Basic Requirements

The Professional Organizations flyer lists the basic requirements for ordained or commissioned ministers interested in chaplaincy, pastoral counseling, and pastoral education.   Please note that chaplaincy and counseling for state prisons is covered under Professional Organizations but Federal prisons are covered under Government Organizations.

Endorsement Process and Application

The endorsement process and requirements are found in the United Church of Christ Manual on Ministry, Section 9, titled Ecclesiastical Endorsement.  The first half of Section 9 is on government chaplaincy and the second half is on professional organizations.  The Manual on Ministry can be found online at www.ucc.org/ministers/manual.  Paper copies are also available from United Church of Christ Resources, (800) 537-3394.

Please note that some rules have changed or are not covered in the Manual on Ministry (MOM). Additional guidelines may be provided in email correspondence from the Endorser or Endorsement Secretary.

For the Committee on Ministry:  click on appropriate Endorsement Letter template.

Instructions AAPC Endorsement Form.doc
Letter Template ACPE Endorsement
Letter Template APC Initial Endorsement
Letter Template APC Continued Endorsement (special 5 year letter)
Letter Template CPSP Endorsement
Letter Template Employment Endorsement
Letter Template Volunteer Endorsement

Applications

Please click for an initial application form for Professional Organizations
Use for first time endorsement, endorsement when moving from one level to a higher level within the same organization, or endorsement for an additional professional organization.  Do NOT use when APC requests a letter of continued endorsement from an existing member.

Click for a form for Continued Ecclesiastical Endorsement Form for Professional Organizations endorsement.  This form is ONLY for chaplains belonging to APC who are asked by APC for a letter confirming their continued endorsement with their denomination.

Note: APC sends out letters every January asking a number of chaplains to send in a letter confirming continued endorsement with their denomination.  APC’s intention is not to have the applicant go through endorsement all over again but just to assure that the chaplain is still connected with their denomination.  It is also used as notice if chaplains have changed denominations.