VA Application Requirements

The World Council of Independent Christian Churches provides Ecclesiastical Endorsement for the US Department of Veterans Affairs.

The World Council of Independent Christian Churches is an approved Ecclesiastical Endorsing agent for the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. The WCICC is able to provide the necessary Department of Veterans Affairs Endorsement Form needed to be employed or contracted as a Chaplain in any of the five categories of VA Chaplains. These categories are Full Time Chaplain, Part Time Chaplain, Fee Basis Chaplain, Contract Chaplain and Intermittent Chaplain.

Requirements for being considered as a Active Duty Chaplain, Reserve Chaplain, Chaplain, Chaplains Candidate, Seminarian or Religious Ministry Professional (RMP) with the World Council of Independent Christian Churches are as follows;

• Ordination: You must be approved by the Ordination Council of the World Council of Independent Christian Churches. This may be accomplished by A) Transferring your existing Ordination to the WCICC or B) Applying directly to the World Council of Independent Christian Churches Ordination Council for Ordination.
• Membership: You must be a member in Good Standing within the World Council of Independent Christian Churches.
• Education: When applying to the Veterans Administration you must meet the requirements of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. All other educational requirements are set by the institution in which you are applying. The requirement of the World Council of Independent Christian Churches is that of the institution you are applying to.
• Identification: Must be verified. Photocopy of your
  A) State Issued Drivers License
  B) U.S. Department of State Issued Passport
  C) State issued ID card
  D) State Issued Birth Certificate.
  Any three of the above are needed.
  
  In addition to the above the following is needed;
• Photograph: Two Current Passport style photo
• References: Three letters of recommendation from member's of the clergy.
• Resume: Include a brief history of ministerial experience.
• Background Check: You must pass a background check. The cost of the Background check is shared between the applicant and the WCICC. The cost varies based upon your location and level of the background check.
• Supporting Documents: Include any documents you feel that would assist in your approval. A list of required documents will be provided to applicants
  at the time of application via Email

Note: An additional fee may be charged for expedited services if special meetings of the council must be held to meet deadlines of the Chaplains
Board.

Certification and/or Endorsement

If approved by the World Council of Independent Christian Churches, you will receive the following.

If applying to a VA Hospital – ALL necessary Endorsement documents to be filed with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.

• Certificate of Endorsement under the seal of the WCICC
• Certificate of Ordination under the seal of the WCICC
• Certificate of License under the seal of the WCICC
• Certified letter of Good Standing
• Certified letter of recommendation

Endorsed Chaplains Monthly Report and Offering

All WCICC Chaplains endorsed by the World Council of Independent Christian Churches are required to sign and participate in the following:

• Monthly Report: All Chaplains must file a monthly summery of all ministries performed in that month. Brief information is all that is required. All reports must be filled and mailed or faxed to WCICC Headquarters in New York or emailed to a special email address at the Chaplains Department.
• Monthly Pledge: All Chaplains are required to contribute to the expenses of the Chaplains Board / WCICC Home Office. This is requested in place of a tithe which the WCICC believes should stay with your home church. This is a donation of $25 per month, paid via auto credit card billing or monthly allotment however it must be received on or before with the monthly report.

Warning: Failure to comply with the above two requirements will result in termination of your good standing with WCICC membership and withdraw of Endorsement after Board Review.

Cost Associated with Chaplains Applications

The cost of Chaplaincy varies based on the individual and their qualifications. Please send us and email explaining your current education, direction of your future goals and where you want to serve. We will be in touch with you. Please include contact information.

Send your information to: (Click Here) or send an email to chaplaincy@wcicc.org