Designations: Correctional Chaplain, Prison Chaplain, Jail Chaplain
Duties:
Provide spiritual and pastoral care to inmates, correctional staff, and their families.
Conduct individual counseling and group sessions for growth and crisis.
Plan and lead worship services, Bible studies, and religious programs.
Facilitate access to religious materials for inmates of all faiths.
Assist officials with human relations and morale issues.
Visit inmates and provide support during crisis (e.g., suicide attempts, death notifications).
Supervise and coordinate volunteers.
Liaise with external faith communities for inmate re-entry.
Certifications:
Canada:
Basic: Master’s degree in theology/divinity; Ordination/endorsement; Security clearance.
Advanced: Specialized correctional training; CPE units; professional association membership.
US:
Basic: MDiv; Ordination/endorsement; Background checks and security clearances.
Advanced: Board certification (ACCA); CPE units; specialized training in crisis intervention and substance abuse.
International:
Basic: Theological education; Denominational endorsement; Security vetting.
Advanced: Training in prison ministry legal/ethical frameworks; IPCA membership.
Assignments: State prisons, federal penitentiaries, county jails, detention centers, youth correctional facilities.
Designations: Hospital Chaplain, Healthcare Chaplain, Staff Chaplain, Spiritual Care Provider
Duties:
Provide emotional and spiritual support to patients, their families, and hospital staff.
Offer comfort and guidance during illness, end-of-life, and crisis situations.
Conduct religious rites, rituals, and ceremonies (e.g., prayer, communion, baptisms).
Act as a liaison between patients/families and medical staff regarding spiritual and ethical considerations.
Facilitate ethical discussions and provide guidance on moral dilemmas.
Organize and lead support groups (e.g., grief, chronic illness).
Educate staff on spiritual care principles and cultural sensitivity.
Maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
Offer bereavement support.
Certifications:
Canada:
Basic: Master’s degree in theology or related field; Ordination/endorsement; 1-2 units of CPE/SPE.
Advanced: Specialist certification (e.g., CASC); 4 units of CPE/SPE; extensive supervised hours.
US:
Basic: Master of Divinity (MDiv); Ordination/endorsement; 1-2 units of CPE.
Advanced: Board certification (APC, NACC, NAJC); 4 units of CPE; demonstrated competencies in ethics and practice.
International:
Basic: Theological education and clinical pastoral training; Denominational endorsement.
Advanced: Advanced certifications recognized by national associations; significant supervised experience.
Assignments: Hospitals, hospices, long-term care facilities, palliative care units, community health centers, mental health facilities.
Designations: Police Chaplain, Fire Chaplain, EMS Chaplain, First Responder Chaplain
Duties:
Support officers, first responders, department staff, and families.
Offer counseling for stress, trauma, grief, and crisis.
Provide on-scene support for officer-involved incidents or disasters.
Assist in death notifications and funeral services.
Conduct ceremonial events and memorial services.
Participate in ride-alongs to build rapport.
Support victims of crimes and their families.
Advise leadership on spiritual well-being matters.
Certifications:
Canada:
Basic: Ordination/endorsement; College degree; Training in crisis intervention (CISM); Criminal record check.
Advanced: Certification from CPCA; Advanced CISM training; peer support training.
US:
Basic: Ordained clergy in good standing; College degree in religion/counseling; ICISF training; Background check.
Advanced: Certification from ICPC, FFC, or IFOC; Advanced CISM and PTSI training.
International:
Basic: Religious endorsement; Counseling experience; Background checks.
Advanced: Specialized training in first responder culture and emergency protocols.
Assignments: Police/Fire departments, EMS agencies, emergency management, dispatch centers.
Designations: School Chaplain, University Chaplain, Campus Minister, Spiritual Advisor
Duties:
Provide spiritual guidance and pastoral care to students, faculty, and staff.
Offer counseling for crisis, anxiety, and personal difficulties.
Lead religious services and spiritual development programs.
Promote interfaith dialogue and inclusive environments.
Support student welfare (e.g., anger management, mental health awareness).
Advise on ethical and moral issues within the institution.
Certifications:
Canada:
Basic: Bachelor’s in theology or education; Ordination/endorsement; Vulnerable Sector Check.
Advanced: Master’s degree (MDiv/MA); CPE units; specialized training in youth mental health.
US:
Basic: Bachelor’s in theology/religion; Ordination/endorsement; Background check.
Advanced: MDiv or graduate degree in spiritual care; CPE highly recommended; BCCI or denominational certification.
International:
Basic: Theological training; youth work experience; Background checks.
Advanced: Advanced degrees in education/counseling; national educational chaplaincy certifications.
Assignments: K-12 schools, colleges, universities, seminaries, student residences.
Designations: Military Chaplain (Army, Navy, Air Force), Unit Chaplain, Command Chaplain
Duties:
Support spiritual/moral well-being of service members and families across all faiths.
Conduct worship, administer sacraments, and perform rites (weddings, funerals).
Offer confidential counseling for combat stress, deployment, and grief.
Accompany service members into combat for stress support.
Advise commanders on ethics and religious accommodation.
Maintain military readiness and participate in exercises.
Certifications:
Canada:
Basic: Bachelor’s degree + MDiv; Ordination/endorsement; Canadian Forces Chaplain School; Medical/fitness standards.
Advanced: Advanced military chaplaincy courses; leadership and command-level training.
US:
Basic: Bachelor’s + MDiv (72-90 graduate hours); Ecclesiastical endorsement; Commissioned officer status; Pass physical/fitness tests; Security clearance.
Advanced: CPE or in-service training; Chaplain Officer Basic Course (CHOBC); Specialized training in combat stress/grief.
International:
Basic: Theological education; Religious endorsement; Military commissioning; Security vetting.
Advanced: Training specific to national defense forces; multinational operation experience (e.g., NATO).
Assignments: Military bases, deployed units, military hospitals, combat zones, training academies.
Designations: Sports Chaplain, Team Chaplain, Athlete Chaplain
Duties:
Provide guidance to athletes, coaches, and staff.
Offer counseling for injury, performance pressure, and personal issues.
Conduct non-denominational services and Bible studies.
Act as a life coach and mentor.
Collaborate with team management and medical staff.
Certifications:
Canada:
Basic: Bachelor’s or Master’s in theology; Ordination/endorsement; Background check.
Advanced: Certification from Sports Chaplaincy Canada; training in sports psychology.
US:
Basic: Degree in theology; Ordination/endorsement; Understanding of athletic environments.
Advanced: MDiv; Certification from NASC or denominational ministries; experience with elite athletes.
International:
Basic: Theological background; pastoral experience; sports culture knowledge.
Advanced: Certification from Sports Chaplaincy UK or global ministries.
Assignments: Professional teams, college athletic departments, sports academies, individual athlete support.
Designations: Certified Pastoral Counselor (C.P.C.)
Duties:
Integrate faith and mental health principles in counseling.
Apply scriptural knowledge and counseling theories.
Address grief, trauma, anxiety, and marital conflict.
Facilitate spiritual growth and emotional healing.
Certifications:
Canada:
Basic: Graduate of Shiloh College (or accredited equivalent) with a degree/diploma in Counseling; Ordination/endorsement; 1-2 units CPE/SPE.
Advanced: Specialist certification (CASC); 4 units CPE/SPE; 1000+ supervised clinical hours.
US:
Basic: MDiv; qualified in scriptures and counseling theory; Ordination.
Advanced: Board certification; Doctorate (D.Min/Ph.D.); 1500+ supervised clinical hours.
International:
Basic: Theological and counseling training; Denominational endorsement.
Advanced: Advanced degrees; regional/international association certifications.
Assignments: Christian counseling centers, churches, private practice, hospices, non-profits.
Functions & Duties:
Provide Christian-based counseling to couples facing marital challenges, integrating biblical principles with established counseling techniques.
Help couples strengthen their relationship, improve communication, resolve conflicts, and foster intimacy.
Address issues such as infidelity, financial stress, parenting disagreements, and spiritual misalignment.
Facilitate pre-marital counseling to prepare couples for marriage.
Offer guidance on forgiveness, reconciliation, and building a Christ-centered home.
Conduct individual sessions as needed to support marital therapy goals.
Required Certifications:
Canada:
Basic:
Attained at least the C.P.C. level (Certified Pastoral Counselor).
Shiloh College graduate with a diploma or degree in Christian Counseling.
Ordained minister.
Demonstrates high moral and ethical character.
Specific training in marriage and family therapy from a Christian perspective.
Supervised clinical hours.
Functions & Duties:
Provide Christian-based life coaching to help individuals achieve personal, professional, and spiritual goals aligned with biblical principles.
Guide clients in discovering their purpose, setting clear objectives, developing action plans, and overcoming obstacles.
Offer accountability, encouragement, and motivation from a faith perspective.
Focus on areas such as career development, spiritual growth, relationships, leadership, and personal well-being.
Help clients identify their strengths and talents to maximize their potential.
Facilitate breakthroughs and empower clients to live out their God-given calling.
Required Certifications:
Canada:
Basic:
Attained at least the C.P.C. level (Certified Pastoral Counselor).
Shiloh College graduate with a diploma or degree in Christian Counseling.
Ordained minister.
Demonstrates high moral and ethical character.
Completion of a recognized Christian life coaching program.
Demonstrated coaching competencies.
Advanced:
Advanced certification from a professional coaching body (e.g., International Coaching Federation (ICF) with a Christian focus).
Extensive coaching experience and client hours.
Specialized training in leadership development or spiritual formation.
United States:
Basic:
Attained at least the C.P.C. level (Certified Pastoral Counselor).
Master’s degree in Christian Counseling or a specific Christian Life Coaching certification.
Ordination as a minister.
Demonstrates high moral and ethical character.
Advanced:
Advanced certification from recognized Christian coaching organizations (e.g., American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) coaching division, or ICF with a Christian specialization).
Extensive client hours and demonstrated success in coaching outcomes.
Specialized training in specific coaching niches (e.g., executive coaching, spiritual formation coaching).
International:
Basic:
Varies by country; typically requires a coaching certification with a Christian emphasis.
Some theological background.
Denominational endorsement.
Advanced:
Accreditation from international coaching federations with a Christian focus.
Significant experience in diverse coaching contexts.
Typical Job Assignments:
Christian coaching services, private coaching practices, churches, leadership development programs, non-profit organizations, corporate wellness programs (with a faith-based option)
Functions & Duties:
Provide Christian-based counseling and support to individuals experiencing grief and loss, integrating spiritual comfort with psychological understanding.
Guide individuals through the grieving process, helping them cope with bereavement, trauma, and significant life changes.
Offer compassionate presence, active listening, and spiritual insights to facilitate healing.
Address various types of loss, including death of a loved one, job loss, divorce, or health decline.
Facilitate grief support groups and memorial services.
Help clients find hope and meaning in their loss from a faith perspective.
Required Certifications:
Canada:
Basic:
Attained at least the C.P.C. level (Certified Pastoral Counselor).
Shiloh College graduate with a diploma or degree in Christian Counseling.
Ordained minister.
Demonstrates high moral and ethical character.
Specific training in grief and bereavement counseling.
Supervised clinical hours.
Advanced:
Specialized certification in grief counseling from recognized Canadian bodies (e.g., Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association).
Extensive experience in bereavement support.
Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) with a focus on end-of-life care.
United States:
Basic:
Attained at least the C.P.C. level (Certified Pastoral Counselor).
Master’s degree in Christian Counseling with a grief specialization.
Ordination as a minister.
Demonstrates high moral and ethical character.
Advanced:
Board certification in grief counseling or bereavement support from national organizations.
Specialized training in trauma-informed care for complex grief.
Extensive supervised clinical practice in grief and loss.
International:
Basic:
Varies by country; typically requires counseling or pastoral care education with a focus on loss.
Denominational endorsement.
Advanced:
Advanced certifications in bereavement support recognized internationally.
Experience in hospice or palliative care settings.
Typical Job Assignments:
Christian counseling centers, churches, hospices, palliative care units, private practices specializing in grief counseling, funeral homes, community support programs.
Functions & Duties:
Provide Christian-based counseling for individuals struggling with anger management, integrating biblical principles with therapeutic strategies.
Equip clients with practical tools and spiritual insights to understand, express, and manage anger constructively.
Help individuals identify anger triggers, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and improve interpersonal relationships.
Address underlying issues contributing to anger, such as past trauma, resentment, or unforgiveness.
Facilitate individual and group anger management sessions.
Guide clients toward spiritual transformation in their emotional responses.
Required Certifications:
Canada:
Basic:
Attained at least the C.P.C. level (Certified Pastoral Counselor).
Shiloh College graduate with a diploma or degree in Christian Counseling.
Ordained minister.
Demonstrates high moral and ethical character.
Specific training in anger management techniques.
Supervised clinical hours.
Advanced:
Specialized certification in anger management from recognized Canadian bodies.
Extensive experience in behavioral therapy and emotional regulation.
Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) focused on emotional well-being.
United States:
Basic:
Attained at least the C.P.C. level (Certified Pastoral Counselor).
Master’s degree in Christian Counseling with a focus on behavioral health.
Ordination as a minister.
Demonstrates high moral and ethical character.
Advanced:
Board certification in anger management or behavioral therapy from national organizations.
Specialized training in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), or other relevant therapeutic models.
Extensive supervised clinical practice in anger management.
International:
Basic:
Varies by country; typically requires counseling or pastoral care education with a focus on emotional regulation.
Denominational endorsement.
Advanced:
Advanced certifications in anger management or behavioral therapy recognized internationally.
Experience in forensic or community mental health settings.
Typical Job Assignments:
Christian counseling centers, churches, private practices specializing in anger management, community programs, correctional facilities (for rehabilitation).
Functions & Duties:
Provide Christian-based counseling to individuals navigating cultural transitions, identity conflicts, or cross-cultural relationship challenges.
Offer support to diverse populations, respecting and integrating cultural contexts with faith principles.
Facilitate understanding and adaptation in cross-cultural settings, including for immigrants, refugees, and missionary personnel.
Address issues related to cultural shock, assimilation, discrimination, and inter-cultural communication.
Promote cultural sensitivity and competence within faith communities.
Help clients reconcile their faith with their cultural experiences.
Required Certifications:
Canada:
Basic:
Attained at least the C.P.C. level (Certified Pastoral Counselor).
Shiloh College graduate with a diploma or degree in Christian Counseling.
Ordained minister.
Demonstrates high moral and ethical character.
Specific training in cross-cultural communication and counseling.
Supervised clinical hours.
Advanced:
Specialized certification in cross-cultural counseling or intercultural studies from recognized Canadian bodies.
Extensive experience working with diverse populations and immigrant communities.
Fluency in multiple languages is highly beneficial.
United States:
Basic:
Attained at least the C.P.C. level (Certified Pastoral Counselor).
Master’s degree in Christian Counseling with an emphasis on cross-cultural studies.
Ordination as a minister.
Demonstrates high moral and ethical character.
Advanced:
Board certification in cross-cultural counseling or diversity and inclusion from national organizations.
Specialized training in cultural competency, global studies, and trauma experienced by displaced populations.
Extensive supervised clinical practice in cross-cultural settings.
International:
Basic:
Varies by country; typically requires counseling or pastoral care education with a focus on cultural sensitivity.
Denominational endorsement.
Experience living or working in diverse cultural contexts.
Advanced:
Advanced certifications in intercultural competence or global mental health recognized internationally.
Work with international NGOs or mission organizations.
Typical Job Assignments:
Christian counseling centers, missions organizations, churches with diverse congregations, private practices, refugee and immigrant support services, international aid organizations.
Specialized certification in Christian marriage counseling from recognized Canadian bodies.
Extensive supervised practice in marital therapy.
United States:
Basic:
Attained at least the C.P.C. level (Certified Pastoral Counselor).
State licensure as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with a specialization in marriage.
Ordination as a minister.
Demonstrates high moral and ethical character.
