How does the ELCA support the ministry of Federal Chaplains?
The ELCAs support of chaplains begins by “endorsing” them for government service, that is, certifying them as competent, qualified, and caring members of the clergy who are eligible for government service. Beyond this, the ELCA supports Federal Chaplains in a variety of ways. Federal Chaplains participate in regular continuing education and consultation sponsored by the ELCA through the ELCAs Bureau for Federal Chaplaincy Ministries. The bureau works with the various federal agencies that sponsor chaplains, to empower both chaplains and those they serve. They also recruit new chaplains and seek replacements for those chaplains who retire, die, or move to other types of calls each year. The ELCA supports Federal Chaplains through the prayers of the Lutheran community, and through financial support generously given by ELCA members as part of the ELCAs worldwide ministry.
