Are You Ready to Make a Difference as a Chaplain?

Join the Communion of Christian Chaplains and receive a certificate and ID card that showcase your readiness to support those in crisis. As a chaplain member, you’ll also connect with an international network of like-minded ministers, gaining access to exclusive educational opportunities, programs, and seminars designed to enhance your ability to serve your community. Discover which membership level is right for you.

Membership Levels

Associated Chaplains
These chaplains are part of the Communion of Christian Chaplains while maintaining their ties to their own denomination.

Affiliated Chaplains
Members under the direct supervision of the Communion's moderator. Affiliated Chaplains can hold any of the three membership levels.

Lay Chaplains
This level includes individuals serving in various church roles—such as deacons, elders, ushers, pastors in training, and ministry leaders—who are not officially recognized as clergy. While they may lack formal pastoral or chaplaincy training, Lay Chaplains are recognized as leaders and volunteers within their congregations. They may represent the CCC officially but do not possess the authority to perform sacraments or marriages unless endorsed by their denomination. Lay Chaplains are generally supervised by their local church leadership, while Affiliate Lay Chaplains report to the CCC moderator and a mentor.

Licensed Chaplains
Clergy actively serving as chaplains in settings like prisons, law enforcement, hospitals, or churches can seek licensure through the CCC. This includes seminary graduates. Licensed Associate Chaplains must be credentialed according to their church bylaws, and all Christian ministers are welcome to apply. Each application will be evaluated individually.

Licensed Chaplains receive a chaplaincy certificate, a letter of endorsement from their sponsoring denomination, and a chaplain’s ID card. They can carry CCC badges, while police or fire badges must be purchased separately. Licensed Chaplains will also be included in our network for referral purposes.

Certified Chaplains
Certification is awarded to candidates who demonstrate competency in specialized ministerial roles. This process is overseen by an authorized committee and follows established criteria. CCC Chaplains adhere to the same standards set by organizations like the Association of Professional Chaplains (APC) and the National Association of Catholic Chaplains (NACC). Certification is valid for a specified period and can be renewed, applicable to chaplains in hospice, hospital, police, fire, military, prison, or community settings.

The Communion of Christian Chaplains advocates for spiritual care professionals, offering education, certification, and support to chaplains and clinical pastoral educators dedicated to continuing the healing ministry of Jesus.

Certification Renewal
Chaplains and educators must renew their certification every four years.

All CCC Chaplains are eligible to join the Order of Benedictine Chaplains, regardless of their denomination.

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All  CCC Chaplains are elligible to  join the Order of Benedictine Chaplains regardless of denomination.
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