Chaplaincy

SWBA Chaplaincy Champion

We are delighted to announce that we have appointed a SWBA 'Chaplaincy Champion' whose role will be to help Chaplains in our Association network with each other, and to keep the profile of Chaplaincy high amongst our family churches.

Steven Reed is a former soldier and businessman and recently retired Baptist Minister.  He has experience in a number of the chaplaincy specialties (Town Centre, Hospital, Military, Debt Advice, Prison).  He has served on a Diocesan Chaplaincy committee, is a Trustee of Taunton Area Debt Advice and continues to work with the military.  Steven is married to Hazel a former social worker.  He plays golf, sings in a male voice choir and as a former pilot is involved in the Civil Air Patrol.

Steve writes, "Chaplaincy now has such a wide range of strands, some of which are just beginning to evolve.  It is encouraging to see how churches are seizing these mission opportunities.  Combining my experience and your passion for mission, let us explore what the congregation can engage with.  There are many opportunities available for even the smallest church.  So contact me and let’s see what can be achieved."

Steven Reed

Steven can be contacted on

Our recent 'Chaplaincy for Everyone' day demonstrated significant interest amongst our churches and Steve hopes to continue to provide information and support to those exploring chaplaincy as a way to serve those in their communities.

NEW OPPORTUNITIES

Magistrates Courts Those who populate the courts are surely the ones Jesus would have us reach out too.  Courts chaplains are now being well received across the land.  For example, Taunton’s churches have an in-principle agreement to provide chaplains to the local courts and an introductory day is planned.   If your town has courts and you think that this might be a form of outreach of interest to your church then please get in touch for a discussion.  Courts chaplains do not have to be ordained ministers.

Army Cadet Forces  The ACF is largest youth organisation in the country and each county will have 400 plus cadets.  As with the regular army, the Padre is central to the organisation.  Some counties have vacancies for ministers to join the Royal Army Chaplains Department in the rank of Captain.  For example Somerset has two vacancies and I am currently standing in the gap as a civilian Padre because I am now too old to serve in uniform.  You must have at least one year's experience of ordained ministry and be able to offer a three-year commitment.  Your principal commitment is to the annual camp and you would also be expected to visit training evenings and weekends.  Interested? – contact Steve for a discussion.