By Garry Sanossian
Chaplains from across our network stepped away from their daily ministry in early February to gather at The Tops Conference Centre for their annual retreat. The theme of the retreat was ‘Remove, Reflect, Restore, Reconnect’.
Bruce Tindale, Chaplaincy Team Leader at churches of Christ, shared the heart behind this year’s theme, emphasising the importance of creating a retreat focused on renewal rather than additional responsibilities. “I wanted them to come away and be refreshed. To have a sense of renewal at a retreat, rather than a couple of days of learning and more things to hold. It was about a way of honouring them and that space so that they could be refreshed entering into the new year,” he said.
Chaplains were encouraged to remove the burdens that come with ministry, reflect on their personal and spiritual journeys, restore their strength and vision, and reconnect, both with God and with one another in fellowship.
The theme provided a structured path for renewal: removing distractions and entrusting burdens to God (Psalm 55:22), reflecting on His guidance and examining their walk (Lamentations 3:40, Psalm 139:23-24), restoring their sense of calling through the unforced rhythms of grace (Matthew 11:28-30) and reconnecting with fresh strength in faith and community (Isaiah 40:31).
The retreat brought together a diverse group of chaplains from across the churches of Christ network, representing chaplaincy work in schools, prisons, youth justice, hospitals, aged care, fire and emergency services.
Senior chaplain Robyn Lee highlighted the importance of the annual event. “This retreat is the heartbeat of chaplaincy. Being together like this – sharing stories, supporting each other – it’s an experience that carries us through the rest of the year.”
Beyond structured sessions, chaplains had the chance to engage in moments of fellowship, sharing meals, praying together, and enjoying nature. Laughter and conversation flowed as they strengthened the relationships that form the foundation of their shared ministry. “I delight in seeing chaplains come together in these moments,” Robyn shared. “There’s something powerful about the way we reconnect each year.”
“The culture within our chaplaincy team is built on years of shared experiences, and these gatherings reinforce those deep connections.”
For Bruce, the retreat is not just about offering renewal to other. It is a deeply personal reminder of his own need to pause and listen to God’s voice. “A lot of this theme had been stirring in me for months. It reminded me that if I’m not taking the time to remove myself, reflect and be renewed, I can’t lead others there either.”
“I hope chaplains realised the value of stepping away from the busyness of ministry to simply hear God’s voice,” he said.
“I wanted chaplains to leave the retreat ready to reconnect, equipped with renewed strength to serve.”
As the chaplains return to their ministries, they carry with them not just renewed strength, but a vision for the future. “My greatest hope is that chaplaincy would be at the heart of everything we do, whether in aged care, affordable housing, or simply sitting with people in their everyday lives,” Bruce said.
For Robyn, her greatest hope is “that our chaplains remain faithful in bringing care, presence, and kindness into the spaces they serve.”
