As a Chaplain in the New Zealand Army you will be ministering to the spiritual and pastoral well-being of NZ Army personnel at any time, in any circumstance. You will minister not only from the comfort of the Chapel on Camp, but also in the field during exercises and on operations often in austere and hostile environments, under military operational conditions.

JOB ON CAMP

You will wear the uniform, come under the Defence Act, and undergo the same indoctrination and training as others who take up the profession-of-arms. As a Chaplain, however, you will be primarily concerned for the spiritual and pastoral care of the individual, and bring to the NZ Army your particular skills which will include:

•  A unique professional qualification, having been trained to perform all the functions of clergy.

• A wide variety of experiences of life and integrated belief systems, bringing a vital faith which enables Soldiers to address the many challenges of Service life.

• By virtue of your ordination, you will be called to a ministry committed to love and service, and to self-sacrificing concern for the welfare of others.

• With your commitment to pastoral care you will bring a willingness to challenge those issues which need to be confronted and to speak out when necessary, and to champion truth at any cost.

JOB ON DEPLOYMENT

While on deployment, a Chaplin will conduct many of the same duties as their in camp role, as well as duties specific to an Operational theatre.

Because of the increased danger and higher risk to life while in theatre, a Chaplin may be called upon to conduct funereal rites/ramp ceremonies, conduct memorial services or assist with Critical Incident Management. In line with this they may be required to provide on going grief support to a Unit with a view to keeping deployed personnel focussed on the mission.

Chaplin’s provide a humanising presence in what can become a dehumanising environment. He can also act as a bridge builder between the host community (especially where religion is held in high regard) and the contingent.

As a trained first-line counsellor, in theatre, the Chaplin can be in a sense, a maintainer of morale and of the human spirit. A professional ‘friend’ or ‘carer’ supporting soldiers and thereby releasing command to concentrate on the soldiering side of the mission.

CAREER PROGRESSION

You will enter the NZ Army with the support of your Church and remain under its discipline for the exercise of their ordination/accreditation vows. Chaplaincy therefore is an institution of both the State (The NZ Defence Force) and the Church and you will need the support of both.

Both the Church and NZDF needs to understand this partnership and the possible areas of tension. It is also important that you to understand this unique relationship and to appreciate that you will have two distinct but complementary lines of accountability.

Your initial remuneration will be based on previous experience and skill level. This is negotiated on a case by case basis. As your career continues, remuneration will increase on promotion and seniority.

• You must be at least 17 years of age.

• You must be a NZ citizen (some exceptions apply).

• You must be of good character – assessed by a study of testimonials and a police record check.

Applicants are to have recognised professional qualifications and experience in Scripture, Theology and Pastoral Ministry in accordance with their own denominational requirements. In addition applicants must satisfy the following criteria:

• Be ordained, licensed, commissioned or otherwise fully authorised to officiate on behalf of your denomination.

• Have normally completed five years full-time pastoral ministry experience.

• Be in good standing with your denomination.

• Have your application endorsed by the Chaplains Dominion Advisory Council.

• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to relate effectively with a diverse range of people.

You must be medically fit for service.

You will minister not only from the comfort of the Chapel on Camp (locations throughout New Zealand), but also in the field during exercises and on operations often in austere and hostile environments, under military operational conditions.