History of Chaplains with the Military

The history of the military chaplaincy reaches back to the beginning days of the United States. When Colonial forces went to war, they took with them one of the local ministers. Usually he was one of the younger clergy and more physically able. "This was an age when religion played a much more important role in the lives of Americans. For the Colonist, the minister was a powerful figure of authority within the community, and usually the best educated. Not even a minor military operation was planned or carried out without making sure that a minister was available to counsel and motivate the colonial fighting men" (The Military Chaplain, Vol LXXII, Number 5). By the start of the Revolutionary War, the Military Chaplaincy stood upon 150 years of service to the American fighting men and women.

The EFCA has a long history of members of the chaplaincy. In 1944, at the close World War II, the Swedish Evangelical Free Church had 153 churches in 14 states with a total membership of about 8,000 and approximately 12,000 attendees. During the same time, there were 2,239 individuals in the military service. Of that number 1,048 were overseas, 49 were service women, 6 were missing in action (MIA), 6 were prisoners of war (POWs), and 23 were Gold Stars or individuals who had given their lives for their country.

During this same time period, the Swedish Evangelical Free Church had four Military chaplains (C. Alvin Johnson, Ben C. Johnson, Henry E. Nyberg, C. Ray Johnson). Dr. Arnold T. Olson was a United States Army Chaplain endorsed by the Norwegian Evangelical Free Church. Today we have 56 individuals serving in every branch of military service.

For further information on becoming an EFCA Chaplain contact:

Dr. Roy Bebee
Director, Chaplain Ministries/Endorsing Agent
EFCA Office of the President
(800) 252-1300       
(612) 387-9820       
roy.bebee@efca.org