Since its founding in 1944, NAE Chaplaincy has operated in two arenas — first, by providing direct endorsement of and support for chaplains, and second, by bringing together different denominational chaplaincy ministries to form the Evangelical Chaplains Commission, the largest representative body of chaplains in the U.S. Armed Forces and Veterans Administration. The Evangelical Chaplains Commission provides support and endorsement for evangelicals to minister as chaplains in the military and in civilian capacities. The Commission also connects and convenes the chaplain ministries of evangelical denominations, making it the largest representative body of chaplains in the U.S. Armed Forces and Veterans Administration.
NAE Chaplaincy provides ongoing support of its chaplains and their families through training conferences, visitation and regular correspondence. We share information that impacts chaplain ministry and also provide assistance to churches that partner with individual chaplains through prayer and friendship.
The Evangelical Board of Certified Chaplains (EBCC) operates as a third division of NAE Chaplaincy, alongside chaplain endorsement and the Evangelical Chaplains Commission. Some chaplaincy roles like military service only require endorsement (i.e., official validation from a religious body that the chaplain is committed to their faith and has met the educational qualifications to serve as a chaplain). However, institutional chaplaincy, such as in health care settings, requires that chaplains be board certified in addition to their endorsement. This certification is governed by professional agencies that determine clinical standards for institutional chaplaincy. These agencies provide leverage for the chaplain to negotiate various issues that may arise with his/her employer. The agencies are also expected to advocate on behalf of the chaplain when necessary.
Meet the Team
Steve West | Director
Chaplain Steve West, director of NAE Chaplaincy, served as an active duty chaplain in the U.S. Air Force. He served in the Air Force and Army for 41 years, retiring from his distinguished career as an Air Force colonel. West is the author of “The Bronze Scar: Understanding How PTSD Feels to Help Victims and Those Who Support Them.” He is a graduate of University of Mobile, New Orleans Theological Seminary, Alabama Theological Seminary and the Department of Defense Joint Staff College.
Brandon Doss | Associate Endorser
Brandon Doss is the associate endorser for the Evangelical Chaplains Commission. He is a founder and lead pastor at Cultivate Church (cultivatechurch.tv), a nondenominational multi-campus church in Shelby County, Alabama, planted in 2012. He's married to his wife, Danielle, and they have two children: Isabella Grace and Shepherd Liam. He received a B.A. in theology from Carolina University and is currently pursuing an M.Div. from Rockbridge Seminary in Springfield, Missouri.
Juliana Lesher | Director of the Evangelical Board of Certified Chaplains
Juliana Lesher is the director of the Evangelical Board of Certified Chaplains (EBCC). She served as a chaplain for 26 years, including as the national director of chaplain service for the Department of Veterans Affairs. She currently pastors a church in Southern California. She is also the author of the book, “A Heart That Sings for Jesus.” She has a M. Div. from Evangelical Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. in organizational leadership from Regent University.
Samantha Conway | Executive Assistant
Samantha Conway is the executive assistant for NAE Chaplaincy. She also manages sponsorship and other projects for the National Association of Evangelicals. Conway earned her bachelor’s degree in communication from Denison University.
Karis Watts | Membership Coordinator
Karis Watts is the membership coordinator for the Evangelical Chaplains Commission. She is also a stay-at-home mom, and seamstress, and serves at Cultivate Church in Shelby County, Alabama.