learn and give

Hello!  I am Dominic.  I am an Anglican ordinand with the privilege of doing a month's chaplaincy here.

I was amazed at the way whole-person health care is practised in this place.  It is, perhaps, most noticeable at the truly inter-disciplinary clinic meetings.  Remarkably, contributions from hospitality, counselling, doctor, physio, chaplaincy and nurse team members are equally valued for the working out of what is the best course of action for the patient.  

Placements get the chance to contribute to evening worship, Eucharists and the healing services.  We also engage with patient care and the support of other professionals through conversations and prayer at the bedside and elsewhere.  Refreshingly, the team strives to prevent ecclesiology interfering with patients' experience of Christ.  Amongst other wonders, we have a Pentecostal who rings the Angelus and a female Roman Catholic on the team.  Activities are licensed by the Bishop of Tonbridge respecting the integrity of the traditions represented. 

It has been a great encouragement for me to get out there and do something and to have that ministry recognised.  I anticipate that among other  lessons, learning about Chronic Fatigue, depression, self-harm and eating disorders will be applicable in my future ministry. 

From experience, I am convinced that being part of this community would develop and contextualise your theology of suffering and healing, including your understanding of the relationship between the broken person and the healer.  No doubt you would also learn about the value of the various healing disciplines and Church traditions as well as the relationship and distinctions between them.