Healing Hearts, Guiding Souls: The Future of Pastoral Counseling
Equipping and certifying Christian counselors and chaplains worldwide with recognized credentials, ethical oversight, and ongoing professional development.
Who We Are
The Global Association of Certified Pastoral Counselors (GAOCPC) exists to uphold biblical, ethical, and professional standards in Christian counseling and chaplaincy.
We bring together pastors, counselors, chaplains, and Christian care providers from around the world who share a commitment to Christ-centered care, accountable practice, and ongoing growth.
Our role is not to replace the local church or ministry, but to strengthen it—by recognizing qualified ministers, offering clear ethical guidelines, and providing a community of support and learning.
What We Offer
Professional Certification
We certify Christian counselors and chaplains who meet biblical, educational, and experiential standards. GAOCPC credentials are designed to affirm your calling and demonstrate your commitment to accountable, ethical ministry.
Membership & Community
Membership in GAOCPC connects you to a global network of like-minded ministers, provides opportunities for collaboration, and gives you access to resources, webinars, and continuing professional development.
Ethical Oversight
We maintain a clear Code of Ethics, an Ethics Committee, and a defined complaints procedure to protect both the public and the integrity of Christian ministry.
Why GAOCPC?
Christ-centered foundation – Our standards are rooted in Scripture and historic Christian faith.
Recognized credentials – Use of post-nominal letters and certificates that show your commitment to excellence.
Accountability & protection – Our Code of Ethics and ethics process provide clarity and safety for those you serve.
Continuing development – Ongoing training, webinars, and recommended CPD to keep you growing.
Global reach – Members and certified ministers serving in churches, schools, hospitals, prisons, and communities worldwide.
Certification in Christian Counseling & Chaplaincy
GAOCPC offers certification pathways for:
Certified Pastoral Counselor (C.P.C.)
Certified Chaplain (C.C.)
Optional specializations (e.g., marriage and family, grief, trauma, sports chaplaincy) according to your training and experience.
Each pathway includes clear requirements for education, spiritual maturity, supervised ministry experience, and ethical commitment.
Membership in GAOCPC
Whether you are just beginning your journey or you have been in ministry for many years, GAOCPC offers membership levels that recognize your stage and role. From Associate Members to Fellows, our membership structure is designed to:
Affirm your calling
Connect you with peers
Support you with resources and accountability
Find the perfect niche
for your chaplaincy practice
Healthcare Chaplaincy
In the heart of healing, healthcare chaplaincy stands as a beacon of compassionate care and spiritual support. Our dedicated healthcare chaplains walk alongside patients, families, and medical teams, offering solace, hope, and strength amidst life’s most challenging moments. They blend empathy with expertise, creating a unique partnership that nurtures both mind and soul while enhancing the overall healing environment. Whether providing a quiet moment of reflection or guiding families through difficult decisions, healthcare chaplaincy transforms clinical care into a holistic journey of recovery and resilience.
Prison Chaplaincy
Step into the transformative mission of prison chaplaincy, where dedicated spiritual care meets the unique challenges of correctional environments. Our prison chaplains engage with inmates through empathetic dialogue, helping to foster hope, restore dignity, and inspire personal growth. They create safe spaces for healing and self-reflection, bridging the gap between past transgressions and future possibilities. By building a foundation of trust and respect, prison chaplaincy paves the way for rehabilitation, spiritual renewal, and genuine transformation.
Sports Chaplaincy
Discover the empowering impact of Christian Sports Chaplaincy—a transformative ministry tailored for the high-energy world of athletics. Our dedicated chaplains partner with athletes, coaches, and teams by infusing spiritual guidance into every practice, game, and moment of victory or defeat. They create supportive environments where faith and sport unite, inspiring integrity, resilience, and a sense of purpose on and off the field. Embrace a dynamic journey where encouragement meets excellence, and every player is uplifted to achieve not only physical prowess but also a deeper spiritual calling.
First Responder
In the midst of life’s most urgent moments, our First Responder Chaplaincy stands as a steadfast beacon of support and compassion. Designed specifically for firefighters, paramedics, law enforcement, and emergency personnel, our chaplains offer immediate spiritual care and critical emotional reinforcement in the chaos of crisis. By nurturing resilience and providing a safe space for honest reflection, we help first responders reconcile the intensity of their experiences with the promise of inner healing and renewed hope. Embrace a partnership that honors your courage and supports your journey to wellness every step of the way.
Corporate Chaplaincy
Empower your organization with Corporate Chaplaincy—a transformative approach to nurturing well-being and resilience in the workplace. Our corporate chaplains offer confidential, empathetic support tailored to your team’s unique challenges, providing guidance through professional stress, ethical dilemmas, and personal transitions. By fostering open communication and emotional wellness, they help cultivate a work environment where every individual feels valued and understood. Embrace a culture that prioritizes heart and mind, and watch as compassion and purpose drive lasting success in your organization.
Education Chaplaincy
Experience the power of Education Chaplaincy—a transformative ministry designed to nurture the whole person within academic communities. Our education chaplains provide a sanctuary of care and spiritual guidance for students, educators, and staff alike, encouraging personal growth and fostering a sense of belonging. By creating safe spaces for dialogue, reflection, and hope, we help cultivate resilience and balance in the challenging journey of learning. Embrace an environment where academic excellence meets heartfelt compassion, inspiring every member of your institution to thrive in both mind and soul.
Recognition
The Global Association of Certified Pastoral Counselors (GACPC) is a federally registered corporation in Canada, committed to upholding the highest standards of Christian counseling and pastoral care. Our registration affirms our legal status, credibility, and dedication to equipping certified pastoral counselors around the world. Join a recognized body that supports ethical excellence, professional development, and global connection in Christian counseling.
Train for Chaplaincy/Counseling at Shiloh College
- General Chaplaincy
- Healthcare Chaplaincy
- Sports Chaplancy
- Counseling Courses