09.4 Chaplaincy Groups

These groups perform a number of important functions in the preparation of students for Christian ministry and leadership, helping to set a vision for gospel ministry and fostering fellowship, theological reflection, group skills, prayer, mission and accountability.   

Each full-time student in years 1 – 4 is allocated to a Chaplaincy Group with approx. 15 members. The Group generally meets under the oversight of a member of faculty (chaplain), together with a female chaplain. The size of the group provides a more realistic focus for developing relationships and engaging in open discussion.

Chaplaincy Groups meet each week during term time on a Thursday at 9:00am for about 50 minutes. The content of these meetings is determined by the chaplains in consultation with the whole group. Usually the program consists of various elements including Bible study, prayer, personal testimonies, discussions about ministry and ethical issues and the sharing of more personal matters.

Each Chaplaincy Group is further divided into prayer groups. These consist of 3 or 4 students from different years (Years 1 – 4). Prayer groups usually meet once per week at a mutually convenient time and take the form considered most appropriate by the members.  Part-time students are not required to join prayer groups.

09.4.1  Participation in Chaplaincy Groups

Students are expected to actively participate in the meetings of their Chaplaincy Group. The groups provide valuable opportunities for developing skills in group leadership, observation and membership.

Members of Chaplaincy Groups are also encouraged to meet together over meals, suppers etc. These may be organised as a group activity or more informally amongst smaller subsets of the group. Faculty members welcome opportunities to spend time with students and their families in more relaxed contexts.

09.4.1.1  Part-time students and Chaplaincy Groups

In some years, Chaplaincy Groups may be able to accommodate part-time students. Part-time students may express interest in joining a Chaplaincy Group during enrolment, or by emailing registrardept@moore.edu.au by the Monday prior to Semester One’s Orientation. Part-time students who join a Chaplaincy Group should make the same commitment to attending the group as they make to attending units of study in which they are enrolled, noting that Chaplaincy Group runs for the whole year.  When part-time students join a Chaplaincy Group they may, at the same time, join a Prayer Group (See 9.4 above). If you wish to enquire about participating in a group, please contact the registrar to determine availability (registrardept@moore.edu.au).

09.4.2  Mission Teams

Each year Chaplaincy groups form Mission Teams and engage in an 8-day College Mission in a congregational (not necessarily Anglican), University or other ministry setting. Most missions are residential with students billeted in local homes. Under the leadership of the Chaplains, students engage in a wide range of evangelistic opportunities. While on College Missions, students undertake activities, especially sporting activities, at their own risk.

Part-time students have the option of attending mission during the time it takes them to complete their course or the first year of it. If doing so, they should make the same commitment to the mission as full-time students. Part-time students must be part of a Chaplaincy Group if they want to attend Mission and must comply with the WWCC and Safe Ministry Training requirements of College.

09.4.3  Chaplains

All full-time students of the College are linked to a College Chaplain and Year Advisor. There are a number of ways in which students are accountable to their Chaplains and Year Advisors. It is regarded as a courtesy for students to inform their Chaplain in the event of absence from lectures, chapel or group activities.  Part-time students are to inform the Director of Part-Time Studies

Annual reports for ordination candidates are drafted by respective Chaplains on the basis of interviews with, and observation of, students in various contexts. These reports are discussed with the Faculty and form the basis of the Principal’s report to denominational representatives.

While students often feel that faculty members are very busy, Chaplains are committed to the pastoral care of students and are therefore available to discuss any individual issues or problems - personal, financial, study or ministry related. Female Chaplains are also available to discuss any issues with students.  Normally, a Chaplain will meet with each student in their chaplaincy group once per semester.