Qualifications
Credential Standards1. Basic Familiarity with the Fellowship Statement of Faith
2. Familiarity with the history of Chaplaincy and Chaplaincy within the Fellowship
3. Familiarity with the organization of Chaplaincy ministry within the Fellowship
4. Acceptance of the Fellowship standards on Sexual Harassment
5. Completion of a course of study that completes the Basic Requirement at an Annual Training Session of the Fellowship Chaplaincy ministry.
Removal of Credentials
1. Credentials will be suspended when due cause is demonstrated by the Regional Commission.
a. Credentials will be removed when it is demonstrated that there has been a breach of the Fellowship standards on Sexual Harassment and or appropriate deportment.
b. Credentials will be suspended when it is demonstrated that the Chaplain is at odds with the Fellowship Statement of Faith
c. Credentials will be suspended when either the National or Region show cause.
Levels of Association
Full Member – the following must be completed and approved
Obtain a letter of endorsement or interest from the agency with which the Chaplain is serving, or desires to serve.
Obtain a letter of endorsement from the Pastor or Board of the Church of which the Chaplain is a member in good standing.
Provide a Criminal History Check from the Police agency of the area where the Chaplain’s ministry will take place. This should then be obtained annually.
Demonstration of familiarity with the Orientation Material provided:
• Fellowship Statement of Faith
• History of Fellowship Chaplaincy Ministries in the Region
Endorsement of the Advisory Committee
Associate Member - the following must be completed and approved
Letter of endorsement or interest from the agency the Chaplain is serving or desires to serve
Letter of endorsement from the Pastor or Board of the Church of which the Chaplain is a member in good standing.
(This could be from churches outside the Fellowship)
Letter from the Regional Ecclesiastical body in which the Chaplain’s ministry will take place.
Provide a Criminal History Check from the Police agency of the area where the Chaplain’s ministry will take place. This should then be obtained annually.
Demonstration of familiarity with the Orientation Material provided:
• History of Fellowship Chaplaincy Ministries in the Region
• Fellowship Statement of Faith
Endorsement of the Regional Chaplaincy Commission or Fellowship Chaplaincy Services Agency.
Steps to becoming a Full Member:
1. Initial inquiry is made or forwarded to the Chair of the Chaplaincy Commission.
2. The candidate fills out an application and the Chair creates a tracking sheet.
3. Letters of endorsement or interest are reviewed and references contacted.
4. An appointment is set up with the Regional Advisory Committee
5. Advisory Committee approval is submitted to the regional council.
6. A Certificate to Perform Marriages (a marriage license) is granted under the Baptist Fellowship Denomination.
Steps to becoming an Associate Member:
1. Initial inquiry is made or forwarded to the Chair of the Chaplaincy Commission.
2. The candidate fills out an application and the Chair creates a tracking sheet.
3. Letters of endorsement or interest are reviewed and references contacted.
4. An appointment is set up with two members of the chaplaincy commission.
5. Chaplaincy commission approval is submitted to the regional council.
It is strongly recommended that the candidate have a Certificate to Perform Marriages through their Regional Ecclesiastical body.