Principles of Chaplaincy

This last month I have had the privilege of taking part in the first session of a pilot training course run by the Growing Faith Network called Discovering Chaplaincy. In this newsletter I would like to share about the principles of Chaplaincy covered in that first lesson and reflect on how they are applying to the work that is happening right now in Stroud.

Principle 1: Each person is made in the image of God. This is the view that everyone is valuable, worthy of being treated with dignity and respect; the belief that all people matter and deserve to be seen and valued. In our Fusion sessions in Dursley we have the formation of a new cohort of curious young people who are beginning to invite their friends along. They are vibrant and energetic and open to discussing big life questions, and as such, developing their spirituality. We have a “Big Questions Box” where young people can write some of their big questions and put them into the box so that we can discuss them in future sessions. In these discussions, we have had intimate and vulnerable moments where just the act of listening and valuing these young people has been held, with one saying that they “feel safe here”.

Principle 2: Chaplaincy shares in the mission of God. This is about joining in with what is already happening, what God is already doing. In the work in Archway, I have quickly formed a strong relationship with the pastoral team, who this year have started a new process of dealing with challenging behaviour. This new process focuses on being restorative through relational practice, rather than being punitive through detention and exclusion. Being able to participate in the restorative processes that are going on in the school is a huge privilege, and already the staff are recognising the impact that my presence has.

Principle 3: Chaplaincy is a ministry of presence. This is about waiting and listening with no agenda other than the person I am sat with. Already in Archway I am seeing the impact of my consistent presence there, with one student asking the head of year if they could have time to talk with me. In that time, they said that they “saw I could trust you in the way you treated others.” I am amazed and humbled that this young person has seen that just by my presence in the School.

Principle 4: A Chaplain points to hope. This is the belief that there is more to life than what might be happening right now. In Archway the coordinator of the English as a Foreign Language department approached me and asked me to spend some time with a group of Ukrainian boys. This was a wonderful time where I could build trust and a relationship with these boys, and just by listening and talking with them, I could just offer a time which acknowledged what is going on right now, while also encouraging these young people to share about their interests and hopes.

Finally, Principle 5: Chaplaincy is a gift. This is the belief that the relationships formed and the space offered is a gift and blessing. My hopes in the work that is happening with the illuminate project acts as a beacon and reflection. To literally illuminate our communities with the “light of the world”, shining and reflecting the image of God to our young people.

Please in this moment pray and consider if God is drawing you to join and support this vision. At the time of writing I am three weeks away from taking on a big walk to fundraise for this work and the work of The Door. I consider this walk as somewhat a pilgrimage of the work we do, and I will be taking the opportunity to wonder at the environment as I wander through the places we work.

If you want to support the sponsored walk, please follow this link: donate.giveasyoulive.com/fundraising/isaks-youthclub-hike or if you’d l ike to join me on the adventure visit thedoor.org.uk/door2door