Meet Christine

The work of local chaplains is an understated yet powerful influence on Australian communities.

Not counsellors, nor religious leaders, chaplains are all about connection – helping people feel heard, seen and supported, wherever they are in life and whatever they believe.

Christine is a shining example of such work. Having joined BaptistCare in January 2024, she brings a wealth of experience following years of providing pastoral care within her community. Travelling vast distances across the mid-state region of New South Wales, she spends her days visiting older people in their homes to provide chaplaincy support - not only to them, but to their families and the wider BaptistCare team as well.

Walking alongside people, wherever they’re at

When Christine visits older people in their homes, it’s usually because another member of the BaptistCare team has processed a referral for that person to receive chaplaincy support.

“Perhaps one of our physiotherapists has visited someone at home and that client has shared they would be interested in talking with a chaplain,” Christine explains.

“It might be that they’ve experienced a loss or a big change in their life or are struggling to find purpose.

“That’s where chaplaincy comes in – we provide emotional and spiritual support for that person, in a way that’s meaningful for them.”

It’s not counselling; nor is it about arriving with answers. According to Christine, chaplains simply walk alongside someone, sometimes over a long period, as they navigate grief, change, isolation or a new season of life.

“There’s no agenda,” says Christine. “Chaplaincy is simply about meeting people where they’re at, providing support and encouragement through life’s challenges, and talking about the things that are important to them.”

Taking the time to listen

Active listening is central to Christine’s work. She pays attention to pauses, moments of reflection and the details people choose to surround themselves with.

“I’ll often ask about the people in their photographs, or a particular ornament, which can get somebody talking. I’m always acutely aware that I’m in someone’s private space, and it’s so important to be respectful and gentle,” says Christine.

Taking the time to notice these details and actively listen can be particularly meaningful for people experiencing loneliness.

“Loneliness affects many older people. Sometimes I might be one of the only visitors who has the time to ask someone how they are really going, and that really matters if they are on their own a lot of the time.”

While this sense of connection is at the heart of Christine’s work, she says chaplains never have a religious agenda, and you certainly don’t have to be a person of faith to receive or benefit from chaplaincy support.

Chaplaincy support is available to people of every faith and none. For those wanting prayer, Bible reading or communion, Christine can offer that - but for others, chaplaincy might simply be a chat over a cuppa and some words of encouragement.

Finding purpose in a changed life

One encounter that has stayed with Christine involved a man who, despite being an active person in his younger years and being heavily involved in his community, now uses a wheelchair. Not being able to physically participate in life in the same way, he had begun to feel hopeless and lacking in purpose.

During a visit, Christine noticed a picture on his fridge that his granddaughter had drawn. He told her how delighted he had been by it, and how he had called his granddaughter to say she was a great artist and should keep going with her artwork.

Christine gently asked whether he realised that encouraging those around him like his granddaughter could be part of his purpose now – using his words to positively impact others’ lives.

“I remember that his eyes just filled with tears as he realised the truth of that,” says Christine.

For her, those moments are a reminder of the privilege chaplains are given when they are welcomed into somebody’s private space - and of the difference a carefully noticed detail can make.

A role built on connection

Christine greatly values working alongside her BaptistCare colleagues to provide holistic care for clients, just as she takes pride in her role to also support the staff with chaplaincy support.

This might be working through challenges that the team have experienced at work – or even in their own personal lives.

“It’s important for chaplains to be visible, that’s why I often spend time in the BaptistCare office with staff or attend social clubs, where older people in the community come together in a supported environment for connection and activities,” says Christine.

“Staying visible and building relationships means people are more likely to know chaplains are there and accessible whenever they need support.”

Making space to reset

Outside work, Christine’s faith and family are central to her life.

“As a Christian, I love seeing God at work in the world and serving him with my life,” says Christine. “I also love spending time with my husband and our two beautiful daughters.”

She also enjoys creative pursuits, including photography, gardening, baking and creative workshops.

As a chaplain, Christine says it’s important to make time outside work to reset and be deliberate about self-care. Once a week, she heads to the wide-open spaces of Dubbo Zoo early in the morning, when she has the place almost entirely to herself, and takes a long walk.

“I use the time to process conversations I’ve had during the week, to pray and to be in God’s creation,” Christine says. “If I don’t take time to walk, I really notice the difference in the way I handle the week.”

A tip for living well?

Asked for her advice on living well, Christine returns to the importance of relationships.

“I think it’s so important to have people around you who love and support you but can also challenge you and speak honestly into your life,” she says. “Someone gave me that advice early on. I think it encourages healthy humility and leaves room for growth.”