Chaplaincy is one way God’s people can obey Jesus’ commandment to love our neighbour as ourselves. It is also one way in our current society where we can bring the hope of the Gospel into places of great hardship.

It is important because it embodies the love and mercy of God in a world that is often hurting, broken, and in need of hope. Chaplains provide essential emotional, spiritual, and pastoral support to individuals facing some of life’s most challenging moments, such as trauma, grief, ill-health, or incarceration. They serve anyone in need, regardless of religious beliefs or background, offering comfort, a listening ear, and guidance tailored to each person’s unique circumstances.

In a society where many people seek spirituality outside traditional religious settings, chaplains play a crucial role as a bridge between the church and the wider community. They engage with individuals in places that are often beyond the reach of local congregations, bringing the church into contact with those who might not otherwise encounter its message. Chaplains make the most of the opportunities to offer the hope of the gospel where it is appropriate, pray and share the assurance of love and grace from the Word of God demonstrating Christ through compassionate listening and practical care.

In some cases, chaplains may conduct chapel services or conduct memorial services and other public services gathering together patients, residents, inmates, detainees, and staff for worship and fellowship. By being present in these diverse settings, chaplains fulfill the greatest commandment—to love God and love others—by bringing hope, encouragement, and spiritual guidance to those in dire need.

As the only Christian contact for many secular, non-religious Australians, chaplains help individuals find strength, peace, and resilience during times of vulnerability and uncertainty. Whether through spiritual guidance, emotional support, or simply being a compassionate presence, chaplaincy is a vital expression of God’s love, reaching people where they are and offering them the hope and care of Jesus in a tangible way.

Jericho Road Chaplaincy is dedicated to serving anyone in need of emotional, spiritual, or pastoral support, regardless of their religious beliefs or background. Whether in hospitals, prisons, emergency services or among the police force, Jericho Road chaplains are there to provide comfort, a listening ear, and guidance during times of vulnerability, uncertainty, and crisis.

• In Hospitals: Chaplains are available to all patients, families, and staff, offering pastoral and spiritual care tailored to individual needs. They provide support during critical emotional and spiritual journeys, helping individuals find strength in their beliefs or offering compassionate care during challenging times.
• In Prisons: Chaplains play a vital role in the well-being and rehabilitation of inmates and staff, ministering to individuals of all faiths or none. They provide emotional and spiritual support, helping people draw upon their beliefs and culture to navigate the correctional environment.
• In the Police Force: Chaplains offer pastoral care to police officers, retired officers, and their families, focusing on personal and moral issues, critical events, and times of grief. They ensure that those who serve have someone to turn to in times of need, providing a steady presence and support.
• In the Emergency Services: We have a number of Presbyterian volunteers who work with the police, ambulance and Rural Fire Service. While we don’t pay these volunteers we do support them through provision of endorsement and oversight. They provide comfort and practical assistance during crisis.

Presbyterian Love in Action:

Jericho Road Chaplaincy operates under the Presbyterian Church, which has a long history of providing pastoral care in various community settings. The Presbyterian Church, through its participation in the Civil Chaplaincies Advisory Committee, emphasises an approach to chaplaincy which is firmly rooted in the Christian faith and the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Presbyterian chaplains are committed to serving all people, regardless of their religious background, embodying the church’s mission to love and care for others as Christ did. They bring a unique perspective to their work, informed by Reformed theology, which emphasises the sovereignty of God, the authority of Scripture, and the importance of community. This theological foundation guides their approach to pastoral care, ensuring that they provide thoughtful, compassionate, and effective support.

Jericho Road Chaplaincy, as part of the Presbyterian tradition, is committed to being a presence of hope and care in the lives of those they serve, whether in moments of joy or in times of deep need, ultimately to make Jesus known.

No, you do not need to be a Christian to receive chaplaincy. Jericho Road chaplains provide support to anyone in need, regardless of their religious beliefs or background. Whether you have a different faith, no faith, or are simply seeking someone to talk to, chaplains are available to offer comfort, a listening ear, and guidance tailored to your specific needs.

The chaplaincy’s vision is to demonstrate the love and character of God by providing the fresh hope and care of Jesus to those facing trauma, grief, ill-health, or incarceration. This vision drives their mission to support the emotional, spiritual, and pastoral well-being of all individuals, making chaplaincy a resource for everyone, not just Christians.