FAQs about the ACPE-APC Proposed Merger

ACPE and APC members continue to ask great questions about the proposed merger. Below are a list of additional frequently asked questions. Have a question? Submit it to acpe-apcmerger@acpe.edu.

1. What is the proposed ACPE-APC merger?
After decades of collaboration and a few years of negotiations, the Boards of Directors of the ACPE: The Standard for Spiritual Care and Education and the Association of Professional Chaplains met concurrently on March 18, 2021 at 10:00am EDT/9:00am CDT to entertain a motion that the organizations officially merge. Both organizations approved the motion. View a  history  of the association’s collaboration.

2. What is driving the desire to merge? Is it finances?
​​​​While ACPE and APC have several specific reasons for the merger, the leadership of both associations believe we are better together: better for our members and better for the people we serve. Here are some of the reasons:

1. First, ACPE and APC members are asking for more robust advocacy on their behalf with their institutions, with state and federal agencies, and with partner associations and entities. An organization of 8000-9000 members will have much greater standing to affect the changes our members wish to see in their industries.
2. Second, when ACPE and APC were formed, the primary concern was not the preparation and ongoing development of professional spiritual care providers; it was the formation of clergy (and overwhelmingly Christian pastors and priests). We are a much more multi-faith world and profession today. In addition, as congregational leadership has declined for decades, chaplaincy and professional spiritual care has steadily grown.
3. Third, this merger will position the new organization to help shape the emerging need for new kinds of religious leadership, forms which will likely dominate the religious landscape in the next decade.
4. Fourth, the world is not what it was when these organizations were formed: both the world at large and the world of spiritual care. In 1968, two organizations provided clinical pastoral education. In 2020, we have identified 19 different organizations offering something called CPE or CPT. In addition to APC, we have identified 28 other organizations that “certify” chaplains, though some require only a small payment with a completed application. Not only is the market more competitive, but the marks of quality are also more difficult to distinguish.
5. Fifth, the competitive market has also created significant confusion for students and those interested in pursuing careers as professional, certified spiritual care providers. A merger would allow our organizations to provide a pipeline from those who first come into CPE to those who are certified as chaplains to those who are certified as educators. We also will bring the skills and resources of the former AAPC counselors and psychotherapists into the mix, creating a remarkable reserve of professional development opportunities for all members.
6. Sixth, professional spiritual care is having a moment, one we did not anticipate when these conversations started. The pandemic has raised awareness of the essential services chaplains provide, the importance of spiritual care in private practices as well as congressional leadership, and the emerging places where spiritual care professionals are being called to serve in communities.  The new organization will be better positioned to help support, encourage and innovate in these areas.
7. Finally, it just makes sense. As a unified organization, we can take advantage of opportunities that currently are beyond the reach and scope of either organization independently. We are better, stronger, and more robust together. 

4. Who initiated this merger and which association will lead?
This proposed merger is envisioned as what organizational designers call a “merger of equals.” We are both healthy. We are both dominant forces in the field. We rely on one another at a variety of levels. The initial board structure is intended to capitalize on this “merger of equals,” assuring both groups have the same number of seats as we move towards greater integration of work, processes, and influence in the professions of spiritual care.

5. What are the financial conditions of both organizations?
A consultant affiliated with both associations conducted a comprehensive financial due diligence report of both associations. In short, both have steady, growing revenue streams, well-managed expenses, and several months of cash reserves. In other words, both organizations are financially healthy and can approach this process from a place of financial strength.

We also recognize that our members face increasing financial constraints with the loss of travel support, no support for dues, even reduced leave time. We believe the proposed merged entity can help provide more opportunities and support as well as advocacy for members that help advance the larger profession.

7. What happens to the ACPE Foundation?
The ACPE Foundation will continue as a 501c3. While this has not been finalized, the ACPE team hopes all assets/reserves can be consolidated here, with appropriate subaccounts to recognize the origins and restrictions on funds. The current Type1 designation would need to be reassigned to the new organization.

8. When do the changes take effect?
Hopefully, the Merger Implementation Workgroup will have a final presentation for the members to consider by the end of the year. If both memberships approve the merger, it will likely take one to three years to fully implement all the changes.

9. What is the name of the new organization?
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The Implementation Workgroup will propose on a new name, articles of incorporation, bylaws, and governance, after research discussion, and gathering member feedback. 

10. Which executive(s) will lead the combined organization?
The Implementation Workgroup will draft requirements for hiring the executive leadership of the new organization. If the both memberships approve the merger, the new organization will conduct a national executive search.

11. Where will the new organization be based?
If the both memberships approve the merger, the Implementation Workgroup will present recommendations for a base of operations.

12. When will we vote?
The implementation workgroup will draft the bylaws, a governance structure, membership categories, and staffing requirements. Throughout their process, the implementation workgroup will maximize opportunities for member engagement and feedback. Before any final vote on the merger, the implementation workgroup will provide members of both organizations with a complete package of the new organization's bylaws and governance so you will have a full picture of the proposed new organization. Depending on the speed of the implementation workgroup's work, members could vote as early as December 2021.

13. If I hold membership in both associations, am I able to vote on each association’s ballot?
If you hold membership in both associations, you are entitled to vote in each association’s ballot.

14. If ACPE and APC merge, will I still need to pay “double” dues?
This will be one of the first tasks of the implementation workgroup: to determine membership categories and pricing. One key hope is that membership categories are such that individuals are not paying multiple fees to multiple groups but will have a clear and simple annual dues structure.

15. If ACPE and APC merge, are they creating a monopoly?
No, as mentioned in question two, there are 19 different organizations offering something called CPE or CPT, and at least 28 other organizations that “certify” chaplains.

16. How will this impact the Certification Process of ACPE and APC?
ACPE Accreditation and Certification would function much as they do now as commissions, though under the common 501c3 as a “subsidiary” or “division” of the new organization. ACPE will be the name of the “division” or “subsidiary” that houses Accreditation and Educator Certification. It will maintain the current ACPE 501c3 identity to prevent disruption with the US Department of Education, CMS, and other major partners.

The Board of Chaplaincy Certification Inc. (BCCI) will continue to operate as a 501c6 affiliate of the new organization, as it does currently for APC.  A 501c6 is required by the tax code for certification. It will have a commission and board of directors (currently the same as the APC board) as required by law.  It will house chaplain certification.

Similarly, ACPE’s Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy program and certification would continue to operate as its own “subsidiary” or “division.”

17. If ACPE and APC merge, are they creating a conflict of interest because one organization will provide the required education and BCCI certification?
No, as mentioned in question 16, the certification processes will be maintained as separate “subsidiaries” or “divisions.”

18. How can I get more information?
ACPE and APC published a series of interviews with past and current leaders. ACPE leaders are also happy to join CoP and other group gatherings for further discussion. Finally, you can also email ACPE at ACPE-APCmerger@acpe.edu or APC at President@Professionalchaplains.org.