Remember:  The path to becoming an Associate Chaplain allows you to serve others and offer spiritual support in diverse settings, creating a lasting impact on your community. It is a way to answer a higher calling.

First and foremost, an Associate Chaplain is not a Certified Chaplain. 

Important Distinction: ACC vs. Certified Chaplain

In the United States, becoming a Chaplain requires specialized training, including the Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program. This program equips chaplains to provide spiritual care in complex healthcare settings. While our ACC program offers valuable training for spiritual support within the community, it does not qualify you as a Certified Chaplain.

Focus on Service: The Role of the Associate Community Chaplain (ACC)

Within the field of chaplaincy, there are various roles with different levels of training and responsibility. Our Associate Community Chaplain (ACC) program equips individuals to offer spiritual and emotional support within the community, focusing on areas such as:

• Community Centers and Public Housing: Providing spiritual care and a listening ear to individuals facing challenges.
• Social Service Agencies: Partnering with social workers to address the holistic needs of clients.
• Disaster Relief Efforts: Offering comfort and support during times of crisis.

Understanding the Chaplaincy Landscape

While the ACC program offers valuable training, it does not qualify you as a Certified Chaplain. Certified Chaplains typically complete a rigorous training program, including the Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program. This program equips them to provide spiritual care in complex settings like hospitals, prisons, and the military, where individuals may have critical medical or emotional needs.

The Value of the ACC Program

The ACC program offers a unique opportunity for individuals who:

• Feel called to serve their community in a spiritual capacity.
• Identify as Christian and want to share their faith through acts of service and support.
• Possess strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Becoming an ACC allows you to make a positive impact by providing a listening presence, offering emotional support, and integrating spiritual practices into your care.

Rules for Becoming an Associate Community Chaplain (ACC)

Selection Process for Associate Community Chaplain (ACC)

I. Streamlined Selection Process

This revised process aims to streamline becoming an ACC, focusing on self-directed study and certification.

Steps:

Application: Submit a completed application form that includes:

• Personal Information
• Statement of Faith (highlighting your Christian faith and commitment)
• Community Service Experience (demonstrating a desire to serve)
• Character References (attesting to your integrity and compassion)

Self-Directed Study:

You will be directed to a comprehensive study guide outlining the core competencies for ACCs. This guide will cover topics like:

• Spiritual Care and Counseling
• Christian Ethics and Values in Community Service
• Interfaith Awareness and Sensitivity
• Crisis Intervention and Referral Skills
• Cultural Competency

The study guide will include recommended resources, such as textbooks, online courses, and video lectures.

Certification Exam:

• After completing the self-directed study, you will take a certification exam to assess your understanding of the core competencies for ACCs. The exam format (written, online, etc.) will be determined by us.

Certification:

• Upon successful completion of the exam, you will be awarded the ACC certification, signifying your eligibility to serve as an Associate Community Chaplain within your community.

II. Additional Considerations

Background Check: All applicants will still be required to pass a criminal background check conducted by us.

Benefits of Streamlined Process:

• Increased Accessibility: Makes the ACC program more accessible to individuals who may not have the time or resources for a formal training program.
• Self-Paced Learning: Allows for self-paced learning, catering to individuals with different learning styles and schedules.
• Focus on Core Competencies: Ensures a strong foundation in essential skills and knowledge for effective service as an ACC.

Remember, while a formal degree may not be required, strong foundational knowledge and interpersonal skills are still crucial for effective service as an ACC.

The course costs $350.00.

Upon successful completion, you'll receive:

• A Certificate of Completion to document your training
• A Wallet containing an ACC Badge and ID Card
• A Car Sticker to proudly display your commitment to serving the community