Lisa Woolcott
Chaplain
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Lisa serves as a chaplain at the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital in north Sydney. She has the privilege and satisfaction to walk with people on a small part of their life’s journey during their time at the 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.
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.
Supporting Lisa with a regular donation ensures that she can continue to share the Gospel with those in hospital.
You will receive regular updates from Lisa about her work as well as prayer points – so you can partner with her in prayer.
In NSW, the government provides funding for chaplaincy roles like Lisa’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.
Don’t forget: You can support Lisa financially and with prayer by becoming a sponsor.