Local Church, Local Chaplaincy,

Local School

Rev Dr Stan BrownChurch and Community Development

Officerbrowns@methodistchurch.org.uk

•Have you ever been a chaplain?•Have you been “chaplained”?

Group Work

“Chaplains are missionaries, the human faceof Christ, the Church that has left the building...

we can all be involved in chaplaincy”

Revd Dr Martyn AtkinsGeneral Secretary of the Methodist Church in Britain

It’s amazing to see the adaptability of chaplaincy – that we are great anywhere, we can adapt anywhere: Elaine

Chaplaincy is :• a method for doing mission• a process for transformation

...the friendly face, the cup of coffee, the chat – all that lays the grounding for the deeper moments in life, which they will bring to you. You’ve no need to raise them - when things go wrong they’ll know where to find help: Chris

Chaplaincy is:• Pastorally pro-active• Spiritually re-active

Chaplaincy is:• Beyond the walls • In a place where the chaplain is an

invited guest, not a host• Vulnerable not powerful• Intentional presence rather than gathering• Accredited by the sending community,

recognised by the receiving community• Sharing what God is doing in the world

There are…….

• Over 24,000 schools in the UK• Educating 8.2 million young

people.....• Not to mention their families...• And the 900,000 people who work

in schools• Schools cover the country

Group Work

• Which schools does your church already have contact with?

• How many people in your Church family: Attend school Work in a school Volunteer in a school (including

governors)

...doing what I am good at in the school

...going and being with people in a very different place

I want to be a blessing to the school

What the Chaplains say:Doing School Chaplaincy

...people develop, their faith develops

Its about us serving the school... that’s where most of our young people spend a lot of their time

...a bridge between Church and school

...young people making a journey into faith

Don’t take advantage, avoid riding your hobby horse

What the Chaplains Say:Working with the School

You’ve got to build credit with the school

Understand what the school has given permission for

Meeting their agenda before we seek to meet our own

Being interested but not expecting anything

We are in other people’s territory following other people’s rules

What the Schools Say:Working with Chaplains

He has taken a huge burden off me...

...always with a smile

We have very much valued the chaplain’s presence this year

Pupils respond to his warmth and humour

It’s never a hard sell

Like an additional member of staff who is not a member of staff

Come and live alongside us for a bit so that you are part of what we do not an add on

Start small

Another pair of listening ears – someone to talk to

If a child trusts someone it is more likely the parents will trust them.

What Works

Primary:

• Classroom Help• “Prayer Spaces” • Assemblies which meet the schools needs• Material which is not “too Christian”• Pastoral Care• Community Links• “Open the Book”• Church Visits• “It’s Your Move” – supporting transitions

What Works

What WorksSecondary:

• Curriculum Support (SMSC)• Assemblies which meet the schools needs• Material which is not “too Christian”• Pastoral Care• Community Links• Support for disaffected students• Volunteering• Work Placements• “If you want to get into secondary, start

with primary”

What Works

RESOURCES

www.methodist.org.uk/mission/chaplaincy- Information & Contacts,- Chaplaincy Pack- Chaplaincy Video- Chaplaincy Everywhere Course- Chaplaincy Everywhere Exhibition

http://www.opensourcechaplaincy.org.uk/- Chaplaincy development materials - Chaplaincy evaluation- and much, much more