Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is an Endorsing Agency? What makes AGC unique?
It is a service agency recognized by the Department of Defense to place pastors in the military as chaplains. No person can serve as a military chaplain without the endorsement of an agency. The agency continues to represent its chaplains before the military Chiefs of Chaplains and provide guidance, training and counsel to its chaplains.
AGC is unique because it is the oldest Independent, Fundamental endorsing agency, began by Dr. W.O.H. Garman in 1939. It is not part of any denominational commission of chaplains. It considers any man who is a member of an Independent, Evangelical and Fundamental Church.
2. I would like to have an AGC Chaplain come to my church. How can I do this?
You may contact the home office in Greenville, SC by phone or email. We have three retired military chaplains on the home staff. Two other retired chaplains are on the extended staff in Ohio and Tennessee. Each one is available to present the AGC Chaplain ministry as well as many Reserve, National Guard and Active Duty Chaplains throughout the USA.
3. How many AGC Chaplains are there?
We have about 150 names on our roster which includes, active duty, Reserve, National Guard, hospital and prison, and chaplain candidates.
4. Do military chaplains receive pay from the government? Why does AGC need financial support?
Yes, they receive pay and allowances like any other officer. AGC is like a mission board. We are a necessary agency for endorsement and support. As such, we need finances to provide administrative and pastoral care for our chaplains. Travel to the Pentagon, installations where our chaplains are assigned, the Annual AGC Conference, and other expenses require financial support for the home office.
5. How does AGC relate to the local church?
No chaplain can be endorsed to the military chaplaincy without the Pastor of his church authorizing us to do so. Once he is in the chaplaincy, his local church is the final authority regarding doctrinal or practical matters concerning the chaplain. We represent the local church to the Department of Defense and look to local churches for prayer, financial support and recruitment.
6. Where and how do you find chaplains?
We visit seminaries across America as well as churches, and religious conferences to recruit Bible-believing men. Often, we receive contacts from other chaplains or ministries regarding the chaplaincy.
7. Are military chaplains allowed to preach the Gospel in the chapel?
We are happy to announce that all AGC Chaplains are allowed and expected to preach the Gospel in military chapels across the globe. Many give public invitations (altar calls) in the chapel services. Not only in the chapels, but in all kinds of settings, our chaplains are proclaiming Acts 4:12 – Neither is their salvation in any other; for there in none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
8. Can chaplains win souls for Christ?
Yes, hundreds of military men and women, as well as their families, are saved each year through the preaching and personal evangelism of our chaplains. These include all ranks as well as civilians and retirees.
9. Does a military chaplain have to give a service for all denominations, i.e., Roman Catholic, Jewish, Islam?
No. Chaplains are ordained and endorsed to represent their Faith Group. A Protestant Chaplain would never be allowed to provide a Roman Catholic Mass. Confusion often comes when the chaplain is expected to assist the military person for religious services. For example, if a Roman Catholic sailor came to the AGC Chaplain requesting a visit with a Priest, the chaplain would contact the nearest Roman Catholic chaplain and help set up the appointment or service. The military requires each chaplain to provide for the religious needs of the command, but not necessarily, conduct the service or ministry.
10. How does a chaplain’s wife fit into his ministry?
Obviously, it is important for the wife to fully support the Chaplain ministry of her husband. Separations are difficult on all family members. Many wives are involved in Protestant Women of the Chapel (PWOC). It is a non-denominational fellowship of Christian women under the sponsorship of the military chaplaincy. An important aspect of PWOC, are the weekly Bible studies. Chaplain wives often become officers in the organization. Each chaplain and his wife have to decide the extent of her involvement in the ministry. If the chaplain has the privilege to pastor a military chapel congregation, his family would be a welcome part of the ministry as in a local church.