Church isn’t a building, and a congregation isn’t limited to only the people who sit in the pews on Sundays. A pastor’s flock can take many forms and every one of our Baptist pastors is unique – shaped by their individual experiences and working in a unique ministry context. And Sarah is no exception.
Ten years ago, Sarah decided she wanted to study to become a Pastor. Living in Queensland, she approached Queensland Baptist but was turned away because she was a woman. She saw three options; quit her call, change denomination or drive 500km south across the border to Tweed Heads in NSW.
Quitting her call or changing denomination were not on the table for Sarah, so she enrolled at Morling College in 2015 and began studying. In 2018 she contacted the NSW and ACT Baptist Association to discuss the process of becoming accredited.
“I expected quite a process,” recalls Sarah, “but I swear I blinked, and I was in an interview.”
The assessment was helpful and supportive, and the team accommodated Sarah’s unique situation. For Sarah, the highlight of the accreditation process was the constant support. “You just know you can reach out day or night and they’re there, it’s a safety net.”
Whilst studying, Sarah worked as Senior Chaplain for Queensland Immigration and Detention. Jenny Casey, Team Leader of Pastoral Affirmations, and the team recognised that Sarah’s methods were different to your average pastor. But so was her congregation, and her message got through to the detainees in a way that they could hear.
At her six-month review, Sarah shared about her lesson on the Armour of God in high security. She explained that she had to be creative in how she engaged detainees, particularly those in high security. She asked the group, “who’s prepared to put on the Armour of God? Today in front of everyone?”. When a detainee put their hand up Sarah breathed a sigh of relief and said, “God rewards those who follow Him,” handing him a block of chocolate.
This got everyone’s attention. But before he was allowed to eat it, he had to “put on” the armour. Including the “Boots of Peace” (repurposed plastic shopping bags), “Belt of Truth” (exercise belt), “Sheild of Faith” (made of carboard with ample pink glitter).
He put it all on enthusiastically and then took photos of himself in his new outfit.
“This guy, who’s in detention for some seriously heinous crimes, was wearing my homemade pink and glittery outfit and more than happy to share that in front of the criminals and online,” reflects Sarah.
“The process has been wonderful,” says Sarah, “there’s been support from everyone. I’ve had a really good experience through Morling and the Association. Jenny has been great in allowing me to be creative and be me.”
“You can do a two-day course and become a Chaplain,” explains Sarah, “but in the job they expect so much more from you. I’ve had five deaths in five days. I run funerals and weddings. The hoops we jump through in the accreditation process are there for a reason and I know I’ve grown so much over the process”.
Prior to working in Immigration Detention, Sarah worked for the ADF. She now works as the Senior Chaplain for NSW Ambulance and plans to return to the ADF as a Chaplain in 2025.
The Association equips and supports ministers for diverse and challenging environments, providing theological education, practical skills and spiritual formation to shepherd communities often overlooked.
“Your ministry matters. Your flock matters. Choose the path that equips you for the work God has laid on your heart,” says Sarah, “I never felt comfortable behind the pulpit. I prefer to be out in the trenches with the people and the NSW Baptist Association fully support this”.
