Endorsement That Recognizes Your Call — and Your Credentials
Breathtaking design for home living.
FCM is a recognized religious endorsing body trusted by ACPE, APC, and the institutions where you serve.
Bring your whole self to the bedside.
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A recognized convention of churches since 1968
The work of accompanying people through illness, loss, and the end of life is sacred and it shouldn’t be held back by the question of who will endorse you. FCM provides recognized endorsement for healthcare and hospice chaplains, satisfying the requirements of ACPE, APC, and the major certifying bodies, while affirming the fullness of who you are and Whom you serve. Hundreds of our members already minister in hospitals, hospices, and palliative settings. You belong here.
Why endorsement matters
Your certification depends on someone recognizing your Call.
Board certification through, CPE units, the staff position at the hospital or hospice, they all ask the same question: who endorses you?
For too many chaplains, the answer is complicated. The tradition you came from may have moved slowly, asked you to be someone you’re not, or declined to endorse you at all.
The work is sacred and the need is urgent, but the door stays closed for want of a recognized endorsing body.
FCM exists to open it.
Wherever care happens, chaplains belong
Healthcare chaplaincy is not one job, it’s many vocations under one Call. FCM endorses chaplains across the full spectrum of care:
Hospital & acute care
Hospice & End of Life care
Oncology
Pediatric and children’s hospitals
Mental and behavioral health
Bereavement & Grief support
Affirming without exception.
You are endorsed as your whole self, regardless of gender identity, expression, sexual orientation, or tradition of origin. No creedal test stands between you and your Call.
Accepted by those who matter.
FCM is a Faith Group member of ACPE and recognized by APC, AAPC, CPSP, and the VA. Our endorsement satisfies the religious-endorser requirement for certification and clinical pastoral education.
A real community behind the credential.
Endorsement isn’t a certificate in the mail. It comes with colleagues, regional connection, and a Regional Vice President who advocates for you through the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fully and without exception. Membership, Commissioning, and endorsement are open to all.
Commissioning authorizes your public ministry generally; endorsement for specialized ministry recognizes you specifically for chaplaincy and clinical pastoral work.
No. Many FCM members hold dual membership with FCM and a local faith community.
FCM is a recognized religious endorsing body; our endorsement is intended to meet the religious-endorser requirement. For specific information about the requirements of your certifying organization, we recommend you reach out to them. Our Regional Vice Presidents are also available to help discern if FCM is recognized by your board.
