Chaplain Endorsement

The Church of Christ is a fellowship of independent congregations and has no central ecclesiastical headquarters or organization to ordain or endorse ministers for any special capacity outside a local congregation. In order to provide an opportunity for qualified persons to serve in the military chaplaincy or act as "lay leaders" for congregations meeting in military facilities, the Armed Forces Chaplain Board recognizes the Church of Christ in Fairfax, Virginia as the endorsing organization. This authority is recognized by the Federal Prison System and was grandfathered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, which now has its own Endorser recognition process.

The Endorsing Agent provides endorsements only for these Federal agencies. Endorsements for hospital systems, state prison systems, volunteer chaplain organizations such as state police should get endorsement letters from local congregations.

The endorsements of Fairfax Church of Christ are based on (1) first meeting the educational and experience qualifications of the Federal agency, and (2) second, being supported by personal references from the applicant's local church. We strive to make our endorsements consistent with beliefs and practices across a broad mainstream of the Church of Christ, recognizing there are diverse beliefs in a number of areas. Therefore, we rely on the applicant's local congregation to affirm the person's good standing in the Church of Christ.

Specific information regarding qualifications and application procedures are contained in additional pages to this web site. However, before proceeding with downloading and using these forms, please contact the Endorsing Agent, Don Taylor.

 
They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness. Psalm 145:7