Chaplains occupy a special niche within pastoral
ministry. Chaplains frequently enter the lives of suffering people during
times of acute emotional, physical, and spiritual crisis. In reality,
chaplains are special caregivers who come alongside those who are hurting,
offering exhortation, encouragement, and much needed spiritual direction.
Often, this includes ministry to not only the afflicted individual, but
includes entire families. As such, chaplains must be more than merely well-meaning
volunteers. The qualified chaplain is distinguished by specialized training,
credentialing, commitment to the process of peer review, transparency,
accountability, and, of course, a deep commitment to Scriptural integrity.
From hospice care, to institutional correctional chaplaincy, to fire, police,
and emergency roles, campus chaplaincy and nursing homes, Freedom Chaplain
Fellowship strives for excellence in supporting the special men and women
intent on ministering God’s unfailing love to a hurting world.
Why should
you become a member of Freedom Chaplain Fellowship?
Here are 12 of the many reasons:
1.
Recognition of excellence:
Members of Freedom Chaplain Fellowship demonstrate their excellence through
adherence to a code of ethics, and professional standards. Such standards
are expected by many institutions, and are critically important for those
wishing to minister as chaplains in hospice settings, prisons, and police
and emergency services. In fact, we believe that all chaplains should refuse
to settle for anything less than attaining such a standard of excellence.
2.
Affirmatioin
of status in those chaplains already serving in respected ministries. Freedom
Chaplain Fellowship is open to all legitimate Christian chaplains, from any
denominational background. Upon application, which includes verification
of ministry experience, including educational background, and letters of
reference, all endorsed, licensed, and ordained ministers are granted full
membership in Freedom Chaplain Fellowship. Members are required to undergo
a background check, which is required to protect the integrity of the organization.
3.
Opportunities for sincere
individuals and groups otherwise lacking formal training and credentials
in chaplaincy, and who are willing to work hard, the chance to gain valuable
recognition through a fellowship that includes oversight, training, and advancement.
There are many sincere men and women that have faithfully served in volunteer
chaplaincy roles, some for years, without the benefit of formal education
and ministerial credentials. The impact of these people, on a hurting world,
is tremendous. These caregivers will now have an opportunity to receive both
training and formal endorsement from Freedom Chaplain Fellowship. Membership
is open to:
* Existing institutional chaplains working in prisons,
jails, hospice or nursing homes
* FBCS chaplaincy students
* FBCS graduates with any approved degree
* Those holding Christian degrees or credentials from other recognized schools
and ministries
* Any recognized Christian church
* All approved individuals
* Bible colleges, seminaries and bible institutes
* Para-church ministries and non-profit organizations
* Non-profit Prison and jail ministries
* Nursing home ministries
* A special organizational membership exists for many of these persons or
groups, allowing individuals to join at reduced fees.
4.
Ministry
Credentials: Endorsed, licensed and ordained members from other church bodies
obtain a valuable credential in ministry by simply belonging to Freedom Chaplain
Fellowship. For others seeking their first (or additional) credential, ministerial
credentials are available through the Freedom Christian Ministerial Association,
and Concepts of Freedom Ministries, who hold an on-site ordination ceremony
each year at Rogers, Arkansas. Legitimate ordination is never accomplished
through distance. Freedom Chaplain Fellowship is a sincere chaplaincy association
adhering to only the highest standards of excellence. Those chaplaincy candidates
seeking ordination with CFM, but already possessing acceptable credentials
from another ecclesiastical body, and experience, must provide proof of completion
of two additional chaplaincy courses in order to become ordained chaplains
with CFM. These courses are available to all members through Freedom Bible
College and Seminary.
5.
Endorseents:
Members can proudly claim affiliation with a premier chaplaincy body. Members
are provided with a letter of recommendation that is often useful in establishing
new ministries, or employment, as well as a beautiful certificate of membership
suitable for framing, a wallet credential, and a copy of the Freedom Chaplain
Fellowship “Code of Ethics.” Organizational references are essential in starting
new ministries, especially where state and local laws dictate or define access
to institutions.
6.
Access to
over four-hundred courses through Freedom Bible College and Seminary. These
courses range from several certificate programs, to bachelors, masters, and
advanced doctoral degrees. Freedom Bible College and Seminary is a recognized
leader in the field of Christian education, and offers degrees that are regarded
as highly desirable by the Christian community. There is something for everyone.
FBCS currently offers two programs in chaplaincy, including a certificate
program, and the bachelor of ministry. Students may also choose majors in
theology, Christian education, or Christian counseling, and add in chaplaincy
courses. Members are offered tuition discounts in pursuit of entire degree
programs, and pay full price for single chaplaincy courses.
7.
Training:
In addition to an array of programs available through FBCS, there is an annual
conference—held each year—in or near Rogers, Arkansas during the annual Graduation/Retreat.
The conference includes workshops featuring special speakers, graduation
ceremonies, ordination of ministers and chaplains, and a chance to brainstorm
with colleagues. Members may also take advantage of winter retreats, regional
training opportunities, as they become available, including training offered
by member or affiliate ministries.
8.
Exposure:
Members are invited to list their ministry names, along with contact information,
on the Freedom Chaplain Fellowship webpage. This feature alone is worth belonging
to Freedom Chaplain Fellowship, which enjoys a high volume of Internet traffic.
This is a tremendous opportunity, and incentive, for you to advertise your
ministry name and affiliation and receive high volume exposure. Those wishing
to start a Freedom Church or other ministry may also contact the director
for additional information on how to come under the CFM tax-exempt umbrella.
9.
Networking:
Membership in Freedom Chaplain Fellowship is an opportunity to be a member
of an elite chaplaincy organization, leading to increased contacts with fellow
chaplains, ministries, and referrals. Future plans include a chaplaincy blog
where members can share ideas, refer members to editorials, and recommend
resources and information.
10.
Fellowship:
Freedom Chaplain Fellowship is much more than a “professional” association
of chaplains. As a distinctively “Christian” organization, Freedom Chaplain
Fellowship is composed of men and women who share a mutual commitment to
the Lordship of Jesus Christ as we minister God’s love to a hurting world.
11.
Support:
As a member of Freedom Chaplain Fellowship, you will not be alone in your
chaplaincy ministry. You will gain new confidence in knowing that you are
a member of an elite body of chaplains, unified by a special commitment to
the cause of chaplaincy and pursuit of excellence. Members may contact other
members, or contact the fellowship for prayer, direction, or simply to share
praise reports.
12.
Doctrinal Integrity:
While there are many wonderful caregivers in the world today, we happen to
believe that sharing God’s love, through Jesus Christ, is the very foundation
of hope. As such, Freedom Chaplain Fellowship has a Statement of Faith <http://www.freedombiblecollege.org/statement.html>
that embodies the core essence of the tenets of Christianity, permitting
wide unity among all sincere Christians of different denominational backgrounds.
Freedom Chaplain Fellowship exists as an adjunct professional resource for
those wishing to retain affiliation within their own church organizations,
for those wishing to establish a primary affiliation, and is home to all
professional chaplains seeking membership. CFM policies defining discrimination
apply equally to membership within this fellowship.
I hope that you will familiarize yourself
with Freedom Chaplain Fellowship, and take advantage of the many opportunities
made possible by membership. I hope that you will challenge yourself today
by becoming a member of an elite group of dedicated ministers of Jesus Christ.
Please take the time to carefully review our website. The benefits to membership
are many. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
In His Service,
Dr. Johnson
Dr. John Johnson, Jr.,
Director, Freedom Chaplain Fellowship
