Michael Deal
Chaplain at Westmead & Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Sydney, NSW
For enquiries about chaplaincy or any of our chaplains, contact Joseph Park at seniorchaplain@jerichoroad.org.au or on 0449 903 508.
Michael serves as a hospital chaplain, splitting his time between Westmead Hospital and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney’s inner west. At Westmead, he coordinates the Chaplains Department, helping to make sure that spiritual care is offered to those who are at the hospital. Among other things, Michael offers chaplaincy support to those in palliative care.
What led you to become a chaplain?
Before becoming a chaplain, I was a minister serving in three country parishes. Before that I was a Bible College student and before that I worked in public transport.
As a church minister, I have always thought that pastoral care is a very important part of how we care for people. I think it is is important to offer spiritual care as a Christian chaplain to those who are scared, vulnerable and in deep need. In both my chaplaincy roles, I’m able to do that.
What is it like serving in this context?
My role can simply involve listening to a patient’s story – what has brought them to this point, what their hopes are for the future and where God is in their current situation. Working as a chaplain in a public hospital can be a challenge as they are very much secular spaces. Trying to be a faithful Christian who honours God while respecting our workplace is sometimes a difficult balancing act.
Despite these difficulties, it is so satisfying to be able to listen to a person’s deepest need and pain, offer them Christian hope beyond their current situation, and bring them in prayer before our gracious and compassionate Heavenly Father.
Supporting Michael with a regular donation ensures that he can continue to share the Gospel with those in hospital.
You can also subscribe to Michael’s prayer newsletter for regular updates about his work, as well as an opportunity to partner with him in prayer.
In NSW, the government provides funding for chaplaincy roles like Michael’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.
When you subscribe to Michael’s Prayer Newsletter, you will receive regular updates from Michael about his work as well as prayer points – so you can partner with him in prayer. Become a partner and make a difference.
Have a question about Chaplaincy?
Contact Joseph Park at seniorchaplain@jerichoroad.org.au or on 0449 903 508.
Don’t forget: You can support Michael financially and with prayer by becoming a sponsor.