Training in pastoral care & chaplaincy

Jericho Road partners with Christ College in providing training for those who have a heart for people from all walks of life in chaplaincy and pastoral care ministries.

In Australia today, there are growing opportunities for chaplaincy – in hospitals, prisons, the defence forces, aged care, and amongst refugees in the community. We offer a quality Christian training program to equip those called to care for people with wisdom and love, magnifying Christ and making Him known.

01

Love Your Neighbour: an Introduction to Pastoral & Spiritual Care

Our Introductory course is designed for those exploring volunteer chaplaincy or those seeking to cultivate pastoral and spiritual care skills.
02

Professional Chaplaincy Course

Our professional course is designed for those exploring employment in chaplaincy or those seeking to develop their pastoral and spiritual care skills further.
03

Professional Supervision

We provide quality professional supervision to those in chaplaincy and pastoral care ministry.

Love Your Neighbour: Introduction to Pastoral & Spiritual Care

This introductory program equips participants to care for others in various settings – in churches, home groups, within families, and as volunteers in facilities like aged care, emergency services and hospitals.

The topics covered include:

  • What is pastoral & spiritual care?
    • Understand the holistic meaning of caring for others
    • Learn how to listen and respond with empathy
  • What is grief?
    • Understand the complexity of grief
    • Learn how to care for someone who is grieving
  • What is mental health wellbeing?
    • Understand what mental health wellbeing is
    • Learn how to care for people living with mental health illness
  • What is self-care?
    • Understand what good self-care is
    • Learn to care for ourselves when caring for others

This course is offered flexibly. The next courses will be offered in August/September and November in two formats – in-person and online.

August/September (In-Person)

In-person at Kiama Presbyterian Church in Kiama, Wednesdays 9am – 1pm, for 4 weeks:

  • Wed 30 August
  • Wed 06 September
  • Wed 13 September
  • Wed 20 September
Registrations close 23 August

November (In-Person & Online)

In-person at Christ College in Sydney, Tuesdays
9am – 1pm, for 4 weeks:

  • Tue 07 November
  • Tue 14 November
  • Tue 21 November
  • Tue 28 November
Registrations close 31 October

Online format via Zoom, Wednesdays
9am – 1pm, for 4 weeks:

  • Wed 08 November
  • Wed 15 November
  • Wed 22 November
  • Wed 29 November
Registrations close 01 November

Contact the course coordinator for more information.

Professional Chaplaincy

Christ College offers two units that meet the required training course as a chaplain in NSW hospitals, correctional and juvenile justice centres. It is also recognised by many aged care providers and educational institutions.

The two units are:

    1. Issues in Professional Chaplaincy
    2. Chaplaincy in the Institutional Setting

Contact the course coordinator for more information.

Mental Health First-Aid

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) teaches people the basic skills to help someone they’re concerned about.

Jericho Road chaplain, Ian Schoonwater is an authorised instructor in Mental Health First-Aid. If you are interested in being trained in this, get in touch with Ian.

 

Teaching Staff

Joseph Park

Course Coordinator and Pastoral Supervisor
Joseph is the senior chaplain with Jericho Road and is an adjunct lecturer at Christ College. Joseph has been in pastoral ministry for more than 15 years in parish and chaplaincy settings.

Ian Schoonwater

Mental Health First Aid Instructor and Pastoral Supervisor
Ian has been in pastoral ministry for more than 25 years in parish and chaplaincy settings. He currently serves as a senior chaplain with the NSW Police.
Testimonials

The understanding and skills taught in this program benefit everyone involved in caring for others, not just those working as chaplains. It’s a practical program, grounded in research, providing opportunities to discuss and explore avenues to support others in their time of need.

Kerry

Introductory Pastoral Care Program

Follow the Jericho Road Chaplaincy page on Facebook to stay up to date with the latest training and chaplaincy opportunities.