Carinity chaplains from across Queensland have come together for personal, spiritual and professional development.
Five chaplains from Carinity Education schools in Townsville, Brisbane, Hervey Bay and Rockhampton recently gathered in Brisbane.
Carinity Education Southside Chaplain, Sonia Davies, said the gathering was "both a time of encouragement and time of professional development".
"What a wonderful time we had meeting together for the first time, to join with the same heart and passion to see Jesus work in and through our schools," Sonia said.
"We hit the ground running with a presentation from Steve Forward, Scripture Union National Practice and Policy Manager, where we delved into some of the biblical foundations of Chaplaincy.
"The next day, we toured Carinity Education Southside and were able to sit under the wise teaching of Janelle Tidley (Malyon College) on the topic of mental health.
"On our final day together, we were blessed by Matt Boulton who imparted some wisdom about domestic violence. We chaplains learned, laughed, and ate together, building relationships.
"We were able to share ideas, stories, pray and encourage one another. We are all excited about the next season in our schools."
Inside Out Prison Chaplaincy volunteer prison chaplains recently came together for an in-service gathering in Brisbane.
The chaplains engaged in professional development including a session with Changing Tools author, Matt Boulton, who has designed a powerful resource called Circuit Breaker.
Allen and Alicia Murray led worship for the chaplains and performed an exclusive mini-concert. Allen came to faith while in prison and now spreads the Gospel ministry while performing around Australia with his wife.
"The team-building, networking and camaraderie amongst our passionate prison chaplains was a real highlight of the gathering," said Carinity's Director of Mission, Dan Lyons.
"To see the chaplains come together and share the stories, struggles and challenges associated with this ministry was extraordinary.
"These people are literally carrying Carinity's vision, to be the hands and feet of Jesus and ministering to the most disadvantaged and marginalised in our communities."
The series of gatherings was completed when Carinity's aged care and hospital chaplains gathered for a Christmas lunch, fellowship and professional development at the organisation's Gaythorne head office.
Learn how to become a volunteer chaplain at the Inside Out Prison Chaplaincy and Carinity websites.
