Chaplaincy is a vital frontline ministry and extension of the local church. Chaplains reach the lost among the thousands of men and women in the U.S. Armed Forces, healthcare settings, correctional facilities, public safety, disaster relief sites, and corporate environments. SBC Chaplains care for the broken, offer hope to the hopeless, and advance the gospel of Jesus Christ in hard-to-reach places.

The qualifications expected of a Southern Baptist applying for endorsement as a chaplain or counselor are established by their institution and the Chaplains Commission, SBC. These qualification requirements vary according to the type of chaplaincy or counseling ministry involved but all are expected to meet a high level of ministerial competence.