Certifications & Membership Designations
Offered by the Global Association of Certified Pastoral Counselors (GACPC)
Equipping Christian counselors and chaplains to serve with excellence, integrity, and biblical truth.
Director
Certification Oversight & Ethics
The certification and examination process at GACPC is overseen by the Board of Certification and Ethics, composed of seasoned Christian educators, pastoral counselors, and ministry professionals. The Board ensures that all applicants meet high theological, ethical, and professional standards in their counseling or chaplaincy roles.
Available Certifications
Foundational Requirement
Certified Pastoral Counselor
This is the foundational prerequisite for all specialized certifications.
Who Qualifies:
- Graduates of Shiloh College or another accredited Bible institution.
- Holds a degree in Theology, Christian Counseling, or a related field.
- Demonstrates scriptural grounding and counseling proficiency.
Focus:
Providing foundational pastoral counseling in churches, ministries, or professional practice, integrating biblical truth with counseling methods.
Specialized Designations (C.P.C. Required)
Certified Chaplain
C.C.Focus:
Provides biblical care in hospitals, correctional institutions, schools, military, and community settings. Candidates are trained in theology, pastoral presence, and crisis response.
Who Qualifies:
- Ordained ministers
- C.P.C.-level certified individuals
- Graduates of recognized institutions
Certified Sports Chaplain
C.S.C.Focus:
Prepares chaplains to offer biblical care, spiritual guidance, and crisis response in various sports and athletic settings, focusing on character formation.
Who Qualifies:
- Ordained Ministers actively serving
- Individuals Certified at the C.P.C. Level
- Graduates of recognized institutions
Christian Marriage Counselor
C.C.M.C.Focus:
Equips counselors to minister to couples through pre-marital and marital counseling grounded in biblical principles for lasting relationships.
Who Qualifies:
- Holders of the C.P.C. designation
- Graduates with diploma/degree in Counseling
- Ordained ministers of high moral character
Christian Grief Counselor
C.C.G.C.Focus:
Offers Christ-centered support for individuals and families navigating grief, loss, or trauma, providing bereavement care based on spiritual maturity.
Who Qualifies:
- C.P.C. certified counselors
- Trained in bereavement care
- Spiritually and emotionally mature
Christian Anger Management
C.C.A.M.C.Focus:
Helps individuals manage anger and conflict through biblical truth and Christian counseling methods focused on emotional regulation.
Who Qualifies:
- C.P.C. certified ministers
- Trained in biblical emotional regulation
Christian Cross-Cultural
C.C.C.C.Focus:
Prepares counselors to minister effectively across diverse ethnic, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds while maintaining biblical integrity.
Who Qualifies:
- C.P.C. certified
- Culturally aware and biblically trained
Christian Life Coach
C.C.L.C.Focus:
Guides individuals through personal and spiritual development, vision setting, and accountability from a biblical worldview, promoting spiritual growth.
Who Qualifies:
- C.P.C. level counselors
- Life coach training or pastoral mentoring
General Requirements for Specialized Certifications
All candidates pursuing specialized certifications must meet the following core requirements:
- Must hold the Certified Pastoral Counselor (C.P.C.) designation.
- Be a graduate of Shiloh College or an approved Bible college or seminary.
- Be an ordained minister of exemplary moral and ethical standards.
- Demonstrate knowledge in biblical counseling theory and application.
Ready to Apply?
Let us walk with you as you answer God’s call to counsel, comfort, and lead.
Click Here to ApplyEmail us: info@gaocpc.com
Visit: www.gaocpc.com