INDIGENOUS CHAPLAINS LEAD THE WAY

Seven new Indigenous chaplains

Seven Indigenous leaders recently undertook the Ministry Chaplaincy Upgrade course held at Ganggalah Church in Tweed Heads.  This three-day course is aimed at Pastors and Leaders who have had significant pastoral leadership experience but are wanting to move further into the community by offering themselves as Chaplains.   The training was offered by Alphacrucis College (AC) in partnership with Chaplaincy Australia (CA).  Scholarships were made available for Indigenous leaders, following a special offering at the NSW State Conference. This incredible partnership has bought about an amazing growth in the potential to impact Indigenous communities across NSW. 

Chaplains will be able to connect with individuals who are outside the reach of the Church and they can minister care, support and assistance to individuals who are facing incredible moments of need. The Ministers Chaplaincy Upgrade course is a new initiative from AC & CA and fits into their suite of courses to equip people to enter into effective Chaplaincy Ministry.  Every month more and more people are stepping up to take on the ministry of Chaplaincy. 

Churches across the country are finding the benefit of have one or more Chaplains attached to the ministry of their church.  These chaplains gain access to places that the church has not been traditionally able to reach. They impact people at their point of need and help the church connect with their community in meaningful and responsive ways. Many pastors and senior leaders are interested in migrating their ministries towards Chaplaincy or at least adding it to the mix, but up until now it has required the completion of a Cert IV or Diploma in order to become accredited.  This new course is a great option because it gives leaders (who have had significant Pastoral experience) the opportunity to gain the training required to move into this great ministry. 

The training is delivered by Senior Chaplaincy Leaders over a three-day intensive and on completion of the course work, you can gain accreditation with Chaplaincy Australia.  At $600, this course is an incredibly cost effective way to up skill yourself into this great ministry. Over the next year there will be various opportunities around the country to take part in this great course.  Chaplaincy Australia wants to see at least one Chaplain attached to every ACC church across the country.

Let’s follow the lead of our awesome indigenous leaders and get ready to make the difference that the Lord has for us! More info: Chaplaincy Australia: www.chaplaincyaustralia.com Alphacrucis College: www.ac.edu.au