Below is a list of our most frequently asked questions.
What is the primary purpose of Fellowship Chaplaincy?
Fellowship Chaplaincy seeks to be a “ministry of presence” by demonstrating Christ's love to people where they live and work. This is best accomplished in close alignment and connection with a local church. Fellowship chaplains are an extension of the local church in places most churches do not typically minister such as airports, armed forces, truck stops, etc.
Who gives leadership to the Fellowship Chaplaincy Ministry?
Our President, Steve Jones as Director, and Chaplaincy Coordinator, Larry Freeman, give servant-leadership to the Fellowship’s Chaplaincy ministry.
What areas of ministry are Fellowship chaplains involved in across Canada?
Fellowship chaplains serve in a variety of locations such as: hospitals, airports, Canadian armed forces, police and emergency services, corporations, nursing homes, sports, truck stops, prisons, and community services.
Must a Fellowship chaplain be aligned and connected to a local church?
All Fellowship chaplains are required to connect with a local church and its pastor, seeking to support that local church. Fellowship chaplains are an extension of that local church's ministry into the community. Chaplains will seek to support pastors by guiding members into ministries in such places as local hospital, airport, nursing home, and sports team. Chaplains are encouraged to support local churches by providing their special skill set and training to local churches (i.e. grief management, counseling, evangelism training, etc.)
What are the three different classifications of chaplains in the Fellowship's Chaplaincy ministry?
There is a recognition that different chaplains have differing employment status and so, they are identified as follows:
- Employee chaplain: Chaplains who seek salary support from donors and are paid through The Fellowship. The Fellowship Chaplaincy Director is their direct supervisor. Full or part-time status.
- Partner chaplain: Chaplains who receive a salary from the organization that employs them. The Fellowship Chaplaincy Director gives secondary support/supervision. Full or part-time status.
- Volunteer chaplain: Chaplains who receive no remuneration and are generally part-time status.
What “added value” does a Fellowship chaplain receive through formal membership?
Professional credentialing, member care, annual enrichment gathering, peer counseling, health/dental coverage available (at the chaplain's expense) if the employer does not provide, alignment with the local church, fellowship and free registration to the Fellowship's annual National Conference.
I am employed by an organization to be their chaplain. I already have a supervisor/boss. What accountability expectation would the Fellowship have of me?
As a partner chaplain, you are expected to provide a yearly ministry plan and to submit an annual report to the Fellowship Chaplaincy Director.
What requirements are necessary to be accepted as a Fellowship chaplain?
Those wishing to serve as a Fellowship chaplain must be an active member of a local evangelical church; sign the Fellowship Statement of Faith and Code of Conduct Policy; be in agreement with the Chaplaincy Directional Document and Policy and Procedures Manual; supply annual proof of liability insurance; and pay an annual membership fee or assessment.
Must a Fellowship chaplain be a formal member of a Fellowship Baptist church?
The short answer is “No”; however all Fellowship Chaplains must be a member of an evangelical church and connected with this local church and its pastor in a formal or informal partnership. It is preferable that our chaplains be members of Fellowship churches. However, where there are no Fellowship churches in proximity, or other extenuating circumstances, exceptions will be made at the Director's discretion.
Can a divorced individual become a Fellowship chaplain?
Yes. See the Fellowship Chaplaincy Policy and Procedures Manual for details.
What is the application process for a prospective Fellowship chaplain?
All prospective chaplains must complete an application including references, and provide an up-to-date police check. The applicant will also have either a phone or face-to-face interview with the Fellowship Chaplaincy Director or his designate.
What health benefits are available to Fellowship chaplains?
All “employee” and “partner” chaplains can pay into the Fellowship Health/Dental Group Plan.
Note that no benefits are available for “volunteer” chaplains. Employee chaplains are able to contribute to a pension plan. See the Fellowship Chaplaincy Policy and Procedures Manual for details.
What pension benefits are available to Fellowship chaplains?
All “employee” and “partner” chaplains can pay into the Fellowship Pension Plan. Note that no benefits are available for “volunteer” chaplains. See the Fellowship Chaplaincy Policy and Procedures Manual for details.
How does a chaplain get licensed by the Fellowship to perform weddings?
Through applying and being processed through one of our Regions, or through the National
Fellowship where the process does not exist within a Region.
Who determines an employee chaplain's support package and gives guidance in the raising of personal and ministry support?
The Fellowship Chaplaincy Director or his designate.
What is the annual membership fee? Who pays this? Why is there a fee?
The member fee is $200 per annum for “Partner” chaplains, and $50 per annum for “Volunteer” chaplains. This membership fee goes towards the administrative costs of the chaplaincy ministry including staffing, member care, registration to the Fellowship's National Conference (for “Partner” chaplains only), and an annual Chaplaincy Enrichment gathering.