The Good Chaplain: Reflections on a Theology of Chaplaincy Based on the Ministry of Jesus by Nigel Roberts (2025: Centre for Chaplaincy with Children and Young People)
Nigel Roberts is an experienced chaplain working in England and has used his experience to put together a helpful book. As the title suggests the book seeks to provide a theology of chaplaincy derived from the ministry of Jesus. Each of the thirteen chapters provides a biblical reflection from the life of Jesus followed by a response chapter where a practitioner reflects on its application to their particular chaplaincy context.
The book benefits from including a range of voices that helps capture the huge diversity that is in chaplaincy, from a paediatric chaplain to a neighbourhood chaplain, an agricultural chaplain and even a waterways chaplain.
Roberts wrote the book to respond to the question – what can we discover in the life of Jesus that will give us a theological basis for being a chaplain in a variety of contexts? The result is a chaplaincy book firmly grounded in scripture with very practical application for those of us working in this diverse ministry. The book also includes an appendix outlining how to use the material to run a retreat for chaplains.
This is a book that would be helpful to give someone just starting out in chaplaincy, but it also has plenty to offer the experienced chaplain in a need of a bit of encouragement. Granted I read this book towards the end of a busy school year, but I found the section looking at the calling of a chaplain greatly affirming. Roberts reminds us that the best way for God to bless your school is to have you ministering in it.
Roberts is a strong advocate for chaplaincy being a ministry of presence and service, drawing on scripture passages that affirm the founding story of chaplaincy, St Martin of Tours. A ministry of presence begins with an attitude of service, asking the question – what do you need? As the ‘detectors of divinity in their schools,’ chaplains are blessed to ‘carry with them the assurance of God’s love for those they serve.’
Unfortunately for such a helpful and practical book it is a bit challenging for those of us in Australia to track down but it is available at the following link https://www.crfl.co.uk/the-good-chaplain_9781036926670
Addendum – Nigel has been in touch and has kindly offered to help facilitate the purchase of this book direct from the author. If you are interested in getting a copy, please be in touch with me and I can connect you up with Nigel.
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