Institutional chaplains are comforters, pastors, teachers, and counselors. Chaplains are creative and understanding as they demonstrate God’s grace and love in ministering to people in institutions and community settings.

Chaplains--experienced pastors--help people discover spiritual resources and faith by providing worship services, religious education, pastoral care, and counseling. These chaplains serve in full-time and part-time paid positions. Many serve as volunteers to a using agency.

Institutional chaplains serve in correctional facilities operated by federal, state, county and local agencies as well as corporation operating facilities. Each jurisdiction has particular qualifications for hiring chaplains. To apply for a position contact that jurisdiction’s Department of Corrections Chaplaincy Administrator.

Basic Qualifications/Requirements for Endorsement

Federal Prison Chaplaincy

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• An M.Div degree from an accredited theological seminary.
• Two years of full-time pastoral experience in a Southern Baptist Church or agency after obtaining the M.Div. degree.
• Ecclesiastical endorsement.
• Maximum age of 37 at time of appointment.

State Prison Chaplaincy

Each state has particular qualifications for hiring chaplains. Contact that state’s Department of Corrections Chaplaincy Administrator to apply for a position.

For specific application of qualifications to your situation contact the Chaplaincy Associate for Institutional Chaplaincy. Contact number 770-410-6361 or through this form.