Chaplaincy Australia Statement of Faith

• We believe that the Bible is God’s Word. It is accurate, authoritative and applicable to our every day lives.

• We believe in one eternal God who is the Creator of all things. He exists in three Persons: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. He is totally loving and completely holy.

• We believe that sin has separated each of us from God and His purpose for our lives.

• We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ as both God and man is the only One who can reconcile us to God. He lived a sinless and exemplary life, died on the cross in our place, and rose again to prove His victory and empower us for life.

• We believe that in order to receive forgiveness and the ‘new birth’ we must repent of our sins, believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and submit to His will for our lives.

• We believe that in order to live the holy and fruitful lives that God intends for us, we need to be baptised in water and be filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit enables us to use spiritual gifts.

• We believe that God has individually equipped us so that we can successfully achieve His purpose for our lives which is to worship God, fulfil our role in the Church and serve the community in which we live.

• We believe that God wants to heal and transform us so that we can live healthy and prosperous lives in order to help others more effectively.

• We believe that our eternal destination of either Heaven or hell is determined by our response to the Lord Jesus Christ.

• We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ is coming back again as He promised.

Chaplaincy Australia is committed to ensuring that all accredited Chaplaincy and Chaplaincy Associates are supported in their ministry by engaging in mentoring/supervision.

If your application is successful you will be required to advise us of your nominated mentor/supervisor.

If you are already engaging with a supervisor could you please enter their name and contact number below.

(Contact Chaplaincy Australia for a list of accredited supervisors)

Please provide the names and contact details of 2 people who you wish to nominate as your referees.

Please note that one referee MUST be your SENIOR PASTOR (or Campus Pastor).

If you, as the applicant, are the Senior Pastor please nominate your DISTRICT LEADER as one referee.

The second referee must be someone who has known you for at least THREE years and is NOT a family member.

Please provide the name and contact details of your Senior Pastor / Campus Pastor.

If you, as the applicant, are the Senior Pastor please nominate your DISTRICT LEADER as referee.

Chaplains and Chaplaincy Associates are required to:

• Be a committed Christian who holds to the Apostles Creed and the doctrines held by their relevant denomination.

• Maintain the highest ethical standards in their own personal life.

• Be personally accountable for their professional conduct to their employing authority and/or Church authority.

• Maintain the highest standards of professional competence and integrity in the pastoral, spiritual and religious care of recipients.

• Exercise the greatest sensitivity and discretion in matters of confidentiality, privacy and respect for others.

• Continue to undertake professional development, enhancing their chaplaincy skills – including attendance at Chaplaincy Australia Conferences and regional meetings.

• Co-operate fully with industry professionals, Chaplaincy colleagues and representatives of the Church in providing holistic care to others.

• Respect at all times the religious faith, practice and belief systems of clients.

• Provide for the appropriate pastoral, spiritual and religious services required by recipients.

• Ensure that no personal action or omission, within their own area of responsibility, is contrary to the highest standards of care or to the welfare of recipients.

• Be an active member of a local Church fellowship.

• Meet with their Senior Minister (or their appointee) periodically to discuss their ministry and to ensure
that accountability and encouragement is being received.

• Engage in regular mentoring/supervision that contributes to your own personal, spiritual and professional development.

Chaplaincy Accreditation Levels

Level 1 - AFFILIATE:

• This is your entry point to involvement with  Chaplaincy Australia.  

Affiliates can be:

• • Students studying Chaplaincy
  • Individuals upskilling to become CA Chaplains
  • Supporters and Donors of CA
  • Church or oganisation representatives  
  • No qualifications or experience are needed.

• Benefits include being connected to a large group of people who are making a difference through Chaplaincy.  
• You will be updated through our regular communications and you will receive  invitations to regional events, discounts for attendance at conferences and many CA Professional Development events.  
• Once you have completed your Chaplaincy training or upskilling you can apply to become an Associate or a Chaplain. 

Level 2 - ASSOCIATE:

• This is the initial accreditation level for those who are working in an area of chaplaincy ministry. It is designed for individuals who have a sense of a call of God towards Chaplaincy and who possesses an appropriate level of training and experience for their specific chaplaincy role.
• These may include: Sports Chaplains; Aged Care or Hospital Visitors; School Chaplains etc.
• It requires the completion or undertaking of appropriate, required courses in Chaplaincy ministry, which may include:

1. Certificate IV in Chaplaincy & Pastoral Care
2. Introduction to Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)
3. Specific training in sports, school, prison chaplaincy or other initial course.

• Must be committed and accountable to own local Church and leadership.
• Must be accountable to an appointed overseeing Chaplain (eg: Regional Chaplain – periodic meetings, conferences and ongoing connection).
• Must submit to WWCC, Police Check and complete ACC approved child protection training (Safer Churches/Safe Ministries/or equivalent) at least every 3 years.
• Must commit to regular mentoring / professional supervision.

Level 3 - CHAPLAIN:

• Level 3 Chaplains work across all sectors of Chaplaincy Ministry. They are individuals with evidence of a proven calling to the ministry of Chaplaincy, who have completed all required training and have the appropriate experience in their chosen chaplaincy role.

• The completion of accredited courses as deemed necessary for this ministry, in particular:

1. Certificate IV in Chaplaincy & Pastoral Care or equivalent
2. Diploma of Ministry (Chaplaincy)
Other relevant courses will be considered.

• Some theological study completed or being undertaken.

• May be holder of ministerial credential.

• Must be committed and accountable to own local Church and leadership.

• Must be accountable to an appointed overseeing Chaplain (eg: Regional Chaplain – periodic meetings, conferences and ongoing connection).

• Must submit to WWCC, Police Check and complete ACC approved child protection training (Safer Churches/ Safe Ministries / or equivalent) at least every 3 years.

• Must commit to regular professional supervision.