VA
Approved Endorser
AFCB
Member
3.0
CEUs at Annual CTE
49 yrs
Continuous Standing
What Endorsement Covers
VA recognition for Spirit-filled chaplains.
AEGA carries chaplains serving veterans across the Department of Veterans Affairs system. National VA Chaplains address religious, spiritual, moral, and ethical concerns of patients. They minister to newly admitted, pre-operative, and post-operative patients, to the critically ill, and to their families. AEGA-endorsed VA chaplains receive ongoing fellowship and continuing education through AEGA's Annual Conference Retreat.
An AEGA VA Chaplain Endorsement is the ecclesiastical document the Department of Veterans Affairs requires from a chaplain candidate's faith body. AEGA is approved by the VA to endorse VA Chaplains. Endorsement names the candidate as an ordained AEGA minister in good standing whose Spirit-filled, Trinitarian Pentecostal doctrine has been examined by AEGA's Board of Examiners. Once approved as an ordained minister, the chaplain candidate may request the VA Endorsement Form from AEGA Headquarters.
Who AEGA Endorses
Six common VA chaplain pathways.
AEGA carries chaplains across the full sweep of VA medical centers, Community Living Centers, outpatient clinics, and PTSD programs. Every track shares the same endorsement letter and the same covenant fellowship.
VA medical center chaplains.
Staff chaplains serving veteran patients in VA hospitals and medical centers. Patient rounds, bedside ministry, sacramental care, and family support across acute and long-term wards.
Community Living Center chaplains.
Chaplains assigned to VA Community Living Centers (CLCs) ministering to residents in long-term and skilled-nursing care. Bereavement support and end-of-life ministry are central to the role.
PTSD and mental health program chaplains.
Chaplains attached to VA PTSD residential programs, substance-use treatment, and outpatient mental health. AEGA chaplains bring Spirit-filled spiritual care alongside the clinical team.
Outpatient clinic and CBOC chaplains.
Chaplains serving veterans through outpatient clinics and Community-Based Outpatient Clinics. Often the first chaplain a veteran encounters after separation from active duty.
Ordained AEGA ministers entering VA chaplaincy mid-career.
Pastors and vocational ministers stepping into veterans chaplaincy from local-church ministry. Ordination is the credential the VA requires; endorsement is the ecclesiastical document on file.
Ministers transitioning from active duty into VA chaplaincy.
Former military chaplains carrying their calling forward into veterans ministry. AEGA endorsement applies across both DoD and VA tracks, so the transition does not require switching endorsers.
How the VA Endorsement Process Works
Ordained minister first. VA Endorsement Form second.
To apply for an AEGA VA Chaplain Endorsement, a candidate must first complete the ministerial credential application and be approved as an Ordained Minister. The Board of Examiners reviews doctrine, references, and ministry experience for the Ordained Minister tier. AEGA mails the Constitution and Bylaws for review before a thorough review by the Credential Committee covering doctrinal alignment, references, and ministry experience. Once approved as an Ordained Minister, the chaplain candidate may request the VA Endorsement Form from AEGA Headquarters. AEGA prepares the endorsement on AEGA letterhead and routes it to the candidate for submission to the VA. AEGA remains the chaplain's endorser for the duration of VA service, with annual fellowship renewal and the Chaplain Annual Report Form filed each May 1.
Why AEGA
A covenant fellowship for the long career of VA chaplaincy.
AEGA carries chaplains across decades of veterans ministry. The fellowship's four pillars hold through duty-station change, command rotation, and the long arc of VA service.
Covering.
Biblical, spiritual accountability that protects chaplains and affirms their God-given assignment. Where there is no accountability, there is no responsibility. AEGA-endorsed VA chaplains carry covering that does not expire at retirement.
Community.
A relational fellowship where chaplains are known by name. The Grapevine monthly newsletter. The Annual Conference Retreat. A special seminar and reception for chaplain spouses each year.
Coaching.
Practical leadership development and continuing education. The Annual Conference Retreat carries CTE sessions on Saturday afternoon with special speakers on subjects relevant to chaplain ministry. Up to 3.0 CEUs per attendance.
Credibility.
Approved by the VA to endorse VA Chaplains. Member of AFCB, NAE, NCMAF. The endorsement letter the VA expects to see on file.
VA Endorsement Form · The Workflow
The endorsement letter the VA expects to see on file.
Once a candidate is approved as an AEGA Ordained Minister, the next step is the VA Endorsement Form. AEGA Headquarters prepares the form addressed to the VA, listing the chaplain as an ordained AEGA minister in good standing and confirming AEGA's status as an approved endorser of VA Chaplains. The form is returned to the candidate ready for submission to the VA. AEGA does not place a fee on the endorsement letter itself. The credential covers the endorsement, and the relationship is sustained through monthly Covenant Member offerings plus the May 1 renewal cycle. Annual continuing education through AEGA's Annual Conference Retreat carries up to 3.0 CEUs and is supported by the VA chaplaincy office for time-off attendance.
From an AEGA-Endorsed Chaplain
"I went to the International Minister's Conference to see if I could sense the vision of AEGA. I not only sensed it, but I also wanted to be a part of it."
Jerry Hatfield · Chaplain & Professor · Texas
How to Apply
From AEGA ordination to VA endorsement.
01
Apply for AEGA Ordained Minister credentials
The first gate. The VA requires the chaplain to be an ordained minister of a recognized faith body. AEGA's Board of Examiners reviews doctrine, references, and ministry experience for the Ordained Minister tier.
02
Complete the credential review
AEGA mails the Constitution and Bylaws for review before a thorough review by the Credential Committee covering doctrinal alignment, references, and ministry experience. Most credentials are issued within three to five weeks.
03
Request the VA Endorsement Form
Once approved as an Ordained Minister, the candidate requests the VA Endorsement Form from AEGA Headquarters. AEGA prepares the form on AEGA letterhead and routes it to the candidate.
04
Submit to the VA chaplaincy office
The candidate submits the AEGA VA Endorsement Form to the hiring VA chaplaincy office. AEGA remains the chaplain's endorser for the duration of VA service, with annual fellowship renewal and the Chaplain Annual Report Form filed each May 1.
Frequently Asked
VA chaplain endorsement, answered.
What is an AEGA VA Chaplain Endorsement?
An AEGA VA Chaplain Endorsement is the ecclesiastical document AEGA Ministries International issues to candidates entering or serving in the Department of Veterans Affairs chaplaincy. AEGA is approved by the VA to endorse VA Chaplains. The endorsement names the candidate as an ordained AEGA minister in good standing whose doctrine and ministry have been examined and recommended for VA chaplain service.
Which VA settings does AEGA endorse for?
VA medical centers, Community Living Centers (CLCs), outpatient clinics, Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs), PTSD residential programs, and other VA settings where chaplains serve veteran patients.
What credentials must I have to be endorsed?
AEGA Ordained Minister credentials. The VA requires the chaplain candidate to be an ordained minister of a recognized faith body. AEGA's ordination credential is the prerequisite the endorsement is built on.
How do I request the VA Endorsement Form?
Once approved as an Ordained Minister, contact AEGA Headquarters and request the VA Endorsement Form. AEGA prepares the form on AEGA letterhead and routes it to you for submission to the VA chaplaincy office.
Does AEGA endorsement count for both VA and military chaplaincy?
Yes. AEGA is approved by the Pentagon as an Endorsing Ecclesiastical Organization with the United States of America Military Chaplaincy Program and is also approved by the VA to endorse VA Chaplains. Ministers transitioning from active-duty chaplaincy into VA service do not need to switch endorsers.
How long does the endorsement letter take?
Endorsement letters are prepared by the AEGA office once an applicant is approved as an Ordained Minister. The credential review itself is the long pole; most credentials are issued within three to five weeks. Once approved, the VA Endorsement Form follows within days. The annual renewal cycle includes the Chaplain Annual Report Form, with a May 1 deadline each year.
Begin the VA endorsement pathway.
Approved by the VA to endorse VA Chaplains. Member of AFCB, NAE, NCMAF. A Spirit-filled fellowship that carries veterans-ministry chaplains across the long career.