The Ministry of Chaplaincy

Chaplaincy is primarily a ministry of presence, showing God’s love and letting His light shine in community settings through practical support, assistance and guidance.

One of the advantages of serving as a chaplain is that the salt is taken “out of the salt shaker. ” In this way people who are hurting can be reached with kindness, encouragement, and hope. This type of ministry is primarily outside the sphere of church activities and is community focused. Most of the people in need would not be inclined to attend church of talk to a pastor.

There are a variety of contexts where chaplains can serve, such as hospitals, nursing homes, police and fire departments, and schools. Chaplaincy is often welcomed in prisons, the marketplace [see the video], and by sports teams.

Some chaplaincy positions—such as in the military—have additional academic, denominational, and training requirements. To be deployed in disaster relief situations, a chaplain needs to be sent by a recognized deployment agency such as Samaritan’s Purse or Hope Force.

Exchanged Life Chaplaincy

Grace Fellowship International networks with International Fellowship of Chaplains (I.F.O.C.) for the basic chaplaincy training and certificate. They provide their 40 hour training class in various locations nationally and internationally. A convenient option is to take this course online. This is done virtually at one’s own schedule and concludes with a live, four hour meeting with a class leader and fellow students. Obtaining membership with I.F.O.C. is not required, but is recommended. They also have a optional path for ordination: www.IFOC.org

If you already have comparable training with another organization, please contact GFI for evaluation and credit.

How to Become Certified as an Exchanged Life Chaplain

“You are the salt of the earth … You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:13-16).
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To learn more about how GFI adds spiritual cure to practical care, see the Exchanged Life Chaplaincy Certification page or contact GFI via the contact form or by phone (1-865-429-0450).