For those who serve behind walls, in the hospital and on the margins.
FCM supports and celebrates institutional chaplains and their specialized ministries.
Chaplaincy runs on documented standing.
The systems where you serve require a religious endorsing body they recognize, and the bar is deliberately high.
Nationally recognized
FCM is recognized nationally as a religious endorsing body.
Part of the networks
FCM is a member of networks that govern specialized ministries, including the COMISS Network.
A convention of churches
IRS-recognized as a convention of churches since 2013, and rooted in continuous ministry since 1968.
Never on your own
Your Regional Vice President and endorsement liaison guide and advocate for you through institutional requirements.
FCM is not a certifying body. Ecclesiastical endorsement is not chaplain certification. Learn the difference.
Chaplains belong there too.
FCM ordains, and where appropriate endorses, chaplains across all kinds of ministry, including:
Department of Veterans Affairs
Medical centers and the veterans’ system.
Prison chaplaincy*
Prison and incarceration-related ministries.
Recovery chaplaincy*
Addiction and recovery chaplaincy.
Community ministries*
Community and street chaplaincy.
Elder and end-of-life ministries
Assisted living, hospice and elder-care institutions.
Spiritual care education
ACPE-certified educators within institutional settings.
* FCM endorses for institutional chaplaincy (healthcare, hospice and nursing care facilities), Clinical Pastoral Education and pastoral counseling. Some areas of ministry have no institutional requirement for endorsement; check with your institution, and ask FCM whether endorsement applies to your ministry.
From member to endorsed chaplain.
Step 1: Become a member and pursue Commissioning
Endorsement is available to commissioned members in good standing. Commissioning authorizes your public ministry; endorsement extends it to specialized ministries.
Explore CommissioningStep 2: Apply for endorsement
Submit your application for specialized ministry. Your Regional Vice President guides and advocates for you throughout.
See the processStep 3: Receive recognized endorsement
Once endorsed, your standing is documented for your institution and the networks that govern institutional ministry.
What applying involves.
You must be a commissioned member in good standing before you begin. The process:
- Talk with your Regional Vice President about your intention to seek endorsement.
- Contact the endorsement liaison for your region (below).
- Complete the application form.
- Submit the required documentation.
- Meet with a regional FCM interview committee, which you select and organize.
- Submit the interview committee’s report.
- Receive a recommendation from the Committee on Specialized Ministries and final approval from the Circle of Directors.
The recommendation rests on a thorough review of your application, letters of recommendation, verifications and the interview committee’s written report.
| Region | Endorsement liaison |
|---|---|
| Northeast | Rev. Jeanne Hale |
| Southeast | Ch. Patrick Whiteford |
| Heartland | Rev. Mark Feldbush, DMin |
| Lakes & Plains | Daniel Galvin |
| South Central | Rev. Peter Strening |
| Southwest | Rev. Jeanne Hale |
| Northwest | Koren Willetts |
Common questions about endorsement.
Does FCM endorsement meet VA requirements?
Yes. FCM is a VA-recognized religious endorsing body, and many members serve in the VA hospital system.
What about the Bureau of Prisons or military chaplaincy?
Each system maintains its own endorsement standards and paperwork. Talk with your Regional Vice President about pathways that meet those requirements.
FCM is not currently an approved Department of Defense endorsing body, but we work with ecclesiastical partners to support and celebrate Calls that include this type of ministry.
Do I have to leave my current faith tradition?
No. Many FCM members hold dual membership with FCM and a local faith community.
What’s the difference between Commissioning and endorsement?
Commissioning (our term for ordination) authorizes your public ministry generally; endorsement for specialized ministry recognizes you specifically for chaplaincy and clinical pastoral work.
Is FCM affirming of LGBTQ+ chaplains?
Fully and without exception. Membership, Commissioning and endorsement are open to all.
The names, logos and marks of ACPE, APC, AAPC, CPSP, COMISS, AREB, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and other organizations shown or inferred on this site are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification only. Their appearance does not imply endorsement, sponsorship, affiliation or approval of FCM by these organizations, nor any partnership between them and FCM. FCM makes no claim to any authority, certification or credential granted by these entities. Endorsement, certification and recognition requirements are set solely by each organization and may change; prospective chaplains are responsible for confirming current requirements with the relevant body. FCM is not a certifying agency and does not certify individuals for chaplaincy.