Rector’s Reflections
Tuesday 4th June 2024
Chaplaincy in the 21st Century
In yesterdays’ reflections, I introduced the three main models for structuring Christian ministry: ministry based on a geographical area (the parish model); ministry based on a particular congregation (the congregational model): and ministry based on serving the needs of a particular community (the chaplaincy model).
In the Church of England, we are very familiar with the parish model, and many of us are also familiar with the congregational model. But we tend to be less familiar with the chaplaincy model. This is a pity, as it is a model with many strengths. It also has its weaknesses, of course, but I will start with outlining some of the advantages of the chaplaincy model.
To start with, the chaplaincy model seeks to go where the people are. It’s not about trying to get people to come into church buildings. This has at least two benefits. First, it requires a lot of time and effort to try and put on church based events which will somehow attract people to come into church. It is so much easier to go to where people are already gathered. Secondly, it faces the reality that many people will simply never go into a church building, despite our best effort at slick and attractive marketing. There are several reasons for this, but it is the way it is. But it’s not problem for the chaplaincy model, because chaplains go to the people where are, rather than waiting for the people to come to them.
A second strength of the chaplaincy model is that it is powerfully evangelistic, because it based on sharing Christian love in ways which are relevant and easy to understand. Chaplains value everyone, and provide friendship and such practical help as might be appropriate in the circumstances. For a chaplain, the starting point is that every human being is made in the image of God, and so infinitely precious. Everyone deserves respect and care. Someone might have made a bad choice in their life and ended up in prison, but a prisoner is still a human being. A chaplain is someone who recognises, celebrates and enables all that makes us truly human.
You may note that I haven’t mentioned God in the previous paragraph. Do chaplains talk about God and have spiritual conversations? Do they talk about their own beliefs? Do they try to convert others to their particular faith? The answer depends on the circumstances, and the conditions of employment. Many chaplains are employed on the basis that they will no try to convert people: their role is primarily pastoral. They can talk about spiritual things, and share their own beliefs, if relevant to do so. But chaplains are not missionaries in a narrow sense. It’s not their job to get people into church. However, much will depend on the context. For example, if a hospital chaplain knows that a patient is a Christian, it is perfectly permissible for the chaplain to talk with them about matters of faith and belief, to read the bible and to pray.
Finally, chaplains are independent of the power structures of the institution they serve. This means that anyone can approach them, without worrying that what they say will go straight to the boss. Many organisations and workplaces are dominated by a culture of fear. People keep their heads down and say nothing, for fear that they will be overlooked for promotion, or perhaps even sacked. Chaplains are people you can talk to, on a confidential basis. We all need such people.
So chaplains go to where people are, and share the love of God in practical ways. This may or may not involve spiritual conversations- it will depend on the circumstances. The key thing is that chaplains are visible reminders to a hurting world that God really does care.
These are some of the great advantages of the chaplaincy model. But it is not without its drawbacks, and we will look at some of these tomorrow.