Rediscovering and Reimagining Care at SoulCare 2024

The second SoulCare conference ran from 12-13 September 2024 at the Wesley Conference Centre, Sydney. It was a transformative Conference that brought together pastoral carers, chaplains, and ministry leaders from across NSW, ACT, and beyond. This collaborative initiative—brought together by the Synod Vital Leadership Team, Chaplaincy and Pastoral Practice in Uniting, and Wesley Mission Congregation and Chaplaincy—emphasised the importance of shared learning and innovative approaches to ministry. 

With the theme “Rediscover and Reimagine Pastoral Care,” the conference focused on equipping participants with practical tools and practices in Pastoral Care, fostering a renewed energy to engage with their communities. We asked those who attended the conference to share their thoughts about the conference via a short feedback survey. Whether it was disaster relief, youth ministry, or online pastoral care, the feedback attendees provided revealed they felt empowered to take new insights back to their churches, schools, and neighbourhoods. 

What Made SoulCare 2024 Stand Out 

Participants shared how meaningful it was to be among others who share a passion for pastoral care. One chaplain attendee noted, "It was fabulous to be in a room filled with people who love doing pastoral care. For two days, I didn’t have to explain what I do—everyone just got it." 

The conference was made up of keynotes, workshops and worship sessions which provided both spiritual inspiration and practical tools. Rev. Dr Jane Leach's keynote address was frequently mentioned as a highlight: "Her keynote gave a great frame to view ministry through," said one participant. “I’ll definitely be seeking out more of her writing and insights.” 

Attendees also found value in sessions that tackled trauma-informed care. “The healing through attachment session provided me with practical language I can use during emergencies in the hospital,” remarked another participant. The diversity of topics demonstrated that pastoral care isn’t confined to one context—it meets people wherever they are, from hospitals to schools to churches; across ages and cultures. 

Engaging Discussions on Neurodiversity and Trauma 

Several attendees expressed how the Neurodiversity in Pastoral Care Panel challenged them to reflect on their practices: "We have people in our congregation who fit into this category, and this session gave me new ideas for how we can better care for them and their families." 

Mental health and inclusion were recurring themes throughout the conference, with many participants inspired to rethink how they provide pastoral care to diverse communities. There was also a focus on supporting youth and engaging with those on the margins.  "The session on pastoral care with young people was very helpful—it gave me tools to approach youth ministry with fresh ideas," one attendee shared. 

Finding Voice and Taking Action 

Rev. Dr Jane Leach built on the themes of her Keynote in “Finding Voice,” a workshop that gave participants the opportunity to reflect on their own practice.  "This workshop was fantastic. It provided resources that will shape my pastoral work moving forward," said one participant. Others echoed that the mix of spiritual reflection and practical exercises made this session especially valuable. 

Worship also played a central role in the conference, fostering moments of reflection and renewal: 
"The worship sessions were wonderful—being part of the labyrinth session especially helped me reconnect with God." 

Building a Stronger Community of Care 

The feedback from attendees reflected the community’s eagerness for more opportunities to connect and learn: 

• “I loved the networking opportunities and hearing the stories of other pastoral carers.” 

• “This conference explored many cutting-edge issues in people's lives; I hope future conferences explore more topics like dementia care and what happens when the church lets you down.” 

While some participants attended online, they appreciated the accessibility: "Thank you for making the conference accessible online—it allowed me to attend despite my circumstances."  

Looking Ahead: Continuing the Journey of Transformation 

SoulCare 2024 provided a space for learning, reflection, and connection, equipping attendees with tools to enhance their ministry practice. Participants left feeling inspired to integrate new practices into their work: "I’ll be reviewing my pastoral care practices with fresh eyes, using the ideas I gathered here to better serve my community Christ has called me to serve" shared one attendee. 

As the conference concluded, the message was clear: pastoral care is complex and challenging and sometimes misunderstood, yet a vital ministry of Christ. Those involved are committed to making a transformative difference in their communities.  

Co-directors Ben Gilmour and Graeme Tutt, with the organising committee, expressed their gratitude to all attendees, contributors and supporters, emphasising the importance of bringing together diverse voices to foster growth and support to deepening one's own practice of Pastoral Care as a vital form of discipleship and ministry. 

SoulCare 2024 was a reminder that care, love, and witness can and does transform lives by hearing ‘voice’ as we companion each other in participating in God’s conversation. 

“I loved the networking opportunities and hearing the stories of other pastoral carers.”

“This conference explored many cutting-edge issues in people's lives; I hope future conferences explore more topics like dementia care and what happens when the church lets you down.”

"It was fabulous to be in a room filled with people who love doing pastoral care. For two days, I didn’t have to explain what I do—everyone just got it."