One of the survey results indicated that you’d like to see more activity in Peterborough. This is a reflection on the recent ‘Reflection’ event I attended (see article below!). Sharon and Richard created a very interactive afternoon in which we were invited and encouraged to explore, among others, what chaplaincy meant to us and how we felt it impacted on the people we engaged with, considerations we may or may not think about very much, this being quite usual when being deeply involved in anything we do.
These opened up a number of interesting and thought provoking responses from the group, many of whom were directly engaged in Chaplaincy and some, like me, engaged in supporting chaplains and promoting and developing chaplaincy. I learnt a considerable amount about the variety and complexity of helping people and the deep effect it has on chaplains, both positive and negative.
It was a very useful and supportive experience to be part of and if the overall feedback is positive, which I’m sure it will be, we will be convening another.
Alastair Reid
Chair, CWC
The ‘Pandora’s Box’ of Chaplaincy
Sharon and Richard Grenham-Thompson were our facilitators as Chaplains from diverse backgrounds came together in Peterborough to share experiences, reflect, and respond to challenges of chaplaincy. We welcomed Chaplains from health and social care backgrounds, police chaplaincy, street pastors and prison Chaplains.
The workshop started with musical reflection which Sharon explained came from a choir performance at HMP Bedford when she was a Chaplain there. Whilst working as a Chaplain in the prison she helped organize drumming and singing lessons which even led to a concert for the whole prison service. ‘The best day of my life’ was the powerful comment from a gentleman prisoner in his late 50s – and this set the tone for all of us to think about how chaplaincy touches people in profound ways.
During introductions and ice breaker sessions Sharon and Richard explained their background and experiences and commented that being a faith representative is a position of great responsibility. Chaplaincy is not a ‘soft option’ (as can be perceived in some circles) but instead being the person who is ready and approachable and full of integrity is important for society and demonstrates the variety of situations Chaplains find themselves in.
Richard commented on his own experiences from being a Prison Chaplain and Waterways Chaplain that sometimes chaplaincy feels it is marginalised, and it can feel lonely in a secular environment. Richard urged attendees to ‘Keep faith in your role and responsibilities as a Chaplain as often you will not hear it from others.’
The workshop featured a variety of thought-provoking exercises as Richard and Sharon encouraged us to reflect that as Chaplains we live the questions of life –theology at the coalface and how chaplaincy fits in the community.
Chaplaincy transcends boundaries and as a group we discussed ‘I Never Saw That Coming’ – evaluating key moments that surprised us or changed us. We also had great fun with ‘Pandora’s Box of Chaplaincy’ each group had a box of items for us to decide what represents chaplaincy – either personally or within our organisations. Items such as chocolate, seeds, tools, postcards, and juggling balls got us all inspired about the challenges of Chaplaincy in our respective settings.
We closed with some key messages about the role of a Chaplain and what Chaplaincy brings:
- Chaplaincy is the most valuable thing…
- As Chaplains we start as guests but can become friends
- We listen, we are a critical friend, we offer space, time and support.
- We listen and we de-escalate.
- Fight with prayer – we offer shared endeavor of value and worth.
But as Chaplains we need to look after ourselves – pray, offload, share chaplaincy concerns with those who understand and can offer support. Workshops like these are important to reflect and refresh. Sharing experiences with other Chaplains and with CWC can help lighten the load for you and other Chaplains.
When do you let God take delight in you? We have a responsibility to not be hard workers all the time. Let God do his bit, just do your role.
Jane Thompson, CWC
Chaplaincy is ministry on the edge. It can feel on the edge between the church and society; on the edge of what we find comfortable and feel capable, and on the edge of what we expect. It is a ministry that is full of surprises, both of where it reaches in people’s lives and what it does to us as chaplains. The Networking Day sought to explore what surprises chaplaincy had brought us. It was encouraging to hear from many diverse backgrounds and situations of people who had found God working in and through their ministries. The clear engagement with the work and an air of excitement for the ministry showed through. It was a pleasure to be with you and we wish you every blessing as you continue to walk the edge.
Revd’s Sharon and Richard Grenham-Thompson