Membership 

Information

AFFC Membership is open to all who are involved with the fire service chaplaincy: active, retired, former, and prospective; full-time, part-time, career, volunteer, firefighters, paramedics, pastors, retirees from the fire service, and laypersons.

Members and Departments

Member Benefits:

  • Standing in a professional chaplains’ organization.
  • Educational opportunities via professional training, conferences, and regional meetings.
  • Certification and documentation for completion of training.
  • Credentialing through an identification card, a membership certificate, auto decal, and shirt with logo.
  • Access to the "members only" section of our website and written materials designed to help Chaplains implement and sustain effective programs.
  • Fire Chaplain Directory for Networking and Fellowshipping.
  • Active partnership with the national Fellowship of Chaplains, Alabama Fire College, and other state-affiliated chaplain organizations.

Department Benefits:

  • Assist agencies in developing or growing their chaplaincy program.
  • Maximize the impact and aid provided by their chaplain personnel.
  • Provide chaplain training through conferences, seminars, resource materials, and support.
  • Keep chaplains aware of the latest programs and resources available.
  • Provide a networking opportunity for sharing ideas, goals, and objectives.
  • Assist agencies in developing or growing their chaplaincy and assist others in the event of a disaster or catastrophic event. 

Individual Membership Dues:

  • Annual membership dues are $100.00 for each participating year.

***Please Note: Dues are collected in January or at the starting month of membership and required annually. Dues should be renewed as soon after January 1st as possible to prevent lapse status.***


Members and Associate Members

Active Membership:

  • Appointed to the Chaplaincy by a Fire, Rescue, or EMS agency
  • Endorsed by your religious body for the ministry as a Chaplain
  • Currently serving as an emergency services Chaplain 
  • Be up-to-date with AFFC annual dues
  • Optional: Complete the Essentials of Fire Chaplaincy course.

***Any exception will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis***


Associate Membership:

  • Appointed to the Chaplaincy by a Fire, Rescue, or EMS agency but lack a religious body for the ministry as a Chaplain
  • Former or retired fire department chaplain but not currently serving in that capacity
  • Have an interest in and are supportive of the objectives and goals of the AFFC.
  • Be up-to-date with AFFC annual dues 

Corporate Membership:

  • Affiliated with a Fire, Rescue, or EMS agency financially, legally, or other.
  • Supportive of the objectives and goals of the AFFC.

Honorary Membership:

  • Retired from serving as an emergency services chaplain.
  • Supportive of the objectives and goals of the AFFC.

Learn More

Become an AFFC Member

 To become a member, please complete the following 6 steps. **If you have any questions or would like an application mailed directly to your home, please contact AFFC.***


1. Complete the AFFC Membership Application.

  • Apply Online by clicking JOIN AFFC below or click HERE to open an application form. ***If you need Adobe Reader, click HERE.*** 
  • SAVE a copy to your computer, PRINT the completed form, & Return it to AFFC.

2. Retrieve a "Letter of Appointment" from your fire department.

  • Have your fire department or sponsoring agency write a brief letter on department letterhead that acknowledges your role as department chaplain. ***We need proof you are connected to a department or emergency response agency.***
  • SAVE a copy of your Letter of Appointment for your records.

3. Retrieve a "Letter of Endorsement" from your ecclesiastical body.

  • The letter of endorsement is a statement from your preacher that confirms his or her endorsement of your spiritual character and ministry. ***AFFC does not endorse individuals as chaplains, that should be done by someone who knows you and agrees that you are fit for this type of ministry.***
  • SAVE a copy of your Letter of Endorsement for your records.

4.  Provide copies of the following documents: 

  • A current photo of yourself. 
  • A copy of your driver’s license.
  • A copy of any training certificates and/or ordination certificate, if applicable.

5. Pay your $100 annual membership fee.

  • Include a check or money order for your dues ***payable to Alabama Fellowship of Fire Chaplains.***
  • OR pay via Venmo HERE. ***comment "AFFC Annual Dues for YOUR NAME"   

6. Return all materials to the following:

  • Mail 

Attention: Membership Records

Alabama Fellowship of Fire Chaplains

6144 Harpers Dairy Loop Road

Bessemer, Alabama 35022

  • Email 

Attach or Forward ALL documents to ADMIN (admin@alfirechaplains.org) with the Subject: "Membership Records"


PLEASE ALLOW 3-4 WEEKS FOR PROCESSING AFTER WE RECEIVE ALL DOCUMENTS & PAYMENT.

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