Endorsement The Alliance of Baptists is a denominational movement for those who are Baptist or from the Free Church tradition seeking endorsement to support their specialized ministry of chaplaincy or pastoral counseling. If you are preparing to serve as or are already serving as a chaplain or pastoral counselor, you are invited to seek endorsement from the Alliance of Baptists.
Since 1998, the Alliance has endorsed chaplains and pastoral counselors in a variety of ministry areas including healthcare, prison & law enforcement, community, and military, as well as clinical pastoral education supervision and pastoral counseling.
The Alliance also provides endorsement for membership in various professional organizations, such as the Association of Professional Chaplains, American Association of Pastoral Counselors, Association for Clinical Pastoral Education and College of Pastoral Supervision and Psychotherapy.
The Alliance endorsement process is open to persons of any age, race, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, or sexual identity.
Endorsement is an official declaration by the Alliance of Baptists, that a person meets the Alliance’s standards to serve in a specialized ministry setting of chaplaincy, counseling, or clinical education.
Endorsement is an exclusive covenant relationship between the Alliance of Baptists and the clergy persons the Alliance endorses. The Alliance covenants to provide support and discernment to those seeking to enter pastoral care ministry and to provide guidance, support, and oversight to those who serve in these ministries. The endorsed clergy persons agree to on-going participation in the life of the Alliance, as well as maintaining communication and accountability to the Alliance.
Endorsement addresses the following core standards through a process of written papers, interviews, and mutual discernment:
- Ministerial and theological integrity
- Good standing and accountability within the Alliance of Baptists
- Ability to work in ways that promote equity, collegiality, and diversity in pluralistic environments
- Willingness to adhere to the Alliance Covenant and Mission and to the codes of ethics prescribed by institutions served and agencies providing certification
- Continuing spiritual formation and growth
- Academic and clinical education
To apply for endorsement, dowload the Endorsement Process & Procedures carefully to learn more about the requirements for endorsement. Complete the Endorsement Application Form and submit all materials electronically to apply for endorsement.
Anyone seeking endorsement must first be a recognized clergy of the Alliance of Baptists. Once clergy recognition has been granted or is in process, the candidate may apply for endorsement. Read more about Clergy Recognition.
Completed application materials are accepted in the Alliance of Baptists office and are reviewed on a rotating basis by the Endorsing Community according to the following deadlines: January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1. A decision regarding endorsement will be made less than three months after the deadline.
Please note that all materials for the application must be included in one electronic communication, one mailed packet, or one of each.
In some branches of the United States armed services, individuals may be able to train to become a chaplain at the same time they are training for ministry. For those interested in entering the Chaplain Candidate Program (CCP), the Alliance of Baptists can provide the required "ecclesiastical approval" for candidates. Interested candidates must:
1) Be enrolled in a theology school accredited by the Association of Theological Schools
2) Be an individual member of the Alliance of Baptists by giving a financial contribution
3) Have at least 2 years of relationship with a congregation affiliated with the Alliance of Baptists or a congregation from the free church tradition.
To apply for ecclesiastical approval for chaplain candidacy, please submit:
1) Ecclesiastical Approval for Chaplain Candidacy Application, which includes a letter from from a local congregation indicating involement and participation. a brief statement of your faith journey, and a brief reflection on the Alliance covenant and mission and your vocation.
2) A $50 application fee to cover the cost of a background check
To maintain ecclesiastical approval, chaplain candidates must maintain current membership in the Alliance through an annual contribution and attend a gathering of the Alliance of Baptists during the period of candidacy.
If you have questions or would like more information, contact Chris Copeland, Minister for Leadership Formation and the Alliance's endorser, either by email or phone: 866.745.7609 x203.
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