Congratulations are in Order for Martha Jacobs ’97, ’06

News Release

ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL CHAPLAINS HONORS LEADER IN THE FIELD OF CONTEMPORARY CHAPLAINCY CARE

Rev. Dr. Martha R. Jacobs BCC Receives the

Anton Boisen Professional Service Award

The Association of Professional Chaplains (APC) was honored to present its Anton Boisen Professional Service Award this year to the Reverend Dr. Martha R. Jacobs BCC. The award was presented on April 11, during the 2010 APC Annual Conference in Schaumburg, IL. Each year, APC recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the field of chaplaincy care through its Annual Leadership Awards.

The Anton Boisen Professional Service Award is named in honor of a pioneer in chaplaincy and clinical pastoral education. The award is given to a board certified chaplain of APC who demonstrates a commitment to excellence in professional chaplaincy and has offered a unique contribution to contemporary chaplaincy care.

Martha Jacobs is founding managing editor of PlainViews, an e-newsletter for chaplains and other spiritual care providers, which is published by HealthCare Chaplaincy in New York City and has a readership of over 8,000 worldwide.

Jacobs has contributed to and advanced chaplaincy in a myriad of ways. When the tragedy of 9/11 struck Jacobs volunteered as a chaplain at Ground Zero, with her CEO’s support. She continues to serve with the Spiritual Response Team of the American Red Cross and is a past president of the New York Disaster Interfaith Services (NYDIS). Jacobs has also co-written several manuals about disaster ministry.

Chaplain Jacobs received her master of divinity degree from New York Theological Seminary (NYTS), graduating first in her class. Endorsed by the United Church of Christ, Jacobs’ chaplaincy career began when she accepted the position of director of pastoral care at United Hospital Medical Center in Port Chester, NY, a partner agency of HealthCare Chaplaincy, a position she held for eight years before becoming managing editor of PlainViews.

At about that time, Chaplain Jacobs began working on her doctor of ministry degree at NYTS. She completed her doctorate, which included a dissertation titled “Death is not the Enemy,” and her seminary invited her to become an adjunct professor to teach a course called by the same title. Out of her teachings and dissertation has come her first book, “A Clergy Guide to End of Life Issues,” which is now in its fifth printing. She is also the editor of “Faithfully Facing Dying: A Lenten Study Guide on Critical Issues and Decision for the Members of the United Church of Christ.” Jacobs is a member of The Riverside Church in the City of New York, where she was ordained.

NYTS worked with Jacobs to create a doctor of ministry program in pastoral care with two emphases: one for clinical pastoral care for ACPE supervisors and one for directors of pastoral care. With consultation and support from the late Joan Hemenway, a new program was underway. The program graduated its first group of supervisors and continues to grow.

Chaplain Jacobs is also active in APC leadership, serving on the board of directors as Communications and Publications Council chair.

One final contribution out of many others to mention is the collaborative work Jacobs has done at HealthCare Chaplaincy with The Hastings Center. The result is “What are We Doing Here? Chaplains in Contemporary Health Care,” which appeared in The Hastings Center Report – Can You Measure Good Chaplaincy?

About The Association of Professional Chaplains

APC is a multifaith nonprofit organization of chaplaincy care providers endorsed by faith groups to serve persons in need, respecting their individual cultures and beliefs, in diverse settings throughout the world.

The association seeks to promote excellence in chaplaincy care through education, research, standards of practice, support of members and by promoting public support for professional chaplaincy. It also certifies chaplains according to established national standards through its affiliate, the Board of Chaplaincy Certification Inc. APC has about 4,000 members, including professional chaplains serving persons in spiritual need in diverse specialized ministry settings throughout the world, such as hospitals, long-term care, hospice, correctional institutions, the military and mental health. APC members represent more than 150 faith groups.

For additional information, visit www.professionalchaplains.org.

For further information:

Rita Kaufman, Marketing and Public Relations

Phone 847.240.1014

E-mail: rita@professionalchaplains.org

Association of Professional Chaplains

1701 E. Woodfield Road, Suite 400

Schaumburg, IL 60173