Building Connection with Spirituality: A Conversation with Major Cheryl Kinder

“Everything we do at The Salvation Army Aged Care is underpinned by our love for God,” Major Cheryl Kinder, The Salvation Army Aged Care’s Mission and Chaplaincy Manager, says. “The Salvation Army Aged Care exists purely because its mission has a passion to care for and support people through all stages of their lives. We want to reach out and show love because of the love that Christ has shown us. That’s the reason why we do what we do.” 

The role of a Chaplain is a year-round commitment to, “provide pastoral care, spiritual and emotional support for residents, staff and their families,” explains Major Cheryl. Even for those without a faith background, the Chaplains on-site “help people feel connected and find meaning and purpose,” she says. The Chapel Services also provide another opportunity for people to find meaning, acting as a way to come together, build relationships and share in worship. “Whether they have any faith or no faith at all, all are welcome to attend Chapel at any time, or any of the services or activities that the Chaplain promotes.”  

Indeed, regardless of whether a resident has an expression of Christian faith, spirituality is nurtured by each of the Centre’s Chaplains. Major Cheryl affirms, “everyone has spirituality. Spirituality is basically what gives us life, meaning and purpose,” and therefore, every resident who comes into a Centre, undertakes a spiritual assessment with a Chaplain, to best identify and support the needs of an individual.   

“The Chaplain’s support people to find something that gives them life and purpose,” Major Cheryl notes. “It’s about being able to help them live their best life in this stage.” For some residents, this may include connecting to their cultural or linguistic background, with Major Cheryl providing an example of a Chaplain who downloads material for a resident each week in their own language and sits with them as they enjoy time together. “We’re certainly wanting to support everyone, in whatever we can, Major Cheryl states.”  

The joy experienced by residents is also shared by the Chaplains. Major Cheryl notes it is a joy, “being able to hear about the great things that are happening in each Centre. To hear the stories of the transformation of residents, or the way that we’re able to support them during different stages of their lives. Our residents have so much to share with us and it is a privilege to be able to learns from them as we support them.” 

But perhaps what residents and their families appreciate most, is always The Salvation Army’s distinct ‘onsite approach’ to Chaplaincy. This is significant for residents who may need extra support. “Many of our residents don’t have family, or anyone to support them, they see the Chaplain as someone that they feel connected to, someone they can share with and there is absolutely no judgment.” Similarly, families appreciate access to the Chaplains.  “Chaplains support families and residents during the end-of-life process when their loved ones are Palliating. This is an honour and a privilege that we don’t take lightly.”  

In the lead up to Christmas, Major Cheryl affirms the importance of a Chaplain in promoting the message of Christmas throughout Centres, offering extra services and resources and providing support during this time of year. “Certainly, the heart of all Chaplains is that they have a love for Jesus and His Ministry. Therefore, they want to share all they can with others.”