Many people are unaware of the vast scale and variety of chaplaincy services currently offered for our mental and spiritual wellbeing in Greater Lincolnshire.
Chaplains extend their support not just to individuals, but to entire communities and organisations, helping them through challenging times and celebrating alongside them during life’s positive moments.
Every chaplain embodies an encouraging Christ-like presence for those around them. They provide spiritual and emotional support, offering guidance, counseling, and crisis intervention. Chaplains advocate for people’s needs and foster community through events and activities.
Additionally, they offer ethical consultation and religious education, helping individuals navigate moral dilemmas and personal challenges. Their role is to ensure the well-being of those they serve, regardless of faith or background.
In March, there was a momentous celebration at Lincoln Cathedral of all that chaplains are, and everything they do, for our area.
This popular event weekend highlighted the importance of the chaplain’s role. It showcased the varied calling of chaplaincy, and their ability to touch many lives – sharing the love of Jesus with those they meet.
The Festival weekend was a collaborative effort by several organizations, including our Diocese, Lincoln Cathedral, the Lincolnshire Methodist Districts, and representatives from various chaplaincies and Lincolnshire community organizations.
It raised the profile of chaplaincy work and informed Cathedral visitors about the vital work chaplains carry out daily within our local communities and throughout the UK.
Here are just a few examples of the reach of chaplains across our area. They each bring a unique approach to serving others,
Julie Miles is a school chaplain. She explains her role:
“School Chaplaincy is a unique and varied calling to walk alongside and minister to children, young people, families, teachers, staff and all those connected with the life of the school.
“As Chaplain we may have the opportunity to develop and lead collective worship, to talk to people about life and faith, to support them in times of joy and sorrow and to pray for them.”
Melanie Carroll is the co-ordinator of Lincoln Street Pastors. They seek to listen, care and help those in need or who have found themselves in difficulties during Lincoln’s night time hours. She said:
“It was a real joy to be part of the Festival of Chaplaincy at Lincoln Cathedral—sharing the story of our work as a chaplaincy that is an ecumenical mission that brings the Church into the night-time city, offering care, compassion, and a listening ear when others aren’t around.
“We’re there when the churches are resting for the night, quietly living out the story of the Good Samaritan through presence, prayer, and practical help.”
“It was a real privilege to represent a team that brings pastoral care beyond the walls of the church and into the heart of the community. We get to see and share space with so many others that work into different communities and contexts to bring the shared light of kingdom into being.”
Andrew Vaughn is a chaplain for a range of sectors including for engineering, sports and emergencies. He said:
“It’s a privilege to represent a team that brings pastoral care beyond the walls of the church and into the heart of the community, and to get to see and share space with so many others that work into different communities and contexts to bring the shared light of kingdom into being.
“To be alongside those facing these challenges, hearing and seeing their stories and helping find change has always been a driving force in my ministry.”
“I witness highly skilled people working to deliver high quality eco-friendly machinery in the engineering sector. To hear how they are addressing the climate crisis reminds me of the gift of creativity. I also hear how pressures to perform in sport can have a negative impact on well-being. The desire to help people onto the road of recovery and healing is a motivation in itself.”
“My work is as varied and unique as are the people I serve. One day, I could be wondering the corridors of a nursing home, trying to locate a resident who might have left their room to sit in the lounge, another time I may be driving to a house, where someone awaits Holy Communion and a friendly chat.
“The ideas for any ‘Messy Vintage’ (like messy church but for adults) come from God who uses my creative skills for opening doors. Sometimes, those suffering from illness, whether physical or mental, can be locked in their pain or in their confused minds. Creativity is a door opener, as is a friendly face.
“What a blessing to be part of God’s work. Wherever I go, I know the Lord has sent me.”
“I am so grateful to the Bible Reading Fellowship’s Anna Chaplaincy and to the Diocese for enabling me to discern my calling to this wonderful ministry – helping those in the latter years of their lives feel at peace with their own spirituality.”
The Church of England website has more information about the work of chaplains.
You can also find out more about the types of chaplaincy.
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