Rev Newton Ndlovu - A day in the life

Ministry of Presence in the Arena

"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause;…” (Theodore Roosevelt)

Chaplaincy is a ministry of presence, which means living with and among service men and women, be it on ships, trenches or barracks. I work, interact and live with men and women in uniform day in and day out. Men and women who serve in the frontline, whose faces are marred by dust, sweat and blood and who strive valiantly by putting their lives in harms way. Sailors who spend long periods of time away from their families and loved ones in defence of our freedom, deterring the enemy and ready to fight and win if necessary. Most sailors do not practice any faith/religion, and my service is not to convert them or like what one of my bosses once said, “do not ram down your religious beliefs/convictions on anyone”. As a Christian chaplain (aka), Bish, I lead church services in accordance with my tradition, everyone is welcome to attend but no one is obligated to. "Preach the gospel and if necessary, use words"; the military chaplaincy is based on living one’s faith through actions. My ministry is to be a friend and advisor to ALL, in good times and bad. I provide pastoral care, support, religious advice, unity cohesion, defence in engagement and ethical advice. Speaking truth to power. A major part of chaplaincy is providing 1:1 pastoral support and confidentiality is the cornerstone of what we do. Sailors feel free talking to a Bish about their challenges and issues, be it to do with work, personal lives or relationships because chaplain are outside chain of command and listening to issues and supporting sailors in a non-judgemental manner, chaplaincy ministry is seen as force multiplier that enhances operational capability. As chaplains we support sailors when they want to get married, baby dedication or conduct funerals in the event of loss of loved ones.

Morale

Assessing morale among sailors, especially during deployment is part of our duties. Chaplains relate, interact and engage with sailors of all ranks, RN chaplains assume the rank of the person they are talking to, which makes it easy for the most junior to the highest rank to approach a Bish without feeling insecure. Through interaction with sailors at all levels, the Bish becomes the ear and eye that hears and sees and gauges the morale and then advise command accordingly. 

Highlights

The Royal Navy has given me immense opportunities that I had never dreamt of. In 2023 I visited eleven countries, met heads of state, had the honour of leading Remembrance service, with dignitaries from various countries in attendance, engaged in adventure training, scuba diving and sky diving, made friendships with people from all walks of life. The experiences I have had in the four years of service have helped me developed a healthy worldview, tolerance and to embrace inclusivity in manner that civilian ministry does not offer. 

Do you sense a “Call to Military Chaplaincy?” Royal Navy is a place to serve.