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Application Form

Application Form

Online Application

 

Qualifications for License and Ordination

The US and International Law Enforcement and Firefighters Chaplains Corps offers ordination and licensure to dedicated Christians whose lives evidence their faith and who are in harmony with the doctrines and administration of the Corps, as outlined in our Statement of Faith. Applicants must meet the required educational standards or possess equivalent ministry experience that qualifies them for ordination.

Credentials are provided under two primary classifications: Ordained Chaplain and Associate Chaplain.

 

Section 1: Ordained Chaplain Credentials

Candidates who meet the qualifications may be granted credentials as an ordained minister and chaplain of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, authorized to represent the US and International Law Enforcement and Firefighters Chaplains Corps (henceforth “the Corps”) as clergy.

1.1 Eligibility based on Experience and Education:

  • Candidates currently active in ministry as chaplains (e.g., prison, law enforcement, fire department, hospital) or as church pastors are eligible to apply for ordination.

  • Graduates of accredited Bible institutes, colleges, or seminaries may also apply for ordination. Verification through official transcripts and a summary of ministry activities is required.

1.2 Dual Credentialing and Experience-Based Ordination:

  • Professional clergy who already hold credentials with a recognized church or denomination may seek dual credentialing with the Corps.

  • Candidates without existing credentials from another body may qualify for ordination if their validated ministry experience and/or education meets the standards for the position they seek.

1.3 Vetting and Approval:

  • All candidates for ordination must provide professional or pastoral references and consent to a comprehensive background check to ensure suitability for ministry in sensitive environments.

1.4 Issuance of Credentials:

  • Upon approval, Ordained Chaplains will receive a certificate of appointment and an official Corps identification card. Authorized Corps badges may be carried only in conjunction with these official credentials.

 

Section 2: Associate Chaplain Credentials (Lay Minister)

This level is for dedicated individuals serving in a non-ordained, volunteer capacity.

2.1 Role and Definition:

  • The Associate Chaplain credential is for lay ministers and religious volunteers serving in support roles. This includes service in prisons, hospitals, hospice care, and other community settings.

2.2 Authority and Limitations:

  • Associate Chaplains are valued members of the Corps but are classified as official volunteers, not ordained clergy. As such, they are not bestowed with ecclesiastical authority.

2.3 Path to Advancement:

  • After two years of active service in good standing as an Associate Chaplain, an individual may apply for advancement to Ordained Chaplain status, provided they meet the full qualifications for ordination.

 

Section 3: Application and Commissioning Process

3.1 Application Requirements:

  • All applicants (both Ordained and Associate levels) must submit a completed and signed application form, a current ministry resume, and all necessary supporting documentation for validation.

3.2 Approval Process:

  • Applications are reviewed by the Corps’ Commission of License and Ordination. Approval requires an affirmative vote from a minimum of two qualified board members. This vote may be conducted in person, by telephone, or via written ballot. The Commission reserves the right to approve or deny any application at its sole discretion.

 

Section 4: Core Policies and Code of Conduct

4.1 Continuing Education:

  • All credentialed chaplains are required to actively pursue continuing education in relevant fields, such as crisis intervention, critical incident stress management, and pastoral care, as training opportunities become available.

4.2 Doctrinal Integrity:

  • The Corps is a Christian-based organization guided by its Statement of Faith. We will not grant credentials to individuals holding clergy status with organizations whose doctrines are in direct conflict with our own.

4.3 Professional Conduct and Revocation:

  • Any misuse of Corps credentials or insignia in an unprofessional, unethical, or criminal manner will result in the immediate revocation of the chaplain’s license and membership. All members are expected to conduct themselves with the highest degree of integrity befitting a minister.

4.4 Non-Law Enforcement Status and Representation: It must be unequivocally understood that the US and International Law Enforcement and Firefighters Chaplains Corps is a non-governmental, institutional support organization and a Christian fellowship. It is NOT a law enforcement or firefighting agency. Credentials, identification, and/or badges issued by the Corps do not, in themselves, grant any law enforcement authority, special privileges, or official considerations. Members are strictly prohibited from identifying themselves as peace officers or emergency first responders solely by virtue of their Corps credentials.

  • 4.4.1 Exception for Agency-Affiliated Personnel: An exception is made for Corps members who are also active or retired sworn personnel from recognized Law Enforcement Agencies, Fire Departments, Armed Forces Services, or other related official bodies. In these instances, where an individual holds an official rank (e.g., Captain, Sergeant, Lieutenant) that is conferred and backed by their respective agency, they may represent themselves as a Chaplain with that ranking. It must be explicitly understood that their rank and any associated authority are derived solely from their employing agency and NOT from their affiliation with the Corps. The Corps credential serves to validate their specialized training and standing as a chaplain within their official capacity.

4.5 Non-Discrimination and Local Church Standing:

  • The Corps does not discriminate based on race, color, or gender in its credentialing process. All candidates and active chaplains are required to be in good standing with a local church or Christian fellowship.

4.6 Inter-denominational Service:

  • Our chaplains serve in an inter-denominational capacity. They must not use their position or credentials to proselytize, unless explicitly permitted by the individual receiving care or the policies of the institution they are serving.

 

Section 5: Badge and Identification Policy

5.1 Authorized Use:

  • Official badges engraved with the trademarked name of the US and International Law Enforcement and Firefighters Chaplains Corps may only be carried by Ordained Chaplains in good standing.

5.2 Requirements for Carrying:

  • A badge must always be accompanied by the chaplain’s valid, official Corps identification card. All official badges must be engraved with the chaplain’s unique credential identification number.

5.3 Prohibition of Misrepresentation:

  • Chaplains are strictly forbidden from using or displaying a badge in any manner that would imply they are serving in any capacity other than as an organizational chaplain. The badge signifies a role of service and support, not of command or authority.

5.4 Acquisition and Network Listing:

  • Badges must be purchased separately. Ordained Chaplains in good standing will be listed in our professional network database for crisis response and referral purposes.

Online Form

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Personal References


Please list two (2) references that are familiar with your work life.



Reference #1



Reference #2

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Applicant Acknowledgement and Code of Conduct & Ethics



Acknowledgement


By submitting this application to the US and International Law Enforcement and Firefighters Chaplains Corps (the "Corps"), I hereby certify, acknowledge, and agree to the following terms, conditions, and principles:

Section 1: Personal Declaration and Integrity

1.1 Truthfulness of Application: I declare that the information provided in this application and all supporting documents is true, complete, and accurate to the best of my knowledge, containing no willful misrepresentations or falsifications.

1.2 Criminal Conduct: I understand and acknowledge that the Corps does not grant credentials to individuals who are currently incarcerated. I further agree that any activity deemed criminal or that violates public trust will be grounds for the immediate suspension or revocation of my credentials.

Section 2: Organizational Doctrine and Authority

2.1 Doctrinal Alignment: I understand that the Corps is a Christian fellowship founded on the doctrines of Pentecostalism Christianity and that it teaches these principles without compromise. I affirm that I have read and am in harmony with the Corps' Statements of Faith.

2.2 Right to Revoke Credentials: I acknowledge the absolute right of the US and International Law Enforcement and Firefighters Chaplains Corps to suspend or terminate my ministerial credentials for any violation of its Code of Conduct & Ethics, Statements of Faith, or Organizational Bylaws.

Section 3: Code of Conduct & Ethics

As a credentialed member of the Corps, I commit to upholding the highest standards of personal and professional conduct. I agree to:

3.1 Uphold Dignity and Respect: Treat every individual—including fellow chaplains, supervisors, agency personnel, and members of the public—with dignity, compassion, and respect.

3.2 Maintain Confidentiality: Strictly maintain the confidentiality of all privileged communications and sensitive information entrusted to me in the course of my duties, except where disclosure is mandated by law (e.g., threat of harm to self or others, mandatory reporting of abuse).

3.3 Act with Unquestionable Integrity: Conduct myself with honesty at all times, avoiding any conflicts of interest or actions that could bring disrepute to myself, the Corps, or the agencies I serve.

3.4 Prohibit Abuse of Position: Never use my position, credentials, or insignia for personal or financial gain, to acquire special privileges, or to exert undue influence.

3.5 Follow Proper Channels: Address any grievance or concern regarding the Corps or its members through the proper internal channels provided by the organization, thereby promoting unity and preserving order.

3.6 Comply with Laws and Policies: Abide by all applicable local, state, and federal laws. I specifically affirm that I have read, understood, and will comply with all Corps policies, including the Qualifications for License and Ordination and the Badge and Identification Policy.

Section 4: Liability and Responsibility

4.1 Assumption of Responsibility: I understand that in the performance of my duties, I am acting as an independent credential-holder. I hereby assume full and complete responsibility for my own actions, decisions, and conduct.

4.2 Release from Liability: I agree to release, indemnify, and hold harmless the US and International Law Enforcement and Firefighters Chaplains Corps, its directors, officers, and staff from any and all harm, liability, claims, or damages arising from my personal actions or negligence.

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Important Information


All ordination and associate applicants must complete the application process and submit a resume detailing their experience in the ministry and their educational experience. All applications will be submitted to the Commission of License and Ordination for review and final approval.

If an applicant does not pass the application process the applicant will be refunded the application fee.


PLEASE ALLOW 4 WEEKS FOR THE BOARD OF EXAMINERS TO PROCESS YOUR APPLICATION.


NOTE: ONCE YOU HAVE COMPLETED AND SUBMITTED YOUR APPLICATION FOR REVIEW, PLEASE VISIT THE PAYMENT LINK BELOW. REQUIRED DUES (PAYMENT) MUST ACCOMPANY YOUR APPLICATION. OTHERWISE, YOUR APPLICATION CAN NOT BE PROCESSED.

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