Explore Navy Chaplaincy through Luther Rice
The U.S. Navy Chaplain Corps offers a unique and deeply meaningful opportunity to serve both God and country, while continuing to grow spiritually, professionally, and academically. Luther Rice College & Seminary is honored to come alongside students who are exploring this distinctive path of gospel-centered service. Navy chaplains minister in diverse and challenging environments - on ships, submarines, bases, hospitals, and deployment zones - providing spiritual care, biblical counsel, and moral leadership to service members and their families. This calling allows ministers to proclaim Christ faithfully while serving in one of the most mission-field-rich–rich contexts in the world.
Career Opportunities
Navy Chaplain Candidate Program
Designed for:
Seminary students who are exploring a potential call to military chaplaincy while completing their theological education.
Eligibility Requirements
- U.S. citizen
- Ages 21–37
- Enrolled in an accredited seminary or theological program (72+ credit hours)
Program Benefits
- Paid ministry training (approximately $3,500)
- Mentorship from experienced Navy Chaplains
- No military service obligation while in the program
- Leadership development in a diverse, real-world ministry context
This program allows students to discern their calling while gaining invaluable ministry exposure and mentorship.
Active-Duty Navy Chaplaincy
Designed for:
Graduating seminarians or ordained clergy who are ready to step into full-time chaplain ministry.
Eligibility Requirements
- U.S. citizen
- Up to age 42 (age waivers considered on a case-by-case basis)
- Completed MDiv (minimum 72 credit hours from an accredited seminary)
- At least 2 years of professional ministry experience
- Ecclesiastical endorsement
- Must meet Navy height and weight standards
Benefits of Active-Duty Chaplaincy
- Starting salary: approximately $125,000
- Full healthcare coverage (low to no cost)
- 30 days of paid leave annually
- Tuition assistance for continued education
- Tax advantages and eligibility for military retirement
Whether you are discerning chaplaincy through the Candidate Program or preparing for active-duty service, programs at Luther Rice College & Seminary exist to provide biblically faithful, accredited, and accessible online education for those called to serve Christ wherever God calls.
Take Your Next Step at Luther Rice
Step 1: Review the Navy Chaplain Presentation Below
New Chaplain Presentation by the US Navy
Step 2: Connect with our Navy Chaplain Representative, Lieutenant Mandisa A. Maforah.
Email: mandisa.a.maforah.mil@us.navy.mil | MOB: 770-825-6579
Step 3: Apply to Luther Rice for FREE at www.lutherrice.edu/apply with promo code "luther"
Connect with Our Navy Representative
Lieutenant Mandisa A. Maforah
Navy Chaplain
Lieutenant Mandisa A. Maforah is a U.S. Navy chaplain and native of Huntsville, Alabama. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Pre-Chaplaincy/Pre-Counseling from Oakwood University in 2012 and his Master of Divinity from Andrews Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary in 2015. He began his Navy service in 2014 through the Chaplain Candidate Program and was commissioned into the Navy Chaplain Corps in 2017.
Chaplain Maforah has served in a variety of ministry and leadership roles, including Command Chaplain of the USS Mobile Bay (CG-53), Staff Chaplain and Warrior Toughness Instructor at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, and Deputy Command Chaplain of Marine Aircraft Group 11 in Miramar, California. Selected for promotion to Lieutenant Commander in 2024, he is also a board-certified chaplain with extensive experience in pastoral counseling, hospital chaplaincy, and hospice care. His awards include two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals and the Fleet Marine Force Officer designation.