Civilian Endorsement Chaplain Applicant

Step 1: Information

When applying with the ECA:

• You must first become a member of the Evangelical Church Alliance in order to receive an endorsement.
• All communications with the ECA during the application process must be completed by the applicants themselves.
• ECA policy does not allow for the use of alcohol (except for the partaking of fermented wine in Holy Communion as practiced by some denominations), illegal or mind-altering drugs, or tobacco, or permit immoral practices. Note: The ECA considers immoral practices to include, but not be limited to homosexuality and the use of pornography and/or obscenities. (1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Galatians 5:19-21; Romans 14:21)
• The applicants must understand that the application process does take approximately two months or more to complete after all required documents have been submitted.  In addition, understand that all applications are processed in the order in which we receive them.
• All applicants must possess a written and spoken proficiency in the English language in order to interact with headquarters and the greater ECA membership.  This would apply to handling items such as, but not limited to, the application for membership, e-mails, the ordination or licensure oral examination, phone calls, the annual ministerial reports (if membership is granted) and general correspondence among members.
• Applicants must prove a valid need for ministerial credentials. Also, applicants must have a current ministry of at least twenty (20) hours per week.
• Currently enrolled students in college or seminary are requested to complete their program of study.  If necessary, they should call the ECA office for further clarification.

Note: If you are planning on attending any of our upcoming events all paperwork must be processed and approved 12 calendar days before the event takes place.

The ECA carefully processes applicants to determine their character, calling, qualifications and abilities to serve.  When an applicant meets all the requirements with the ECA, his or her status will be upgraded to candidate and a personal Oral Examination will be scheduled, at one of our Gatherings/Conferences held across the United States. Providing the results of the examination are positive, the candidate will participate in an ordination/licensure service and be received into membership.

Healthcare Chaplains

1. Have a M.Div. degree or its equivalent in a seminary program for institutional chaplaincy
2. Be credentialed for licensure at a minimum and preferably for ordination.
3. ECA Tenets of Faith and Ministerial Ethics take precedence.

Step 2: Application Process

• Complete the online Application for Individual Membership, which requires the submission of the $100.00 non-refundable application fee. (All foreign applicants must submit fee in a U.S. Money Order.)

*All Support documents listed below with an asterisk (*) must be attached to the application. Documents can be attached at the end of the application unless otherwise noted. Make sure your full name is on all documents.

• *Business Professional Quality, Colored Photo - When an applicant’s file is being reviewed for consideration, the first thing that often catches the Review Board Committee's eye is the applicant’s photograph.  We recommend you provide a professional, quality photo.
• *Testimony of Conversion* An explanation of how you received Christ as your Lord and Savior, (separate page, no less than 250 words and not to exceed one page in length)
• *Details of your ministry calling* An explanation of how you felt called to ministry, (separate page, no less than 250 words and not to exceed one page in length)
• *Resume of Ministry career, training and activities, and Biblical education.  This document must include tenure, responsibilities, supervisors and names of churches and organizations.  We are looking to assess two years of cumulative ministry experience (4,160 hours) for licensure, and four years of cumulative ministry experience (8,320 hours) required for ordination. (A sample resume is available from the link at the bottom of this page.)
• *Statement of Doctrine* (Please limit your statement to two pages.)  This statement should include your position on the following areas:  The Trinity, salvation, baptism and the inspiration and inerrancy of the Word of God. (A warning regarding plagiarism and a link for a sample of a  Statement of Doctrine are available at the bottom of this page.)
• Official Educational Transcripts: The application process requires your Official Educational Transcripts for all Education (except for High School). This will include College, University, Bible College, and Seminary you have attended.  (These must be sent to us directly from the institution.) Sealed student transcripts will not be accepted.  (Note: If the school provides transcripts electronically, have them sent to [email protected]. Otherwise, have them mailed to Attn: Connie Bochmann-PO Box 9-Bradley IL 60915.)
• Copy of Ordination Certificate (If you have been previously ordained)
• Copy of Licensure Certificate (If you have been previously licensed)
• 4 References: Two ministerial and two personal, all references can be ministerial, however, only two can be personal.  For more information on the links to send to your references and who qualifies to be a reference see the apply today page and click on the plus sign for Reference Forms.
• Provide additional information as determined by the ECA staff (For example, ECA staff may request information on a prior divorce.)

Note: Certificates, Certificate of Naturalization and Green Card (if applicable) may be sent by email to [email protected].

An application for membership will not be considered for approval until all of the above support documents have been received and approved by The Standard and Credentials Committee.

Step 3: Oral Examination

• Once your application has been approved by the Standards and Credentials Committee, you will receive a personal email inviting you for an oral examination at one of our scheduled events held across the United States. 
• Following your response, you will be e-mailed information explaining details of your oral examination and the ordination/licensure service. 
• Candidate Membership Dues in the amount of $325, as well as any conference fees, will be owed prior to the oral examination.
• Transportation and lodging are the responsibility of the candidate.  We will provide a recommended hotel that includes a negotiated ECA rate.
• Providing the examination is met with a positive approval, the candidate will be ordained/licensed in a service already scheduled for the following day.

Step 4: Civilian Chaplaincy Membership

Upon acceptance into membership, You will need to fill out the Members requesting Professional Endorsement Application located under the Members Page.

The following are required annually:

• The submission of the Civilian Member Annual Ministerial Report.
• Payment of $325.00 Annual Membership Dues           

Failure to meet these requirements will ultimately result in removal from ECA membership.