Endorsement

Ecclesiastical Endorsement

Ecclesiastical endorsement is a verification process conducted by an Ecclesiastical Endorsing Organization, confirming that an authorized minister or practitioner is in good standing, possesses the necessary education and experience, and is prepared to work collaboratively in a diverse and pluralistic environment.

All chaplains operate under the authority of their respective communion, denomination, or fellowship. The Communion of Christian Chaplains (CCC) holds no episcopal jurisdiction over its chaplains, except for those who have joined as affiliates in the Communion or as Benedictine Chaplains.

For Associate members, we provide ecclesiastical endorsement alongside their respective denomination or communion. As an endorsing body, the CCC is responsible for the recruitment, endorsement, and support of clergy engaged in ministries beyond local congregations. This includes chaplains and spiritual/pastoral counselors in various fields such as healthcare, criminal justice, military, first responders, education, corporate settings, and social services. The CCC offers support, advocacy, and accountability for our chaplains.

Endorsement Categories

Advanced Certified Chaplaincy Endorsement

  • Ordination
  • 2 years of pastoral experience
  • MDIV (or equivalent) from an ATS-accredited institution
  • 4 units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) preferred, as determined by the hiring agency
  • Active, full-time paid chaplaincy position
  • Eligibility for certification with a professional organization
  • References, including one from their District
  • Background check
  • Credit check
  • Approval by Endorser
  • Ratification by the Communion of Christian Chaplains

Standard Chaplaincy Endorsement

  • Ordination
  • 2 years of pastoral experience
  • Education as required by the hiring agency
  • CPE as required by the hiring agency
  • Active, paid chaplain working full- or part-time in a chaplaincy ministry
  • References, including one from their District
  • Background check
  • Credit check
  • Approval by Endorser
  • Ratification by the Communion of Christian Chaplains

Licensed Chaplaincy Endorsement

  • Certified or higher level of credentials
  • Ministry experience
  • Education as required by the hiring agency
  • References, including one from their District
  • Background check
  • Credit check
  • Personal interview with a Department representative
  • Approval by Endorser
  • Ratification by the Communion of Christian Chaplains

Associate Chaplain Recognition

  • Church-level credentials
  • References, including one from their pastor
  • Associate Chaplaincy application
  • Education as required by the hiring agency
  • Background check
  • Credit check
  • Personal interview with a Department representative
  • Approval by Endorser
  • Ratification by the Communion of Christian Chaplains

Lay Chaplain Recognition

  • Church-level credentials
  • References, including one from their pastor
  • Lay Chaplaincy application
  • Education check
  • Background check
  • Credit check
  • Personal interview with a Department representative
  • Approval by Endorser
  • Ratification by the Communion of Christian Chaplains

 

 

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