Chaplaincy Australia South Australia

Winter 2025 Newsletter

From our State Director Jeff Marshall

Thank you for taking the time to read our Winter Newsletter. Our hope is every quarter we can keep you up to date with all that is going on in Chaplaincy throughout the State and the bigger issues from around the nation. Recently we held our Annual Fundraising Dinner which was well attended by Pastors from around the State, along with several business people. The MP for Playford, The Honourable Mr John Fulbrook, who is extremely supportive, gave a great speech to encourage us all. The Dinner not only raised some much needed funds but also contributed greatly to the profile and awareness of Chaplaincy. Can I also say a huge WELCOME! to those who recently received their accreditation. We are so excited to have you join the growing number of Chaplains across the State. Your heart and compassion to come alongside people, sometimes in some of the most difficult circumstances in life, is to be honoured and commended. It is so exciting to see our team of chaplains here in South Australia expanding in numbers and influence across our Regions and Sectors.... Jeff

Introducing Kelly Nain, our new Barossa Regional Leader

I have always had a desire to help people at their point of need. I pursued a career in nursing at the Royal Adelaide Hospital as an EN and at the Lyell McEwin as an RN. I have served in ACC churches over the years in different areas such as youth ministry, co-ordinating new Christian’s Ministry, being a part of a Pastoral Team, helping in Emergency Relief and managing the Community Arm of the Church. In another Church I helped supervise in their Kids Café and then managed the Op shop & Emergency Relief. I studied my Diploma in Christian ministries at PCOM Bible College and have recently completed my Diploma in Chaplaincy through Alphacrucis University College in 2024. I received a word at the ACC State Conference to change my direction from my current role and to go in the opposite direction. I knew God was calling me to fully focus on people in need in the community. I have loved serving the Barossa community through my local church during those seven years and now through chaplaincy I can continue to encourage other chaplains as a Regional Leader.I would like to see greater community awareness of how Chaplains are making a difference in their local community through being present in School Ministry, in Nursing Homes and that they are receiving support to continue the good work they are called to. I would also like to see chaplaincy represented in other sectors in the community. Mathew 25:35-40 describes how no one is left out in the depth of God’s love. Everyone should experience what Jesus is like through us. I recently applied for a three-day position at Nurioopta High School, although I only wanted to work two days due to gaining employment at Calvary North Adelaide Hospital. The school decided to take on two chaplains, expanding the role an extra day, giving us both two days each. This was an answer to prayer. We were overjoyed, as we knew each other already. We both attend Encounter Church at Gawler and could now pray and support each other.
If you'd like to be involved in Chaplaincy in the Barossa region, please contact me on: nairn.kelly@gmail.com

A Day in the Life of a Country Chaplain - Jeff and Josie Cheyne

Chaplaincy in a Rural Setting - Jeff Chaplains are shock absorbers in disasters. Rural communities usually have working networks of communication and knowledge, (call it the Grapevine), extending to perhaps 100 kilometres from their own home. A couple I know in a rural community are renowned for their compassion. Following any incident, be it a fire, accident, death or injury, this couple are among the first to arrive with food comfort and support, and they are the last to leave. I believe that is how chaplaincy should be. Josie and I are trained Disaster Recovery Ministry Chaplains, and Chaplains with Chaplaincy Australia SA, but our chaplaincy walk really began when we were in our teen years being involved in small group ministries. We learnt to look out for others, by being aware of their needs and responding to them. I was privileged to be deployed as part of a disaster relief team under DRM, to help people after the fire on Kangaroo Island and the flooding of the River Murray. Josie and I benefited from the Professional Development course, “Mental Health First Aid” offered by CASA, and are looking forward to doing the “Navigating Difficult Conversations in a Complex World”. I believe that a Chaplain at Heart is a Chaplain wherever they go. Chaplains are ordinary people, with our Supernatural God living in us - Josie In the 70s I received Jesus’ forgiveness and went from being painfully shy and introverted, to experiencing a wonderful peace. I began to learn the skills of connecting with people. I was unofficially discipled by tagging along to every Christian meeting, study, event, outreach and camp. 2 Peter 3:18 (NKJV); but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever. Amen. I learnt how to be led by the Holy Spirit by doing whatever God put into my hands. That’s how I started in 2012 to help with church services at the nursing homes. Along with cooking meals, cleaning house, washing clothes, supporting my husband, and church activities, my life is the same as a lot of people. I am 71 years old and have come through many good and not so good life experiences, but always believed; Hebrews 13:5(b) (AMP); for He has said, “I WILL NEVER (under any circumstances) DESERT YOU (nor give you up nor leave you without support, nor will I in any degree leave you helpless), NOR WILL I FORSAKE or LET YOU DOWN or RELAX MY HOLD ON YOU (assuredly not)! Wherever I go, (including the nursing homes and Weight Watchers), and whatever I do, I seek to prepare my heart to allow Jesus to love people through me. I know this is His grace ability and not my own. Sometimes I can share about Jesus. For me having a prepared heart means adopting a life-long habit of being in God’s word and communing with Him. I am not perfect. I need Him every day.

When should I see a Supervisor versus a Mentor?

One of the most common questions I am asked is What is Supervision and how does it differ from Mentoring. Here is a simple, easy-to-read comparison. Pastoral Supervision vs. MentoringBoth Pastoral Supervision and Mentoring play crucial roles in professional and personal development, yet they serve distinct purposes. Below is a comparison of their key differences and functions. Pastoral SupervisionPastoral Supervision is a structured, reflective practice designed to support individuals in ministry, chaplaincy, or pastoral care roles. It focuses on accountability, emotional wellbeing, and professional development. • Purpose: Enhances pastoral care practice by providing a safe space for reflection and growth.• Focus: Addresses professional conduct, ethical concerns, and emotional resilience.• Approach: Often follows a formal structure, led by a trained supervisor who guides reflection.• Accountability: Ensures that pastoral workers maintain healthy boundaries and ethical standards.• Outcome: Strengthens pastoral effectiveness, preventing burnout and fostering continuous development. MentoringMentoring is a more informal, relational process where an experienced individual guides another in their professional or personal journey. It centres on encouragement, skill-building, and personal development. • Purpose: Supports growth by sharing wisdom, guidance, and experience.• Focus: Develops skills, offers career advice, and fosters confidence.• Approach: Typically, more relaxed, driven by conversations and mutual trust.• Accountability: Encourages self-awareness and growth without formal oversight.• Outcome: Empowers the mentee to make informed decisions and navigate challenges independently. Key Differences• Structure: Pastoral Supervision is formal and reflective; Mentoring is informal and relational.• Accountability: Supervision ensures professional standards; Mentoring encourages independent growth.• Focus: Supervision emphasises ethical and emotional wellbeing; Mentoring prioritises skill development and guidance.• Leader Role: Supervisors are trained professionals; Mentors are experienced individuals offering support. While both approaches provide valuable support, Pastoral Supervision is essential for maintaining ethical and professional standards in ministry, whereas Mentoring fosters personal and career growth in a more informal setting. Understanding their differences helps individuals choose the right form of guidance for their needs.Caregivers who lack Pastoral Supervision often face significant challenges, particularly in emotional resilience, ethical decision-making, and professional sustainability in three areas: • Emotional and Psychological Strain• Ethical and Professional Challenges• Practical and Organisational Struggles This can create a negative impact on the caregiver's quality of service. From my observation over thirty years of pastoral service the overwhelmingly destructive mistake ministers, good men and women, make is stepping outside the wise and well publicised boundaries. So do yourself a favour and care for yourself so you can optimise your care for others and enjoy the journey. Ps David BunyonCo-ordinator for Supervision and Mentoring, CASA

Professional Development Opportunities coming up

Recently Ps Jeff, our State Director, put out a call for those Chaplains who would be interested in Hospital and / or Disaster relief. He wanted to link up with training and to have a list of CA Chaplains that he could contact to respond to calls coming in to his Office for chaplains. We are pleased to have opportunities for those interested in October. Information is below. Note that the Palliative Care Workshop is nearly full, so don't delay to register to secure a spot.
The Chaplain’s Role in Palliative Care Come and join us for an informative and interactive workshop on the extremely important role of the chaplain in palliative care. Date: Saturday, 18th October 2025Time: 9.30am until1pm Tea/coffee from 9am with two morning tea breaks provided.Where: Irish Harp room, Prospect Library building, 128 Prospect Road, Prospect, South Australia. Parking is behind the building from Olive Street, Prospect. Enter the building from Vine Street end of the building. Cost: $65 for Chaplaincy Australia members. $85 for others. Presenter: Susan MarcuccioSusan is the National Supervision Director for Chaplaincy Australia, a Supervisor Trainer with Australasian Association of Supervision (AAOS). She specialises in the provision of supervision for supervisors, pastors, leaders, chaplains and pastoral carers as well as allied health professionals. She is also an experienced chaplain and trainer of chaplains who work in hospitals, emergency services and disaster response. Susan is passionate about those in the helping professions receiving quality non-judgmental confidential support, and the opportunity to engage in transformational learning. A sought-after workshop facilitator, Susan specialises in the practical application of theory. Her experience in palliative care is both personal and professional. All are welcome, particularly if you are currently working or are interested in aged care chaplaincy or hospital chaplaincy. Be quick to register, as there are only a few places left! For more details, contact Mary Ong – ongmy007@gmail.com.

Disaster and Recovery Chaplaincy training

Ps Jeff is encouraging chaplains interested in being involved in Disaster Relief to sign up for the next lot of training.
Disaster and Recovery Ministries SA have their next training days at the start of October. Training is for FREE. This will allow you to become part of their Network and be on call by Chaplaincy Australia.
Have a look at the Attachment and use the Link below to sign up. Training is provided free of charge.
The Link is: https://sa.uca.org.au/disaster-and-recovery-ministries/diaster-chaplain-training/
Chaplaincy Australia is a national network of chaplains from many different churches and denominations who are committed to demonstrating the Christian faith in a hands-on, compassionate and meaningful way. Chaplaincy Australia links Chaplains together with common objectives, practice, training and support.

Our mission and vision

1800chaplain is no longer calling - Ralph Estherby

You may be aware, that 1800Chaplain has been in operation for the last 3 and a half years. At the start of the program I spoke about the concept of the 'three-legged stool of support' we would need to make this ministry effective and sustainable. We needed the infrastructure, the chaplains and the finances. Over the last 6 months we saw seen fewer and fewer chaplains available for this role. This led to the chaplains who are available, stepping up to take up more shifts. Without enough chaplains, we ran the risk of calls not being answered or chaplains being unable to provide the quality care that was required. Our efforts to recruit and identify more chaplains for the Call Team was not successful. It led us to the point where we had to acknowledge that maintaining 1800Chaplain was not sustainable. This led me to making the decision to close 1800Chaplain on 11th April. From 15 November 2021 we saw... 1,243 days 22,501 calls 3,956 shifts and 23,736 hours of chaplaincy I want to pause for a moment to thank all of those who have made this incredible ministry possible.I want to thank the Call Team Chaplains who have served, listened and loved our callers.I want to thank our Team Leaders who have inspired, encouraged and nurtured the Call Teams.I want to thank Michelle Fife who has led the charge, delivered the training and provided exemplary leadership to the 1800Chaplain team.I want to thank each of you who has given, prayed and supported all we have achieved through the Lord. Jesus challenged the disciples to "lift up your eyes and look at the fields" - The Lord saw need, the Lord saw opportunity and the Lord saw us, a group of people who will continue to stand to meet the need of our generation. I want to encourage you to lift up your eyes and to look at the possibilities which are ahead for Chaplains and for Chaplaincy Australia. Luke 10:2 “Then He said to them, “The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into His harvest.” Over the coming months we will be expanding our training and development of Chaplains - we seek to be able to take people who are just starting their journey of Chaplaincy right through to accredited, effective and sustainable ministry in all sectors of the Australian community. We want to strengthen professional development and champion self care and supervision. The potential for the expansion of Chaplaincy ministry within Churches, workplaces and the community continues to grow and we want to be right there, at the forefront, offering support and care. Chaplaincy Australia has a great future and we are secure in the Lord's hands. I look forward to seeing what He will do with each of us as we continue to listen for His voice and to simply follow where He leads. Thank you again to all those who were a part of this great network. Blessings, Ralph Estherby, National Director/CEO Chaplaincy Australia
Our next CASA Meeting is on Tuesday, 12th August at 7pm. Zoom Link will be emailed in August. See you there.