Sacramento Theological Seminary and Bible College

STSBC Chaplaincy Program: Guiding souls through crisis with wisdom, care, and hope.

Discover Your Divine Calling at Sacramento Theological Seminary and Bible College, Where Faith Meets Excellence in Theological Education.

Explore Our STSBC Diverse Chaplaincy Online Certificate Program

Tailored for spiritual growth and community leadership excellence.

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Service Opportunities

What This Certificate Allows You to Do

  • Serve as a Community or Volunteer Chaplain within faith-based and nonprofit organizations.

  • Provide spiritual care and emotional support to individuals and families during times of crisis or loss.

  • Assist churches, hospices, and outreach ministries with pastoral visitation and grief support..

  • Lead or participate in bereavement ministries, prayer teams, or crisis response groups.

  • Support hospitals, hospices, and prisons as volunteer chaplain interns under supervision.

  • Use the certificate as a foundation for further theological study or Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) eligibility.

  • Build credibility for ordination, licensure, or ministry leadership within their denomination.

Important Notice: Typical Prerequisites for Professional Chaplaincy

Educational Background: Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Theology, Divinity, Ministry, or Pastoral Counseling.

Faith Endorsement: Ordination or denominational endorsement verifying good standing.

Ministry Experience: One to three years of pastoral or chaplaincy service.

CPE: Minimum of four 400-hour units for board certification.

Certification Bodies: APC, NACC, NAJC, ICPC, CPSP, or equivalent.

Enrollment Requirements

  • Must hold a high school diploma or GED (college coursework recommended).

  • Active involvement in a faith community.

  • A clear calling to ministry, caregiving, or pastoral service.

  • Ability to complete independent, home-based study and reflection assignments.

  • Commitment to ethical integrity, confidentiality, and interfaith respect.

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Chaplaincy Learning Outcomes

By the end of this program, students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate understanding of chaplaincy principles, pastoral care, and crisis intervention.

  • Conduct effective spiritual assessments and offer appropriate support.

  • Integrate scripture and spiritual care frameworks in ministry settings.

  • Demonstrate ethical awareness and respect for diverse spiritual traditions.

  • Develop a written spiritual care plan and self-care strategy.

  • Identify educational and vocational next steps toward professional chaplaincy.

  • Provide pastoral care and support beyond traditional institutional settings.

  • Apply evidence-based practices to strengthen chaplaincy services and programs.

  • Commit to lifelong learning and ongoing education as a chaplain.

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Limited Time Offer!

Answer your calling through the STSBC Chaplaincy Online Certificate Program, a self-paced, accredited course that equips you for chaplaincy in community settings.

Enroll now for 80% OFF (Cost of $999) with your limited-time coupon.

Explore Our Diverse Theological Degree Programs

Discover diverse programs designed to strengthen your faith and leadership skills, ranging from degrees to community outreach and online learning options.

FAQs

Answers to Your Questions on Faith and Education

Can I take CPE right after this certificate?

Not yet. Most CPE centers require a completed Bachelor’s degree and at least some graduate-level theological coursework. This program helps you gain the foundational understanding and ministry experience to confidently pursue those next steps.

What makes this certificate different?

It’s taught and led by an experienced hospice and corporate chaplain who began his own journey through this same home-study process — combining theological insight with real-world pastoral experience.

Can I take courses if I am not pursuing a degree?

Yes, individuals can take courses for personal enrichment or to study specific topics as non-degree students.

Do I need to be ordained to enroll?

No. Ordination is not required for enrollment, though active ministry participation and pastoral accountability are encouraged.

What are the career pathways and opportunities?

After completing this certificate, participants can:

Serve as volunteer chaplains in hospices, prisons, or hospitals.

Develop community chaplaincy ministries under church or nonprofit sponsorship.

Become bereavement or crisis support leaders within their local congregation.

Pursue academic advancement toward a degree in Theology, Counseling, or Divinity.

Eventually qualify for professional chaplaincy training (CPE) once degree requirements are met..

What are the Internship and Practicum Opportunities?

While this is a home-study program, students are encouraged to:

Complete 20–40 hours of supervised ministry or volunteer chaplaincy experience.

Partner with local churches, hospices, or hospitals for observational learning.

Reflect on field experience through journaling and supervision reports.

Document ministry hours to strengthen future applications for degree or CPE programs.

Does the Seminary offer any career placement services post-graduation

Yes, we provide career services including resume assistance, job search resources, and networking events.