How to Become an Episcopal Chaplain

Caring chaplains can help people.

Episcopal chaplains can guide people on their spiritual journeys by offering them hope, healing and strength. These chaplains serve in an array of areas, including healthcare institutions, government institutions, prisons and the armed forces. Chaplains hold services and give spiritual counseling and support to people who are not able to attend Episcopal Church ceremonies. In order to become an Episcopal chaplain, you must be dedicated, properly certified and trained.

Things You'll Need

• Bachelor's degree and master's of divinity degree
• Select vocation/certification
• Establish relationship with bishop
• Receive ecclesiastical endorsement

Instructions

Considerable Schooling Required

1. A college education can assist a dedicated person in pursuing a "calling" in becoming an Episcopal chaplain. According to Marshall Scott, an Episcopal hospital chaplain in Kansas City, Mo., the basic requirements for certification are obtaining a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in divinity or the equivalent from a theological/seminary school at an accredited college or university. Also, you would need four units of clinical pastoral education with an ecclesiastical endorsement: official confirmation that you have religious competence within the Episcopal Church.

2. Once you have decided what area you want to serve as an Episcopal chaplain, apply to the appropriate certification bodies. For example, to receive certification as a hospital chaplain, you should apply to the Association of Professional Chaplains (APC) and the College of Pastoral Supervision and Psychotherapy (CPSP). For other professional chaplaincy areas, the National Association of Catholic Chaplains (NACC) has an Episcopal Advisory Council and certifies Episcopal chaplains through its certification commission. The NACC certifies chaplains, supervisory candidates, associate supervisors and clinical pastoral education supervisors.

3. Having a strong relationship with your bishop is paramount in becoming an Episcopal chaplain. Make sure your bishop knows what vocation you are pursuing as a chaplain. Moreover, because knowing your bishop will be imperative to your endorsement, you need to establish a conversation about your chaplaincy pursuits as early as possible.

4. Next, apply for ecclesiastical endorsement by submitting an application to the Office of the Bishop Suffragan for Chaplaincies at Episcopal Church Center in New York. Once your application is received, the final decision for endorsement is based on the conversation and a recommendation from your diocesan bishop. For more information about the application process, visit www.ecusa-chaplain.org.

5. The work of an Episcopal chaplain is a richly blessed and rewarding ministry, and the NACC can help you in achieving these rewards in your chaplaincy vocation. When you receive professional experience as an Episcopal chaplain, you will learn how to minister to people in a nontraditional setting because the core of the chaplain's ministry is becoming a compassionate, pastoral presence to those who are suffering. In addition, an Episcopal chaplain ministers among caregivers to suffering people such as family and staff members. In addition, this on-the-job experience will help you assess the spiritual care of patients, provide ethical decision-making, create spiritual care programs and services, and partner with leadership organizations to cultivate a spiritual atmosphere within an organization.

6. To apply for chaplaincy jobs, visit the NACC website at www.nacc.org to search for current job listings. When searching, the NACC suggests applying to critical shortages in rural locations. It was reported in 2010 that certified chaplains usually earn salaries from $30,000 to $60,000 a year with benefit packages. For a job consultation, contact a professional chaplain at the NACC by calling [phone] or email: [e-mail].

Tips & Warnings

• When researching for the right accredited institution, select one with a great continuing professional education program (CPE). Participating in a CPE is excellent for chaplaincy training because it gives you the opportunity to experience the chaplaincy role and your God-given gifts to this unique ministry. In the beginning of the program, establish a relationship with your supervisor. The ACPE, the NACC and the CPSP are accredited CPE centers.

• Remember, ecclesiastical endorsement does not require ordination to the priesthood. For more information, contact the Office of the Bishop Suffragan for Chaplaincies at www.ecusa-chaplain.org.

References

• National Association of Catholic Chaplains
• Episcopal Chaplain at the Bedside
• College of Pastoral Supervision and Psychotherapy

Resources

• Office of the Bishop Suffragan for Federal Ministries
• Association of Professional Chaplains