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Chaplain Candidate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Navy

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Chaplain Candidate Program (CCPO) as a student. * Opportunities for continuing education are available through the Advanced Education Program while being paid full-time as a Navy Officer. Beyond ...

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U.S. Navy

Chaplain Candidate Program Officer

Merced, CA · On-site

You'll receive on-the-job training under the direct supervision of a Navy Chaplain and be financially compensated for your time while training. It's your chance to see Navy Chaplains at work and to ...

U.S. Navy

Chaplain Candidate Program Officer

Pomona, CA · On-site

You'll receive on-the-job training under the direct supervision of a Navy Chaplain and be financially compensated for your time while training. It's your chance to see Navy Chaplains at work and to ...

U.S. Navy

Chaplain Candidate Program Officer

Arcata, CA · On-site

You'll receive on-the-job training under the direct supervision of a Navy Chaplain and be financially compensated for your time while training. It's your chance to see Navy Chaplains at work and to ...

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Chaplain Candidate information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chaplain candidate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chaplain Candidate, you generally need theological education, strong spiritual grounding, and endorsement from a recognized religious organization. Familiarity with pastoral care frameworks, counseling techniques, and military or institutional protocols is often required. Compassion, active listening, cultural sensitivity, and strong interpersonal communication are vital soft skills for connecting with diverse individuals. These competencies are crucial for providing effective spiritual and emotional support in challenging or high-stress environments.

What are some common challenges chaplain candidates face during their training and how can they prepare for them?

Chaplain Candidates often encounter unique challenges such as balancing rigorous theological studies with practical field experience, adapting to diverse spiritual and cultural needs, and developing strong interpersonal skills to support individuals in crisis. Training frequently involves working within multidisciplinary teams, which requires effective communication and collaboration. Candidates can prepare by seeking mentorship, engaging in self-care, and actively participating in hands-on learning opportunities to build resilience and adaptability.

What is a chaplain candidate?

Chaplain Candidates are individuals who are in training to become military chaplains. They are usually seminary students or those enrolled in graduate theological programs who have been commissioned as officers in the military Chaplain Candidate Program. This allows them to gain practical ministry experience, receive leadership training, and explore military chaplaincy while completing their religious education. Chaplain Candidates do not perform all duties of full chaplains but often assist with religious services, counseling, and support activities under supervision.

What is the difference between Chaplain Candidate vs Chaplain?

AspectChaplain CandidateChaplain
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or holding theological degree, military endorsementCompleted theological education, ordination, and endorsement
Work EnvironmentMilitary settings, training programsHospitals, military, community, or religious organizations
Employer & IndustryMilitary branches, religious institutionsReligious organizations, hospitals, military
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding training and role differencesUnderstanding career progression and responsibilities

The main difference between a Chaplain Candidate and a Chaplain is that candidates are in training or pursuing credentials, often within the military, while Chaplains are fully credentialed professionals providing spiritual support in various settings. Candidates are typically in a transitional phase, whereas Chaplains have completed necessary education and certification to serve independently.

What are popular job titles related to Chaplain Candidate jobs in California? For Chaplain Candidate jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Chaplain Candidate jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Chaplain Candidate jobs in California are:
Chaplain Candidate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chaplain Candidate job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

U.S. Army Chaplain - RA and USAR

US Army Chaplain - 6MRB

Sacramento, CA

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Turn your passion into a mission of service.

Caring for the Army's spiritual health is the mission of the Chaplain Corps, vital to the morale and readiness of our Soldiers and their families. The Army's strength depends on securing capable, experienced religious leaders who embrace this sacred call to serve the selfless 1% of our nation by nurturing the living, caring for the wounded and honoring the fallen.

Answering the sacred call – ways to serve

A chaplain’s mission is to bring Soldiers to God and God to Soldiers. America calls on our Army to fight and win our nation’s wars and Army chaplains are there every step of the way. Whether in training or operations, Army chaplains represent hundreds of American denominations and faith traditions and fulfill a sacred calling of service captured in our motto, “Pro Deo et Patria” (for God and country). Being an Army chaplain means making a difference in the world. There are three ways in which you can answer the call to serve others.

Active Duty Chaplain - Active-duty chaplains serve every type of unit, including Special Operations, infantry, aviation, intelligence, hospitals, prisons, cyber, and community ministries. The Chaplain Corps also offers select chaplains advanced graduate degrees and specialized ministries in ethics, world religions, hospital ministry, and marriage and family counseling. You could be stationed in the United States, or in one of 180 countries around the world.

Army Reserve Chaplain - The U.S. Army Reserve is the part-time force that provides essential capabilities to the Army, giving them added scale and scope to respond to challenges at home and abroad. As a chaplain in the Army Reserve, you will be able to pursue a civilian ministry while you train near home and serve your community. You will spend two days a month on duty and two weeks a year training.

Chaplain Candidate – You can train to become an Army chaplain at the same time you are training for the ministry. The training and experience you will receive as a Chaplain Candidate will be a supplement to your ministerial education. All Chaplain Candidates are commissioned officers assigned to the Army Reserve in the Chaplain Branch. Should you decide to become an Army chaplain, by participating in the Chaplain Candidate Program (CCP), you will have a head start on entering the Army as a chaplain, as well as enjoying the many benefits and privileges associated with being an Army officer.

Outstanding Benefits

As an Army Chaplain and a commissioned officer, you will be afforded numerous advantages and a comprehensive benefits package. Benefits may include:

★ Starting salary competitive with your civilian counterparts

★ Promotions in rank with corresponding pay increases

★ Travel opportunities within the United States and overseas

★ Up to 30 days of paid vacation earned annually

★ Enrollment in the Uniformed Services Blended Retirement System

★ No- to low-cost medical and dental care for you and your family

★ Extensive life insurance coverage at a low rate

★ Commissary and post exchange shopping privileges

★ Housing allowance or free on-post housing

★ Use of world-class recreational facilities

★ Uniform allowance

We are looking for Religious Leaders who:

★ Are not older than 42 years old to serve as an Active-duty chaplain; are not older than 47 years old to serve as an Army Reserve chaplain, by the date commissioned into the Army; Are not older than 37 for the Chaplain Candidate Program

★ Have completed a bachelor’s degree (120 credits) with a GPA above a 2.5; Completed a theological degree (72 hours or more) for their denomination / faith tradition (often the Master of Divinity degree) with a GPA above a 2.5.

★ Are ordained and endorsed by their denomination or faith tradition recognized by the pentagon to serve in one of the components of the Army

★ For Active Duty: Chaplains are required to serve at least two years in a full-time professional capacity as a member of a denomination or tradition of faith, validated by an endorsing agent. Army considers 30+ hours a week full-time ministry *

★ Are a U.S. citizen to serve Active Duty, or have a permanent U.S. residency to serve in the Army Reserve

Become an Army Chaplain

To learn more about being a Chaplain in the U.S. Army or Army Reserve, click here* or connect with your local Army Chaplain Recruiter to see how you can answer the call.

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