Chaplaincy

Hi, my name is Murray Bingham, and I am serving in the role of Chaplain Coordinator for the Churches of Christ in NSW. 

I recently attended the induction of one of our chaplains into the arena of Police Chaplaincy.  It was a great occasion that also included police awards for bravery, dedication, and service.  As the Assistant Commissioner welcomed in the new chaplains, he spoke with great enthusiasm for the vital role that police chaplains play. It was an honour to be there.  As I read through the order of proceedings, I did notice however that there was a small error: they were being welcomed into the role of "chaplin".  Maybe it was a typo, but it is more than likely how people think chaplaincy is spelled & the same as the surname of the early 1900s silent film comedian Charlie Chaplin.

Not a major problem, not at all.  But it does raise a question that often pops up in various ways:  What is a chaplain?  What is it that a chaplain does?  How does a chaplain fill in his or her week? 

To be honest, these are not easy questions to answer, because the role can be varied and diverse.  I heard a good definition the other day, "A chaplain is someone who loiters with intent!"  But whatever it is, an aged care facility, the home of a frail person, a sporting team, a school or university, a hospital, a prison, an op-shop, a youth shelter, an air force base, a police station or even a corporation; the overwhelming perspective of people is simply this:  "We love our chaplain, she is so vital to what we do here." 

Chaplains have the privilege of going to places and being present in situations that are on the fringes and in the depths of our society.  They encounter first hand the stuff that the rest of us only read about.  They go there to care, to listen, to sit with people, to show and share the love to others that Jesus has shown to them.  Amazingly they do this as Christians, representing the church and therefore Jesus himself!  Consequently I believe chaplains are a crucial part of our community and of our churches.  So I see my role, first and foremost, is to support and encourage our existing chaplains & a chaplain to the chaplains.  Then, wouldn't it be great to see chaplains equipped, placed and supported in various community situations all over NSW as an extension of the local church!!

As we left the ceremony, our newly inducted police chaplain was stopped by a police officer, who had something important to discuss, and wanted to talk to a chaplain &  Maybe chaplains get to do what Jesus was referring to when he said in Matthew 25:36 (TNIV), "I was [in need] and you came to visit me."