Chaplaincy
What we do

“The work of a chaplain closely resembles that of a missionary – embracing the calling to serve others outside of the church setting.”

Jericho Road Chaplaincy is about showing mercy, seeking justice and making Jesus known in some of the most difficult and dark places in people’s lives. Jericho Road Chaplains demonstrate the character of God by providing fresh hope and care for those who are in need because of ill health, grief or incarceration. They also provide support and care to those working in NSW Police and other emergency services and to their families.

We value this ministry and want to see more and more women and men serving as chaplains in our communities. We have partnered with Christ College to offer Chaplaincy Training to equip individuals to pursue this important work.

Jericho Road’s chaplaincy work and training programs are overseen by our Senior Chaplain, Joseph Park.

For assistance with any type of abuse matter please contact the Conduct Protocol Unit. Click here for their details: Conduct Protocol Unit – Jericho Road

Joseph Park
Senior Chaplain

Jericho Road Chaplains are often meeting people who feel like they’re walking through a valley of death. In these moments, our chaplains are there to represent Christ’s likeness to those in need, and they often find that faith rises and shines through in these difficult times. Would you consider giving a gift to chaplaincy before 30 June?
Donate Today via our Appeals Page

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Meet our Team

Karen McMillan

Karen serves as a chaplain at Westmead Children’s Hospital, supporting children and their families in the cardiac ward and the liver and kidney disease ward.

What led you to become a chaplain?

I’d been a case manager for children and adults with disabilities, and have also done pastoral work with women and children in our local church. I decided to take on the role as a chaplain with the desire to provide spiritual, as well as physical and emotional, support to children and families in need.

 

What is it like serving in this context?

When I arrive at the hospital, I firstly have some time spent reading the Bible and praying with my fellow chaplains before I check my ward lists and begin my visits.

I find it really satisfying being able to generously give time to really build relationships with children and parents going through the very stressful event of an often prolonged hospital stay. One of the most challenging aspects of my work is in situations where I’m meeting a family for the first time to provide spiritual support because they have just lost their child in a tragedy.

I see my role as walking alongside people in times like this. I try to connect with people in a way that helps them understand that God is with them and truly cares for them as they go through this hard time.

What led you to become a chaplain?

It is quite amazing for me to look back and see the way that God directed my path toward chaplaincy, and hospital chaplaincy specifically (Proverbs 3:5-6). I can see that my first experiences of pastoral care actually began at home, when I watched my ministry parents pastorally care for our church family. I saw the impact that God’s word had, that God’s word spoke into each and every situation. While God had given me a heart for pastoral care from a young age, it wasn’t until I was a theological student that I wondered whether God’s path was leading toward chaplaincy. Eight years of school ministry came first, where I learned so much about engaging with children across the ages as I taught Christian studies, led lunchtime groups, went on school camps, and provided pastoral care during times of loss and grief. During this school ministry season I did not know that God was preparing me for another chaplaincy role in healthcare settings, the roles that I now currently serve the LORD in as a chaplain at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead and Allowah. As a Hospital Chaplain I see the impact that God’s word has, I see that God’s word speaks into each and every situation, and I see the difference that prayer makes for those who are suffering.

What is it like serving in this context and at Allowah?

As a Hospital Chaplain, starting my day in time with God is as vital as the air that we breathe, I cannot start my day without this spiritual discipline. I often find that the Bible passage that I read in the morning is just the right passage for a parent in the Hospital that day, which reminds me of how every detail of every day is in God’s hands, nothing is out of his control. For parents with a sick child in hospital when their world feels out of control, it means everything to know that God has not changed, that God remains on his throne, that God is still in control. Not all parents will want a visit from a Chaplain, or a visit from a Christian Chaplain, yet when I meet a family who does want spiritual care in Hospital it is a precious privilege to be God’s person in that place for that family.

Then there is the equally precious privilege of being a chaplain at Allowah, spiritually caring for the children, young people and young adults at Allowah. Being a chaplain at Allowah is so dynamic. Sometimes I will be found sitting with one of the young people on the veranda, watching the wind in the trees, listening to the bird song, smelling the flowers, and chatting about the God who made our world and sustains it. A church song will often come to mind, and we’ll sing it together. If one of our young people is having a sad or sick day, then I make sure to spend time with them. On Sundays at Allowah we like to provide church, so that our young people have the opportunity to belong to a church and Christian community. We have some Volunteer Church groups who visit on a monthly basis, bringing Bible stories, songs and most importantly coming alongside our Allowah young people as God’s family. My happiest times are watching the smiles on the faces of our young people at Allowah during Kids and Youth Church.

Rochelle Wainwright

Rochelle serves as a children’s hospital chaplain, splitting her time between Allowah and the Children’s Hospital at Westmead.

Lisa Woolcott

Lisa serves as a chaplain at the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital in north Sydney, as well as Prince of Wales hospital at Randwick. She has the privilege and satisfaction to walk with people on a small part of their life’s journey during their time in hospital.

What led you to become a chaplain?

I have a deep interest in well-being and flourishing. I think this is what drew me into a health career early on. Over the years my focus has shifted from physical well-being to spiritual and emotional well-being, and my interest in how people grow spiritually, and ways we can open ourselves to this growth has led me to further study in this field, including theology, Christian spirituality and finally, chaplaincy study at Christ College. This is where I was given the opportunity to try hospital chaplaincy and it seemed to be a good fit for my life experience, training and calling.

Tell us a bit about your role:

I work at Hornsby Ku-ring-gai hospital, as the Presbyterian chaplain across all wards, connecting with patients, visitors, and staff. I also support and liaise with the hospital for the Chaplain Department and volunteer chaplains who visit in the hospital. My role allows me to try to help pastoral care in the hospital to flourish, and to be present for patients, staff and visitors in the hospital.

In 2024 I also started as a Presbyterian chaplain at Prince of Wales hospital.

What is it like serving in this context?

It is humbling to have the opportunity to walk with people on a small, but sometimes significant part of their life journey while in hospital.

I feel it is a privilege to pastorally care for people in this secular and multi-faith setting.  I am learning new things every day through the people I meet and the circumstances I encounter. My challenge is to lean deeply into God’s goodness and faithfulness in the unexpected, trusting that he provides me with everything I need.

What led you to become a chaplain?

As a new Chaplain just starting out, it is so encouraging to think of a team of prayer warriors at my back holding me in prayer as I step forward towards this new role.

My name is Elise, and I am married to David and mum to two boys in High School (one year 11, the other year 9). I work in mental health, as a counsellor, initially in a pregnancy center working with crisis, grief & loss, and trauma. Then in private practice for the local community where I church in Rooty Hill.

I also work with Jericho Road in the CPU team as a case manager. If you have raised a concern within the church or sought advice over the past year, there is a good chance you may have spoken with me.

When the opportunity arose to interview for a chaplaincy position, it was not a path I had previously considered. I am not someone who has had clear “voice from God” moments telling me exactly what decision to make or where to go. Instead, I have tried to align my choices with the desire to live a life where the gifts and abilities God has given me are used for His glory—whatever form that may take, wife, mum, church member, or through work.

To me, meaning and purpose come when I trust in who I know God to be, even during seasons when circumstances have challenged those beliefs.

While I am not entirely sure what this new role will look like or all that I will bring to it, I am confident that as I step forward in prayer and faith, God will guide my path. Proverbs 3: 5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Elise Corless

Elise serves as a chaplain at Westmead Hospital.

Kirkconnell Correctional Centre, located east of Bathurst, is a minimum to medium security gaol, staffed by about 60 people. The centre comprises of around 200 male offenders, usually those nearing the end of their sentence or those serving a short sentence.

State legislation includes provisions for chaplaincy services in NSW correctional centres. Tim’s chaplaincy position at Kirkconnell is enabled by an agreement between Corrective Services NSW and the Civil Chaplaincy Advisory Committee – ensuring that the pastoral care needs of inmates are met.

In NSW, the government provides funding for chaplaincy roles like Tim’s, acknowledging the benefits of chaplains in hospitals and correctional centres. However, this only covers part of a chaplain’s wage.  To ensure we can sustain our chaplaincy ministry, we need your help. To find out more about how you can support chaplains financially as an individual or as a church, click here.

 

Tim Abbey

Tim serves as a chaplain at Kirkconnell Correctional Centre. He enjoys being able to get to the heart of the gospel. Tim observes that the gospel is received “a lot quicker with inmates than is normally the case on the outside. Inmates have more time to think about things as well as many knowing they have less things to hide behind.”

Ian Schoonwater

Ian serves as a Senior Chaplain for the NSW Police Force in the North West Metropolitan area of Sydney and the Western NSW Region. 

What led you to take on this role?

I have been a chaplain with Jericho Road for thirteen and a half years. I started working at Hornsby, Royal North Shore and RPA Hospitals, before moving onto the Children’s Hospital at Westmead. In 2014, I took on the role of coordinating the Jericho Road Chaplaincy team as the Senior Chaplain.

In 2016, I became an Honorary Chaplain at the local Police station. I have really enjoyed the opportunities this presented – being able to come alongside staff and listen to their stories and pain. When the Senior Chaplain position in the NSW Police Force was advertised in 2021, I was encouraged to apply. I saw it as a place where good work can happen and also an opportunity to ensure that quality chaplaincy can grow in the regions.

What’s it like serving in this context?

I am one of five senior chaplains, each of us responsible for different areas whilst working as a team, to ensure good quality chaplaincy is provided. I have oversight of around 30 honorary chaplains in my regions, which cover a fairly large area across the state.

Police encounter the best and worst in society. They are loved and hated and like every other person they need the gospel. Some are pretty jaded or cynical and have seen both the best and worst of the Church. They can be suspicious of the Church. My hope is that through my work,  I can be salt and light to them. They especially need quality pastoral care, their work has an impact on them personally and this can flow onto their families. I want to ensure they are well supported and have good chaplains who can support them in all of life.

Sam’s Journey to Chaplaincy

I grew up in a church that really valued overseas mission and had a strong focus on sending people overseas to reach people with the gospel. But I was always intrigued about what happened behind the walls of a prison. It seemed that prison was a place much like a different country or maybe a different planet.

I remember thinking, “Why go overseas when the same needs and challenges were literally behind a barbed wire fence a few suburbs away?”

That curiosity about prisons kept bubbling away in my heart and mind for many years as I went through ups and downs in life, grew in my Christian faith, worked as a marketing executive, and eventually went to Bible college, which opened doors for me to minister as a hospital chaplain, ambulance chaplain, and a chaplain supporting the marginalised in the Sydney CBD. Eventually, by God’s grace, I was given the opportunity to serve as a prison chaplain for Jericho Road.

Reading the gospels, I’m blown away by Jesus’ power to see deep into the hearts of mankind and see us for who we really are. It made me think about how although I’ve got no criminal record and never committed a crime (apart from parking tickets, speeding, and not returning library books!), in my heart I am no different to any convicted criminal – even the worst. I am no more or less in need of Jesus’ love, forgiveness and new life.

Sam Yip

Sam serves as a chaplain at Compulsory Drug Treatment Correctional Centre Parklea.

“It’s a privilege to be able to spend every day with people who are incarcerated and share the good news of hope and life in Jesus. Much of the chaplaincy work in a prison is coming alongside inmates through all their ups and downs each day. Prison can be an overwhelming place, but it’s a joy to be able to share with them that Christ has overcome the world!”

Joseph Park

Joseph serves as the Senior Chaplain of Jericho Road, or as he likes to say ‘a Chaplain to Chaplains.’
Joseph served as a hospital chaplain at St. Vincent’s Hospital for over six years before taking on his current role at the start of 2022. 

He is devoted to being a helpful chaplain to the Jericho Road chaplains, supporting them as they minister to those who are on the outside, people isolated in prisons and hospitals. He is also passionate about offering learning opportunities to those who care for others pastorally and spiritually. He is constantly learning how people grow in their ministry resilience through intentional relationships such as pastoral supervision and spiritual direction. 

What makes chaplaincy such a worthwhile ministry?

I believe God uses chaplaincy for his delight. It is God’s instrument of grace to those who are isolated, disconnected, ill, and lonely, in prisons, hospital corridors and emergency services. Our chaplains bring the gospel of grace in person to many who may never walk into a local church. In this regard, chaplains go where no ministers, elders, or congregation members can go. It is an extension of our church’s mission to reach the unreached parts of our community. That is why chaplaincy is essential.

What makes it worthwhile? As a hospital chaplain, I once supported a patient who suffered severely from acute depression in the mental health ward. She was scheduled to remain for over three weeks away from her family without anyone visiting her. Over the course of her admission, we prayed and read Psalms. On our last visit, she said, “thank you for reminding me of Jesus who loves me.”

Chaplains are witnesses of God’s gracious presence at work in hard places.

Pray for our Chaplains

Prayer is powerful, and our chaplains would love to have people praying for their day-to-day interactions with the people they’re meeting.  Your partnership makes a great difference to bring the good news of the Gospel to some of the most challenging places.

We can provide you with a regular list of things to pray for our chaplains and those they work with in hospitals, gaols and the emergency services.

Fill in the form below to sign up to our prayer newsletter!

 

Jericho Road





Get Involved

Become a Supporter How you can Support our Chaplains through Prayer and Financial Support.
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Stories
Our chaplains have great stories to tell, highlighting the impact their on-going support and spiritual, emotional and physical presence have on individuals and communities in prisons, hospitals, the police force and emergency services.
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Support
Your support makes a difference. By becoming a sponsor, you can provide both prayerful and financial support to our chaplains, bridging the gap between the subsidy we receive and the living wage necessary for their invaluable work.
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Training
As part of our commitment to provide high-quality Christian-shaped care, we strive to ensure men and women are well-equipped for this ministry. Partnering with Christ College, we offer training for those interested in pastoral care or chaplaincy.
Read Our Stories
Support A Chaplain
Access Training

Please pray for Jericho Road as it seeks to support its chaplains and, Lord willing expand its reach of chaplaincy in hospitals. If we do not support, pray for and encourage chaplaincy, then there will be no Christian spiritual care when our people need it the most.  Our God has demonstrated his compassion for humanity in sending his Son to rescue us from death. May we also work to bring comfort and hope to the most vulnerable and distressed people in our society.

Michael Deal

Reflections on being a Jericho Road Chaplain at Westmead and Royal Prince Alfred Hospitals, 2017 to August 2025

Stories

Powerful and Priceless Rubbish

July 22, 2026
Powerful and Priceless Rubbish   Here at the prison, each week we have a chapel service which is similar to what you’d experience in a church. We sing a song, ...

Celebrating Spiritual Care Week, 2025

November 3, 2025
Each year in October, we celebrate Spiritual and Pastoral Care Week. It’s a good time to pause and remember the work of caring for souls in public institutions, such as hospitals, prisons, aged care facilities, and emergency services.

‘Frustrating’

July 1, 2025
Chaplain Timothy Abbey shares his experience in finding peace by recalling the Holy Spirit's work, their own past spiritual blindness, God's timing, and the joy of sharing Jesus.

We’re All Chasing True Freedom

March 13, 2025
Chaplain Sam Yip reflects on true freedom, exploring how spiritual liberation in Christ breaks the chains of guilt, shame, and broken relationships.

Zechariah Joy

December 10, 2024
A reflection from Prison Chaplain Timothy Abbey on how the Holy Spirit works to speak and convict inmates of the truth of Christ despite no prior knowledge of the Bible.

Chaplaincy in NSW

October 8, 2024
Rob discusses how chaplains are able to operate within NSW, and what support is still needed to ensure we as Christians are making the most of the opportunities we currently have in secular contexts.

Contact Us

Have a question about Chaplaincy?
Contact Joseph Park at seniorchaplain@jerichoroad.org.au or on 0449 903 508.

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