Abstract:
Chaplaincy in South Africa (SA) recently became an attractive ministry and research fields for
both ministers and theologians, respectively, more especially since the dawn of democracy in
1994. The military chaplaincy has been flooded with applications and enquiries from ministers
and leaders from religions other than Christianity who want to secure their space in the
ministry to the SA armed forces. Individual churches are also joining the queue for enquiries.
As SA is a multireligious nation, religions other than Christianity are also knocking at the door
of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), claiming their right to be accommodated.
For this reason, it is important for churches, other religious organisations, leaders, ministers
and theological institutions or faculties to have knowledge of this unique world and its context,
as well as the ministry dynamics and challenges involved. This will assist them in order to
prepare appropriately in terms of shaping the curricula and qualifications of their ministers for
effective ministry to the armed forces with special reference to the SANDF. This article
investigates the dynamics of the military chaplaincy in relation to historical developments
along similar chaplaincies globally, the nature of its ministry to the SA armed forces and the
challenges posed by the ministry context (SANDF environment), and finally, it crafts and
proposes a suitable curriculum for a relevant and effective ministry in the SANDF and the
world.
INTRADISCIPLINARY AND/OR INTERDISCIPLINARY IMPLICATIONS : This article is located in the field of
Missiology. However, it has interdisciplinary implications that affect disciplines such as
Military Science, Sociology, Practical Theology and Church History, which all assist as building
blocks towards a relevant ministry for the armed forces.
