Exchanged Life Chaplain Certification

For those who have taken the 40 hour online chaplaincy training course with IFOC.org, or another approved organization, GFI offers an additional module of Exchanged Life training. Those who complete this module will be granted certification from GFI as an Exchanged Life Chaplain.

Upon completion of this credential, the chaplain may apply to GFI to do chaplaincy ministry under our umbrella, insurance and supervision.

The Benefits of The Exchanged Life model of chaplaincy

Chaplaincy is essentially a ministry of presence, offering care and support. This no-strings-attached care may lead to discussing one’s personal relationship with God. The most basic spiritual need is to understand the Gospel and receive the gift of God’s salvation through Christ. Similarly, there may be opportunities to go deeper into the basics of how to resolve personal and spiritual conflicts through discipleship counseling.

How can I become certified as an Exchanged Life Chaplain?

  • Take the online course of The International Fellowship of Chaplains, earning their certificate. www.IFOC.org
  • Complete the following assignments in the supplemental GFI Chaplaincy track:
Core Modules:
  • Exchanged Life Conference (available on DVD, or online)
  • Exchanged Life Counseling Workshop (training event offered in March, August, and November)

Required Reading

  1. Handbook to Happiness* (Charles Solomon)
  2. The Ins and Out of Rejection* (Charles Solomon)
  3. Bone of His Bone (F. J. Huegel) or The Gospel to Saints (John VanGelderen)
  4. The Bondage Breaker (Neil Anderson)
  5. Discipling the Desperate* (Charles Solomon) or Exchanged Lives* (John Best)

Foundational Courses

How to Exchange Your Life for a New One* (www.GraceStudyHall.org)

For Me to Live is Christ* (recommended) (bookstore for newer videos or www.GraceStudyHall.org)

Personal Ministry Practicum

20 hours of documented chaplaincy ministry following the completion of the core modules.

The Practicum Supervision fee of $200 covers the monitoring of the trainee’s progress, discussion of assignments, core knowledge review, and three zoom sessions with the Chaplaincy Supervisor.

Send a copy of your IFOC Certificate of Completion to GFI.

Each year, to remain certified, individuals must complete 4 CE’s. CEs are awarded through reading books, attending webinars, watching videos, etc. and will be discussed with the Chaplaincy Supervisor.

GFI Exchanged Life Chaplaincy Certification document (PDF): Exchanged Life Chaplaincy Certification

For further details, please contact John Woodward
GFI 1-865-429-0450
[email protected]

*Resources available through the Grace Fellowship International store

Register for the chaplaincy certification process:

Track Options *