What’s Happening in Army Chaplaincy
Congratulations to our Dec 2019 recipient of the 414 Award – Chaplain Robert (“Bob”) Bishop, Army’s Senior Instructor at the Defence Force Chaplains College.
Bob was suitably surprised and humbled this morning when representatives from my Chaplaincy Leadership Team (and Robyn, his wife) gate-crashed morning tea at the Chaplain Intermediate Cse and duly presented him this award.
“The award came as quite a surprise and one of the very few times in my life when I have been found wanting for words!
Army Chaplaincy – like all ministry, has it’s hard times but being present with Defence members and their families as they go through the joys, struggles and all too frequent tragedies associated with Service life and minister the grace and hope that Christ offers in the midst of all is an absolute privilege.
So to have my service so recognised with the 414 award seems akin to rewarding a child for eating their dessert!
There are so many selfless, dedicated hard working Defence Chaplains out there, some in harm’s way serving our people and our Nation that are equally deserving of recognition.”– Chaplain Bob Bishop
Chaplain Darren Jaensch presenting Bob his award 
Darren Jaensch with Bob and Robyn Bishop 
Chaplain Bishop was recognised for, amongst other things, the contribution he has made to RAAChD by exhibiting collegial leadership, modelling selfless teamwork & making an enduring contribution to chaplaincy training at the DFCC. I received multiple nominations for Bob, and I am confident that he will be perceived as a worthy recipient.
As you would be aware, the 414 award is named in recognition of the legacy of the 414 Clergypersons who served as Army Chaplains in the AIF during World War One. My Chaplaincy Leadership Team, Command reps at DFCC and others have been interested to hear about the many nominations and stories shared of Chaplains today doing great work amongst the women and men of the Australian Army, and particularly of the encouragement and appreciation of nominators for their colleagues’ efforts. I applaud this show of comradery and mutual respect. As I said last week, it demonstrates those attitudes and tendencies toward good teaming, respect and positive appreciation of each other’s’ ministries and giftings that we desire to be enduring characteristics of our Chaplains department.
Well done Bob. And well done each of you in your faithful and oft-unrecognised service and ministry.
Chaplain Darren Jaensch
Director General Chaplaincy – Army
