and interpreting the biblical languages and applying those exegetical skills to the preparation and delivery of sermons and lessons
- To interpret, preach and teach God’s Word from a dispensational perspective
- For those interested in further education, to develop the research and communication skills necessary to continued successful education
See MDiv requirements.
Read about Charlie Johnson, a Seminary student and future Air Force chaplain.
