iii.Chaplaincy as mission

Elsewhere I have defended the notion that chaplaincy is essentially a sacrament of the Kingdom of God. To this extent then it simply is a missionary endeavour. But against this background constitution, it is helpful to have an array of initiatives that highlight the presence and invitation of the Gospel. What is offered below is simply a very brief description of some that I have been involved with, often through the initiative of other colleagues, and which seemed worthwhile. Without prejudice to their worth, they appear in alphabetical order.

• Bake offs: sponsoring cookery competitions especially for contexts in which the promotion of a sense of community is desirable.
• Chapel Chill: On Summer Ball nights, converting the chapel into a safe space where people can relax, where water and snacks are available, and where people can receive First Aid if required.
• Chaplaincy Allotment: a space in which students and staff can grow their own produce aligned with the university’s sustainability agenda.
• Christian Aid Week: collections, services, eat for £1/day etc.
• Christmas Fayre: arts, crafts, food and music – again aimed at the affirmation of community.
• Concerts: using the chapel as a venue for music in general and Christian bands (e.g. Iona) in particular.
• Easter Garden: Taking over a planting trough in a conspicuous location and creating an Easter Garden with brief explanation.
• Fair Trade: various events, breakfasts etc.
• Faith and Film: the screening of a thought-provoking film (of which there are very many) followed by discussion.
• i-break exam support: setting up a mobile station, close to where frenetic revision is likely to take place, offering refreshment, the chance to chat, and links to Study Support.
• Meditation Group: An opportunity (usually in a building other than the chapel) to find room to reflect and pray in silence.
• On-line recorded weekly reflections, especially for a set season such as Lent.
• Retreats: both chaplaincy and student led, often for a day in churches in locations that afford opportunities for walking.
• Seminars: for example on the reasonableness of Christianity, usually at the invitation of staff members.
• Theological Tea Party: a group that meets over tea and cake to discuss theological issues, members take it in turns to kick off the discussion on a topic of their choice.
• Vocations Group: with those who want to explore who and what they are called to be; populated by prospective ordinands, but making it clear vocation is a matter for all.

It is important, however to be honest and realistic about what such events achieve. They are often much more to do with sowing seeds (and as in the parable with very varying effect c.f. Mk 4: 1-9) than witnessing conversion! But, the cumulative effect over time can be quite considerable as people are nudged and encouraged to open up more of their lives to the claims of Christ.

Guest at al (2013) also make some sobering observations around the headline point that Christian identity at University is essentially stable. There’s no great secularising tendency, in fact, overall a very slight increase in religiosity is reported (p.88-90). But, on the other hand, explicitly evangelistic efforts (largely on the part of evangelical students) seem to enjoy “very limited success” (p.154). Worse, for some, “the cause of alienation from their own faith is the practice of evangelism in ways that are best embarrassing, at worst strident and judged as entirely inappropriate.” (p. 196) In general, they suggest, “religious conversion is simply not on the map of post-adolescent lifestyle options for young adults today.” (p.197) Seed sowing then, will perhaps, remain our mainstay.