HAPC was founded in 1977 through a joint effort
of clergy, medical professionals and local congregations.

OUR IDENTITY : An organization composed of representatives from many Christian denominations and also healing and helping professionals

OUR MISSION : To initiate and support Chaplaincy programs and to offer education and encouragement for Chaplains, pastors and lay ministers

OUR VISION : To increase our ability to fund and expand chaplaincy programs; reach more people with education and training programs; empower new caring ministries; expand our role in strengthening congregational and community pastoral care and counseling

“A Network of Caring”

• The development and ongoing support of chaplaincy programs. (Currently linked with ten chaplain programs.)

• Educational programs, including Project Dialogue Community Forums, co-sponsored public forums, “Religion and Psychology” discussions; and training programs offered to area ministerial associations.

• Sponsorship of the School of Applied Ministry, offering knowledge, skills and tools in lay pastoral care through quality teaching. Since its establishment in 1998, over 250 people have benefited from the SAM classes.

• Coordination of the countywide Pastoral Care Day in October.

• Serving as the catalyst for the Vine Pastoral Counseling Center; the formation of the Council for Faith and Mental Illness; and the birthing and development of the North Alabama Parish Nursing Initiative.