Visit
Experience the classroom at VBTS.
VBTS offers 3 chaplaincy-specific classes to those interested in pursuing military chaplaincy.
E
ach of these classes is taught by Capt. Steven D. Brown (Ret.), VBTS's Adjunct Professor in Military Chaplaincy. In 2013, Capt. Brown retired from 33 years of Active and Reserve chaplaincy in the Navy and Marine Corps. Capt. Brown serves full-time as the President of Associated Gospel Churches (AGC), which currently endorses over 100 active duty and reserve military chaplains.
The purpose of the 3 chaplaincy courses is to prepare chaplains for advancing the gospel to the military community, as well as hospitals, prisons, and other civic institutions which use chaplains. VBTS advises those interested in military chaplaincy to complete the Master of Divinity program, mindful that today’s chaplain must be capable of pastoral-type duties, counseling, public speaking, and leadership in a post-Christian and postmodern culture.
Chaplaincy Courses
Introduction to Military Chaplaincy
Capt. Steven D. Brown (Ret.)
Introduction to the Military Chaplaincy is an introduction to the history, culture, benefits, challenges, and opportunities of the Military Chaplaincy. Regardless of the apparent impossibility of gaining entry to “restricted access nations and institutions,” the Great Commission remains in effect. We must go, and we must trust that God will make a way. Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Guardians and Marines serve in “restricted access institutions” that currently allow some US Citizens to serve Christ as Military Chaplains.
Military Chaplain Ministry
Capt. Steven D. Brown (Ret.)
Military Chaplain Ministry describes in detail the Military Command Religious Program (CRP). The Military Chaplain functions as a Pastor, Missionary, and Evangelist in the execution of the Command Religious Program. Usually chapel-centric, the CRP must be comprehensive, command approved, and enduring. It must also be tailored to the unique giftedness of each Chaplain. As a result of taking this course, the student will be able to adapt local church ministry into the unique and restricted access institutional military culture and gain practical and contemporary guidance from currently serving Military Chaplains.
Chaplain as a Staff Officer
Capt. Steven D. Brown (Ret.)
This course describes in detail the Staff Officer Responsibilities of the Military Chaplain. While the Military Chaplain functions as a Pastor, Missionary, and Evangelist in the execution of the Command Religious Program (CRP), it is often the Chaplain’s Staff Officer expertise that ultimately enables the cultural integration and successful execution of the CRP. As a result of taking this course, the student will be able to adapt local church ministry and its administrative and staff responsibilities into the unique and restricted access institutional military culture and gain practical and contemporary guidance from currently serving Military Chaplains.
