It is my privilege to welcome you to the beginning of something we believe will have a meaningful and lasting impact on first responder chaplaincy.
The International Association of First Responder Chaplains (IAFRC) was created with a simple but important purpose: to strengthen the chaplains who serve those who serve others.
Every day, chaplains walk alongside police officers, firefighters, EMS professionals, healthcare workers, their families, and the communities they serve. We are present during some of life’s most difficult moments… not necessarily with all the answers, but with compassion, encouragement, faith, and a willingness to simply be there.
We call that the Ministry of Presence.
IAFRC exists to equip, support, connect, and encourage these chaplains through professional training, practical resources, peer support, mentorship, organizational development, and a strong network of chaplains who understand the unique calling of serving the first responder community.
We Are Just Getting Started
If you are visiting our website during these early days, you will notice that some areas are still under development. That’s intentional.
Rather than wait until every page, program, resource, and initiative was complete, we wanted to open our doors and invite you to watch—and participate—as IAFRC grows.
Over the coming weeks and months, you will see more of this website come to life. We will be adding chaplain resources, membership information, department support programs, partnerships, events, educational materials, state and regional initiatives, and additional ways for you to become involved.
Our vision is larger than simply building another chaplain organization.
We want to build a community.
A community where experienced chaplains can mentor those just beginning their journey. Where departments can find resources to build and strengthen effective chaplain programs. Where chaplains from police, fire, EMS, hospitals, and other first responder environments can learn from one another. And where no chaplain has to feel as though they are carrying the weight of this calling alone.
An Invitation to Join Us
Whether you are a chaplain, first responder, department leader, agency, church, ministry, training organization, corporate partner, or simply someone who believes in supporting those who serve our communities, there will be a place for you within IAFRC.
We invite you to check back often, follow our progress, and become part of what we are building.
There is much more to come.
To the chaplains already standing beside first responders in difficult moments: thank you for answering the call.
To the departments and leaders who recognize the value of chaplaincy: thank you for making room for this ministry.
And to those considering joining us: welcome. We would be honored to have you alongside us.
This is only the beginning.
Together, we will Serve. Support. Strengthen.
And through it all, we will continue putting Compassion in Action through a faithful Ministry of Presence.
