The New York State Council of Churches certifies and supports chaplains in state institutions including the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, Office of Children and Family Services, and Office of Mental Health. We sponsor an annual conference for chaplains and provide other continuing education opportunities.
Have you ever considered using your gifts of ministry to bring the message of God’s love to people in these New York State agencies? Chaplaincy ministry provides an opportunity to bring hope to those cut off from family, community, church and the opportunities of daily life.
The New York State Council of Churches has agreed to assist the State in its efforts to offer professionally competent chaplaincy service by certifying clergy as appropriate for the State to employ as Protestant and Orthodox Chaplains.
The process begins with contacting Rev. Jim Ketcham, Chaplaincy Certification Coordinator, at jketcham@nyscoc.org, then completing an application for certification and meeting the required criteria with evidence of education, ordination, denominational endorsement, special training such as Clinical Pastoral Education, and experience in pastoral ministry. If the chaplaincy certification committee approves you, your name will be sent to the state agency, which is the hiring body, and they will interview as positions become available.
The documents linked below provide much more information including criteria requirements, steps to follow in the certification process, and an application and non-refundable fee to submit.
Chaplaincy Certification Applicant Letter
Chaplaincy Certification Criteria for Protestant and Orthodox Clergy
Application for Protestant Chaplains Certification
For further certification information, please contact our Chaplaincy Certification Coordinator, Rev. Jim Ketcham at jketcham@nyscoc.org or 518-436-9319.
The Reverend Petero Sabune, Chair, Chaplaincy Commission
The Reverend Dr. Charles B. Grimm, Chair, Certification Committee
New York State Association of Protestant Chaplains
All New York State certified Protestant Chaplains are required to become members of the New York State Association of Protestant Chaplains. The Association is open to all chaplains serving in any capacity, not just state agencies, and membership fees are based on employment. There is an annual education conference for all chaplains usually held in the second week of October.
Please visit the New York State Association of Protestant Chaplains page of our website for much more information.
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