A Spotlight on the Ministry of Nazarene Chaplains

The number of chaplains in the Church of the Nazarene has increased since 1984 from 150 to nearly 900 -- an increase of 500 percent in 22 years. Yearly, Nazarene chaplains provide ministry to more than 750,000 people, report 10,000 to 15,000 conversions, baptize 5,000 new Christians, perform 1,400 funerals, and conduct 450 weddings.

Chaplaincy is truly international in scope. Nazarene chaplains are currently serving in more than 20 countries throughout the world and in 60 differing and comprehensive ministry areas.

Chaplaincy is one of the few entirely self-supporting ministries of the Church. Because chaplain salaries are paid by their secular employer, this ministry to thousands happens at virtually no cost to the denomination. The first century apostles, who were literally kicked out of every place they went, who found no welcome anywhere, could never have imagined a day when Nazarene chaplains would be invited and courted into secular workplaces.

Nazarene chaplains serve in the following areas: Health Care (Hospital, Hospice, Nursing Home), Military, Workplace, Law Enforcement, Correctional Facilities, Campus, and Fire Department. Many retired persons and volunteers serve as chaplains.