The military chaplaincy provides a remarkable circumstance for teaching the great truths of Scripture, even in the context of some opposition from those who are hostile to God’s Holy Word, and many who are eager to hear and understand the Bible.  It also presents challenges which can be instrumental in a pastor’s own spiritual growth in grace, discernment and effectiveness.

Committee on Chaplains and Military Personnel
The Orthodox Presbyterian Church

To all ordained officers of the OPC who are interested in the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, from the OPC Committee on Chaplains and Military Personnel

Brothers, in the providence of God, your Committee recently has been informed by the Office of the Chief of Navy Chaplains that there exist openings for new chaplains in the Navy.

The military chaplaincy provides a remarkable circumstance for teaching the great truths of Scripture, even in the context of some opposition from those who are hostile to God’s Holy Word, and many who are eager to hear and understand the Bible.  It also presents challenges which can be instrumental in a pastor’s own spiritual growth in grace, discernment and effectiveness.

For those who have an interest in exploring this opportunity we have provided a list of qualifications required for receiving a chaplain’s commission, both from the perspective of the OPC, and the perspective of the Navy, as well as the names and telephone numbers of individuals who can provide information for a potential candidate.

Accordingly, we are requesting distribution of this letter to all OPC sessions, and other places (such as seminaries) with potential for recruiting ministers and theological students.

In the service of Christ’s Kingdom,
Robert M. Coie, Secretary

The General Assembly Standing Committee on Chaplains and Military Personnel

Active Duty Navy Chaplains Needed

Attention OPC ministers, licentiates, and men under care of presbytery!

The United States Navy is looking for full–time Navy Chaplains. As an active-duty Navy Chaplain you will ensure the free exercise of religion as guaranteed by the United States Constitution for all Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen who serve our nation in the sea services. You will conduct worship services in accordance with your ordination vows in a variety of settings (overseas, at sea, or in the field); perform religious rites and ceremonies in accordance with your denominational standards, such as baptisms, weddings, and funerals. You will also counsel individuals in a variety of settings who seek guidance, and advise commanders at all levels on issues of morale, spiritual well-being, and ethics.

The Navy offers a competitive salary, regular cost of living increases, comprehensive medical and dental care for families, retirement benefits, food and housing allowances, excellent base housing, and generous vacation time and world travel opportunities.

To be a Navy Chaplain you must be able to complete 20 years of service before age 62. You must hold a BA or BS degree with not less than 120 semester hours and hold a post baccalaureate graduate degree of not less than 72 hours in theological related studies. The candidate must also comply with the ordination standards of the OPC as set forth in The Book of Church Order and be willing and determined to stay connected and under the oversight of his local presbytery, worshiping when able at a NAPARC church.  Your call would be normally as an evangelist.

For further information please contact our PRCC endorser Chaplain Doug Lee at [email protected] or by telephone at 678-327-1498. If you would like to speak to an OPC minister who is an active-duty Navy chaplain about the exciting opportunities of ministry that await you in the sea services, feel free to contact CAPT Bryan J. Weaver, CHC, USN at 843-321-6283 (USMC cell phone), or by email at either [email protected] or [email protected].  If you would like to speak with our Chairman Robert B. Needham, a retired Navy Chaplain, he can be reached at 559-584-0525 or by email at [email protected].

Chairman – CDR Robert B. Needham, CHC, USN, Ret.
Vice Chairman – Ch (Capt.) Cornelius Johnson, USAF
CAPT Michael W. Jennings USN, Ret.
Col. Mark W. Rogers, USMC, Ret.
CAPT Bryan J. Weaver, CHC, USN
Contact the Secretary at:
Mr. Robert M. Coie
10052 Angell Street
Downey, CA 90242-5013
[email protected]
562-803-1873