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Chaplaincy Endorsement opens ministry opportunities outside the church

Ecclesiastcal Endorsement

Ecclesiastical Endorsement

Ecclesiastical endorsement is the written acknowledgement by a faith group/denomination that an individual is in good standing and meets the qualifications for clergy credentials with their faith group/denomination. In general, major institutions, federal/state correctional systems, police/fire agencies, and healthcare facilities require that chaplains and pastoral counselors have the endorsement of their respective faith group/denomination. 

Ecclesiastical endorsement provides a variety of benefits to those who serve in chaplaincy ministry.

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  • Formal recognition by the Chaplaincy Ministries that required standards for theological and pastoral competence to serve as a chaplain have been met

 

  • Denominational certification to hiring agencies that the chaplain is qualified for a particular chaplaincy ministry

 

  • Group identification and fellowship with chaplains in similar areas of ministry

 

  • Ongoing professional, pastoral, and administrative support by the chaplaincy ministry

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  • Ministry materials provided by the chaplaincy ministries 

 

  • Invitation to annual Chaplains Training Conference and discounted conference fees

 

  • Chaplains monthly e-mail newsletter

 

  • Networking with other United Pentecostal Church chaplains through a secure message board

 

  • Mentoring opportunities

 

  • Weekly prayer support

Chaplaincy Levels

Levels of Endorsement/Recognition

Educational qualifications, ministerial credentials, and employment status determine endorsement levels. They are assigned by Chaplaincy Ministries. The levels of endorsement are Advanced, Standard, Basic, and Associate Chaplain Recognition.

Advanced Endorsement

This type of endorsement is issued to chaplains who meet the highest educational and ministerial requirements. These requirements reflect the standards professional chaplaincy organizations and certifying bodies require. 

 

Requirements:

  • UPCI Ministry Credentials Ordination or General License 

  • 5 years ministry/pastoral care experience

  • Master of Divinity (or its equivalent) with an Association of Theological School (ATS) or regionally accredited institution 

  • 4 units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) preferred, amount determined by hiring agency 

  • Levels 1 & 2 of Core Chaplaincy Training as offered at ministrycentral.com

  • Active, full-time, paid chaplaincy position

  • Certification with professional organization preferred

  • References, including one from their district

  • Interview with and approval by the UPC Chaplaincy Ministries

  • Certification with Professional Organization Preferred

Standard Endorsement

Standard endorsement provides professional association and is the endorsement required by most hiring agencies. As educational and ministerial experience increase, it is possible to upgrade endorsement.

 

Requirements:

  • UPCI Ministry credentials (ordained, general, or local)

  • 5 years ministry/pastoral care experience

  • Minimum of a regionally accredited institution or UPCI endorsed Bible College AA, AS, BA or a BS.  Or, completion of UPCI endorsed leadership/ministry training institute (ie: Purpose Institute, Ministry Central, CSTI, etc.)

  • Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) and/or Continuing Education Unit (CEU) as required by hiring agency

  • Levels 1 & 2 of Core Chaplaincy Training as offered at ministrycentral.com

  • Be an active, paid or volunteer chaplain working full- or part-time in a chaplaincy ministry

  • References, including one from their district

  • Interview with and approval by the UPC Chaplaincy Ministries 

  • Certification with Professional Organization Preferred 

Basic Endorsement

Basic endorsement provides professional association and endorsement required by hiring agencies. This endorsement is given to currently employed chaplains who either don’t meet the requirements for Standard endorsement or who serve in areas without pay.

 

Requirements:

  • UPCI Ministry credentials (ordained, general, or local)

  • 2 years Ministry experience

  • Education as required by hiring agency 

  • Levels 1 & 2 of Core Chaplaincy Training as offered at ministrycentral.com

  • References, including one from their district

  • Personal interview with a department representative

  • Endorsement conferred by senior director of chaplaincy ministries 

  • Ratification by UPC Chaplaincy Ministries

Associate Chaplain Recognition

Recognition as an Associate Chaplain provides professional association and affiliation required by hiring agencies. This recognition is given to currently employed or volunteer chaplains who have the local church credential instead of a UPCI conferred credential.  Individuals who obtain Associate Chaplain Recognition are encouraged to work toward attaining UPCI conferred credentials.

 

Requirements:

  • Local church credential (Christian ministries license)

  • Ministry experience

  • Education as required by hiring agency and Ministry Central Christian Ministry License Training

  • Levels 1 of Core Chaplaincy Training as offered at ministrycentral.com

  • References, including one from their pastor

  • Personal interview with a Chaplaincy Ministry representative

  • Recognition conferred by senior director of chaplaincy ministries 

  • Ratification by Chaplaincy Ministries

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info@upcchaplains.com

800-755-8492

Chaplaincy Ministries

PO Box 1532

Saltillo, MS 38866

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