It cannot categorically say why any club should have a chaplain but some advantages have been observed. There are some good reasons as to why a club committee should consider the role of a club chaplain. Some may argue that the club ‘Grandfathers’ fill some of these roles and in some instances they do.
- Chaplaincy provides an extra facet of life that can be available to members
- It extends the clubs duty of care
- The chaplain is an independent listener at all club levels
- The privacy element
- Where applicable the chaplain may be an active or Award member
- Although not a specific counselling role, the chaplain will listen and maybe offer suggestions or direct to a professional in the relevant area.
- The chaplain may be, or assistance to, the clubs Trauma Peer Support Officer
- When and if a member wishes to speak about spiritual issues the chaplain will be available
- The chaplaincy is non-denominational
- The title `Chaplain’ seems to draw people into conversation.
Some personal experiences/opportunities have been
- Visit every patrol
- Pray for each patrol member the day they are on duty
- Trauma debrief
- Settle grievances
- Dealing with harassment
- Involvement in family issues
- Suicide contact
- Hospital visitation. Near death visits and visiting seriously ill members
- Dealing with post abortion issues.
- Being available to family and friends of members.
- Listening to members spiritual aspects
- Discussing spiritual issues
- Memorial, Funeral, Child dedication, Baptism, Club Dedication and SLSA Ecumenical services.
- Interstate contact after the death high profile athletes.