In the latest in an occasional series looking at Christian chaplains, LAUREN MUSCAT speaks with Australian Defence Force chaplain Ralph Estherby about how he came to be in the job and its challenges and joys…
When thinking of the men and women who serve in the Australian Defence Force, the spiritual and emotional side of the work comes to mind very rarely. But for ADF chaplain Ralph Estherby, providing this kind of support to our troops is an invaluable and rewarding job.
“Chaplains in the ADF are there for everyone – we have the opportunity to be a support to all; the soldiers, sailors and airmen, the non-commissioned officers and the senior staff as well as all of the support personnel,” Mr Estherby, 52, says of the role.
“THERE FOR EVERYONE”: ADF chaplain Ralph Estherby. PICTURE: Supplied.
“There are officially four parts to the role: pastoral care and welfare support for all, religious support and services, character development, and advice to command on meals and ethical matters. The effective chaplain can make a huge influence and be invaluable to a regiment, ship or airbase”.
On top of his chaplaincy duties, Mr Estherby and his wife Narelle are the senior pastors of Breakthrough Church in northern Sydney. They have four adult children together, but it was the birth of his second son Jonathan in 1992 that encouraged Mr Estherby to take up chaplaincy.
“He was born with TGV – Transposition of the Great Vessels – a heart condition in which the aorta and the pulmonary arteries are congenitally reversed. This means that without significant surgical intervention he would not have survived,” Mr Estherby explains.
This led to a series of open heart operations and a month in the intensive care unit.
“During this time we were incredibly well supported and surrounded by our faith community but it became immediately apparent that there were families who were not as well supported and, in fact, were pretty much on their own.
“I had a great sense of compassion and a desire to offer assistance and so as soon as my son was released from hospital I started volunteering as a pastoral care worker at the hospital. This led me into chaplaincy in a deeper and more engaging way.”
Mr Estherby has been a chaplain with the ADF since 2010.
“There are officially four parts to the role: pastoral care and welfare support for all, religious support and services, character development, and advice to command on meals and ethical matters. The effective chaplain can make a huge influence and be invaluable to a regiment, ship or airbase”.
With a list of requirements that applicants must meet, not just anyone can be an ADF chaplain. In order to achieve the position, you must be an ordained minister and be endorsed by a member denomination, have at least a bachelors degree in theology or ministry, have at least two years full-time pastoral ministry experience, be physically and medically fit, as well as be able to pass all the requirements of officer entry.
These requirements can present challenges for the ADF chaplain.
“Challenges include working in a ‘robust’ environment which is very different to church/parish ministry,” explains Mr Estherby.
“It is not focussed in the same way but requires a different skill-set which not everyone is able to develop. There are also extended periods away from family and support networks, hardships in where we are required to go and how we are required to get there. There are challenges in balancing life, ministry and military requirements. For full-time ADF chaplains there is the added burden of moving regularly according to defence needs and for the reserve chaplain the juggling of civilian and military requirements.”
While there are some days that taking his work home with him is hard to avoid, chaplains have to be “vigilant and purposeful in their self care,” including having regular times of rest and refreshment, professional supervision, regular debriefing and the ongoing support of colleagues.
“I have several hobbies and lots of outside interests which keep me fresh for myself and my family,” says Mr Estherby.
“Chaplains may be the only spiritual support for ADF members during difficult and challenging times. They work closely with welfare experts and providers within defence – psychologists, doctors, advocacy groups and welfare support staff all contribute to the well-being of members within the ADF”.
“These challenges are well worth it when you know that you are fulfilling the call of God upon your life”.
Mr Estherby cites the ability to bring Christ into the midst of an irreligious circumstance as a major benefit of chaplaincy with the ADF.
“Chaplains may be the only spiritual support for ADF members during difficult and challenging times. They work closely with welfare experts and providers within defence – psychologists, doctors, advocacy groups and welfare support staff all contribute to the well-being of members within the ADF”.
With thousands of men and women to support in the ADF, Mr Estherby has his work cut out for him, but finds joy in the position.
“Chaplaincy within the ADF is some of the most fulfilling and challenging ministry I have ever experienced. It is not for the faint of heart but those women and men who are willing to make themselves available for the task will find it a great source of opportunity and satisfaction.
“Chaplains are a ‘friend to all’ and a good chaplain will be well regarded and remembered for years to come”.
