The ecumenical Chaplaincy Roadshow reached Ilford in East London on 14 February. There, it brought together around 80 people from different traditions who were keen to explore the growing range of chaplaincy opportunities.
The event echoed Jesus’ highlighting in Matthew 9:37-38 that the harvest is indeed plentiful and to seek God for additional workers to go out into the harvest field.
Attendees were able to explore a little of the theological aspects of chaplaincy, alongside hearing stories from a number of chaplains about their work and how God has been using them to share the Good News of Jesus in a number of different settings.
Sports Chaplaincy UK’s Chief Executive Officer, Warren Evans, challenged churches of all expressions to by asking: “How can you engage your community? Mission and chaplaincy is often seen as someone else’s job and these Roadshows have really encouraged local churches to see mission is their job. It’s the Great Commission in action. Chaplaincy is for everyone, whatever your background.”
The Chaplaincy Roadshow events have been co-ordinated by Elim Pentecostal Church’s Chaplaincy team, and Sports Chaplaincy UK (one of CTE’s Charities and Networks in Association), and have brought together over 20 partner organisations, including CTE national Member Churches CiC International, New Testament Church of God , Church of God of Prophecy UK, Free Churches Group. CTE Charities and Networks in Association KICK, and BRF Ministries were also involved.
Speaking after the event, Elim’s Director of Chaplaincy, Nigel Tween, reflected on the range and diversity of churches and Christian organisations getting involved with chaplaincy: “When we come together as chaplains, we don’t really think about our own church. Chaplaincy is quite ecumenical by essence – yes, we bring our own distinctiveness, but the whole heart is that the unified idea of going out into our communities and representing Christ’s love to people.”
The next Chaplaincy Roadshow is in Greater Manchester (Lighthouse Church – 12 Centenary Park, Coronet Way, Salford, M50 1RE) on Saturday 7 March from 10am – 12:30pm. BOOK HERE.