December 2010 saw the publication of the Epworth Review – a quarterly journal – which specifically focused on chaplaincy. Robert Jones is the Chaplaincies Coordinator for the Methodist Church of Great Britain and commissioned the articles for that edition. We are going to post the various articles here over the coming weeks.
The articles cover a lot of ground and are well worth a read as they mix stories, reflection and practical application together!
We begin with an article from Robert who begins to unpack the question of what exactly is chaplaincy?
Download the PDF: Characteristics of Chaplaincy – a Methodist Understanding by Robert Jones
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
This, I found to be a very helpful article in that it affirms for me that my idea of chaplaincy is very much aligned with what Robert says. I have always been passionate about meeting people where they are following the model that Jesus gave to us. I have experienced many painful situations “in church” and find that chaplaincy for me is the best way I can live out my faith, listening, engaging with and being alongside people. Being a volunteer chaplain in a Further Edcuation college is very rewarding.
Hey Vera, so glad that you found Rob’s article helpful! I think your point about meeting people where they are is critical when we think about chaplaincy. We go to them, not to change them into what we think they should be, but to be as Christ to whoever we meet.
I was sad to hear of the pain caused to you by the church. Know that you are sadly not alone in this. I only hope that you will find healing in time and be able to find a Christ centred community that nurtures and nourishes your faith in time.
Thanks too for speaking of your encouraging experience of being a volunteer chaplain in a FE college! I think FE colleges are a brilliant context for chaplaincy. We would love to see chaplains in every FE college in the years ahead.