The role of School Chaplain has been on my heart for a long time. I felt called to the priesthood as a young adult, worshiping at my local Anglican Church, helping run the youth group as well as volunteering with Scripture Union and Youth for Christ on camps, holiday clubs and regular youth meetings. I did not pursue this calling directly, but decided to train as a teacher, believing this would allow me an opportunity to minister as well as develop a career.
I started my teaching career in a large co-educational school in South Africa, quickly getting involved with the Student Christian Union. I thoroughly enjoyed my ministry in this space and did not feel that I needed to be ordained to continue.
My wife and I, at that time, felt that we wanted to travel and see the world, so after six years of teaching, we departed for the United Kingdom. After a short stint in London, we settled into independent school education, working in Eastbourne, Bloxham, and, most recently, Moray, Scotland. In each school, I was involved in the life of the Chapel. This was from assisting in communion services as a licenced Chalice bearer, reader or preaching at the invitation of the School Chaplain. One of the joys, as a Housemaster, was working with the students in the house, particularly when planning House Chapel Services.
I had previously spoken to my Head about taking the role of school chaplain, but the timing was not right, both for me and for the school. Six years later, God’s timing and calling came to fruition. After a significant life-changing event, I realised that my faith had slipped into mediocrity. During this time in my life, restoring my faith and seeking God’s call, the role of Chaplaincy was laid on my heart. I moved out of the boarding environment and into the role of school chaplain. I was also in conversation with my bishop, who licenced me for lay Chaplaincy, but also approved my formation for priesthood. Three years of formation and another three years curacy, with ordination, opened the door for me to take up the position of Chaplain at St Hilda’s Anglican School for Girls in Perth, WA.
I have seen God work for the good in all things that have happened in my life to this point and trust that He will continue to offer me His mercy and grace, as I remain faithful to Him and his word. The opportunity to share my experiences, build relationships, teach, minister and offer pastoral care to the families in my care gets me out of bed in the mornings. Thank God for his mercies.