The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the number of jobs for clergy, including chaplains, will grow by 4% by 2029. With the growth comes a demand for more clergy to enter the field. The military is dealing with a personnel shortage, which puts extra stress on those currently serving. Many are finding themselves being deployed for a second or even a third time to minister to soldiers around the world.
Recently the Military Chaplains Association National Institute held a two-day meeting in Louisville, Kentucky, down the street from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A)’s national office. The Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the PC(USA), joined the group for a few brief remarks, referring to a chaplain’s work as a calling.