The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship currently has more than 785 endorsed chaplains and pastoral counselors who are actively serving in a variety of specialized settings. CBF-endorsed chaplains serve in each branch of the United States Armed Forces, medical centers, correctional institutions, hospice organizations, police, fire and rescue departments, colleges and universities, businesses and industries, retirement communities, the Department of Veterans Affairs and Civil Air Patrol as well as in many other specialized settings. CBF-endorsed pastoral counselors serve in counseling centers, interdisciplinary settings and on church staffs.
Are you seeking endorsement?
CBF’s Council on Endorsement considers applications twice per year. Applications for new endorsement from CBF will be considered at the council’s meetings scheduled as follows:
- Council meets March 3-4, 2023 — Deadline for applications is January 20, 2023
- Council meets November 3-4, 2023 — Deadline for applications is September 15, 2023
The requirements to seek endorsement may be found here. In order to apply for endorsement, the first step is to speak with Renee Owen, the CBF Endorser of Chaplains and Pastoral Counselors. To connect with the Chaplaincy and Pastoral Counseling Office and to begin the process of endorsement, please fill out the form below.
It is important for candidates who are interested in serving as military chaplains to have at least 2 years full-time ministry leadership experience prior to endorsement
Updated endorsements, requests for board certification letters and renewal letters, as well as additional information updates are accepted at any time. The application for updated endorsement can be found here. (Do not use this form if you are seeking initial endorsement.)
If you are currently endorsed, please take a moment to tell us about significant events in your ministry this year. Please complete this form and return to Renee Owen at rowen@cbf.net.
Would you like to make a gift to benefit CBF Endorsed chaplains and pastoral counselors?
Make a gift to the George Pickle Fund.
Make a gift to the Chaplaincy Assistance Fund.
To contact our office directly, call (770) 220-1654 or email chaplaincy@cbf.net.
CBF also provides endorsements for membership in various professional organizations, including the Association of Professional Chaplains, American Association of Pastoral Counselors and the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education.
Learn more about CBF Chaplaincy and our legacy of 1,000 endorsed persons by watching the video below!