WHY BECOME A CHAPLAIN? ACC EMAG spoke to three chaplains who work as qualified chaplains after completing the Chaplaincy Certificate IV.
ALISON SHERWOOD Q: Why did you decide to study to become a Chaplain? ALISON: If I was to truly impact my community, I required the knowledge, the education and tools to validate my words and actions. I quickly discovered that my own experience and knowledge was only able to take me so far. The education and qualifications were the door openings and gave me a professional seat at the table. Q: What aspects of the Chaplaincy Cert IV course did you find especially valuable that equips you for your job now? ALISON: The course provided knowledge, understanding and structure to function as a professional Chaplain. For me personally, the areas that have provided the greatest benefit are boundary setting (without them, it is challenging for longevity) and personal protection – knowing when to step in and when step away. Q: What do you love about your current Chaplain role? ALISON: I love living in a community knowing that the most vulnerable have a soft place to land. It’s an absolute honour when someone allows you to hear their whispers and stories and expose their hearts to you. At the end of the day, being a conduit for an encounter with our heavenly Father and bringing the opportunity for healing and wholeness is me being a small part of Christ’s body.
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