Endorsement Standards

Endorsement Standards and Procedures, Call Criteria, and Program Guidelines

Download the Endorsement Manual, Revised and Adopted by ILCC, October, 2008

This document is a joint project of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Cooperating church body units providing supervision and management include the Vocation and Education program unit of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and the Board for Human Care Ministries of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. The Inter-Lutheran Coordinating Committee for Ministries in Chaplaincy, Pastoral Counseling, and Clinical Education has reviewed and recommended the document for approval by the church bodies.

This document outlines the process and procedures for ecclesiastical endorsement for ministries in chaplaincy, pastoral counseling, and clinical education, by which the church bodies affirm and recognize individuals who attain the necessary levels of theological and ministerial competence. It sets forth criteria for the extension of calls and appointments to ministries in chaplaincy, pastoral counseling, and clinical education, hereafter referred to as MCPCCE. Additionally, it presents guidelines for MCPCCE programs in affiliated or recognized social ministry organizations.