Annual Leadership Awards

The APC recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the profession of pastoral care through our Annual Leadership Awards. From administrators who demonstrate exceptional commitment to the development of chaplaincy care programs to chaplains who provide chaplaincy care in an exemplary manner, we celebrate the gifts and contributions of those who promote professional chaplaincy. Award recipients are recognized each year at the annual conference of the association. APC members and colleagues of members are invited to nominate persons you feel offer outstanding leadership and excellence in chaplaincy care.

Nominations for awards must be submitted to the APC national office by the April 15, 2024 deadline using the online forms or other instructions listed below.

The APC recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the profession of pastoral care through our Annual Leadership Awards. From administrators who demonstrate exceptional commitment to the development of chaplaincy care programs to chaplains who provide chaplaincy care in an exemplary manner, we celebrate the gifts and contributions of those who promote professional chaplaincy. Award recipients are recognized each year at the annual conference of the association. APC members and colleagues of members are invited to nominate persons you feel offer outstanding leadership and excellence in chaplaincy care.

View previous award recipients here.


Anton Boisen Professional Service Award

The Anton Boisen Professional Service Award honors one of the early pioneers in clinical chaplaincy and chaplaincy care education and is given each year to a board certified chaplain of the APC who demonstrates a commitment to excellence in professional chaplaincy and has offered a unique contribution to contemporary chaplaincy care.

Click here for information on how to nominate an individual for this award.
Click here for the Anton Boisen Professional Service Award Nomination Form


Distinguished Service Award

The Distinguished Service Award celebrates the contributions of any individual or organization that promotes the standard of professional chaplaincy in an exemplary manner. This award does not require membership in APC.

Click here for information on how to nominate an individual for this award.
Click here for the Distinguished Service Award Nomination Form


Outstanding Local Leadership Award

The Outstanding Local Leadership Award is given to a member in good standing who has exhibited outstanding dedication to and promotion of APC through active involvement and initiative at the local level, including substate, state, or multistate levels.

Click here for information on how to nominate an individual for this award.
Click here for the Outstanding Local Leadership Award Nomination Form


Retired Chaplain Award

The Retired Chaplain Award honors a retired APC member who has made significant contributions to the fields of chaplaincy and chaplaincy care or to APC during his/her retirement years.

Click here for information on how to nominate an individual for this award.
Click here for the Retired Chaplain Award Nomination Form


Oskar Pfister Award

The Oskar Pfister Award honors the Rev. Pfister, a distinguished colleague who promoted the dialog between psychiatry and religion. This award is presented to an individual who is dedicated to continuing that dialog. This award, given by the Committee on Religion and Psychiatry of the American Psychiatric Association (APA) in collaboration with the Association of Professional Chaplains, is presented at the annual meeting of the APA.

Click here for information on how to nominate an individual for this award.