My name is Luke Blakeley, and I have the privilege of being the School Chaplain at Balshaw’s Church of England High School (as well as also being the Youth Pastor at our partner Church, St. Andrew’s Leyland). I have been a part of the Balshaw’s Community since September 2020, and am excited about all the opportunities we have at our school to think about the biggest and most important things in life! One of the questions I often get asked by my friends and family is:
‘What is a School Chaplain?’
It’s a good question, and one for which there are many different answers! I see myself as a member of staff who is able to focus on implementing and seeking to embody our Christian ethos: “Gospel values of love, forgiveness, friendship, kindness, truth, patience, respect and humility are the foundations for decisions made in the Balshaw’s family. Our aim: to develop students, of whatever faith or worldview, who reflect Christ’s love within the wider community.”
That is a priority for all members of staff, but in my role I have particular freedom to focus on it. Most obviously, this is through our Acts of Worship, through relevantly sharing about the Christian faith in RE lessons, through leading sessions and discussions in our Christian Union group, and through bringing the school together in services of faith at our local partner Church, St Andrew’s, at significant dates throughout the year.
However, being a Chaplain is a person-focussed ministry. While the above things are the most prominent, a lot of the day-to-day work revolves around being there for people, both staff and students. This might look like quiet encouragements in our Chaplaincy, being stopped by a student on the corridor at lunch who wants to ask a question, or simply supporting our staff through the various challenges that teaching – and indeed life – brings.
So when I am asked the question, ‘What is a School Chaplain?’, the first thing I have started to say is, ‘Being a School Chaplain at Balshaw’s is a privilege.’
Opening the Bible, we are told in 1 Chronicles 16 to “declare His glory among the nations, His marvellous deeds among all peoples. For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; He is to be feared above all gods.” (1 Chronicles 16:24-25).
That is what I try to do in our school. To declare the glory of God, to love and support our students – whoever they are and whatever they believe, and to encourage them to think about the biggest things in new and engaging ways.
Yours faithfully,
Luke Blakeley,
Balshaw’s Church of England School Chaplain
Email: l.blakeley@balshaws.org.uk