Rob’s Music Background Opens Doors for Chaplaincy

New chaplaincy student Rob Whelan lives and breathes music, and it has connected him with people from all walks of life. He’s taken on study with SPBC this year to gather more tools to serve whoever God brings his way.

After spending most of his life in Manchester, UK¬, Rob later returned to his birth country New Zealand and, after months on the road, ended up in Wellington.

“I ran an open mic night here before I knew the Lord: It was like my old little church rally, creating a scene of lifelong friends and musical collaborations,” he says.

Seven years ago, an amazing encounter of answered prayer led him to God.

Now, he works in an inner-city music shop; performs for residents in a home for people with disability; and helps the worship ministry in several churches.

No matter where he goes, Rob finds people with a need for support.

“For the street musician community, they’re often dealing with homelessness, drug addiction and not a lot of love in their life,” says Rob.

In more mainstream areas, it’s the daily grind in an uncertain environment.

“A lot of musicians can be quite introverted and introspective: It’s hard to put themselves out there to collaborate. Add to that trying to get recognized in the world of Spotify where so much music has lost its identity and value, plus the pressure to do all the social media and admin stuff that sucks the life and passion from music… I know from experience the anxiety, loneliness, sadness, and pressure that can come.”

For the residents of the care home, it’s about bringing joy.

“Many residents are wheelchair bound and can’t walk or talk, but they react amazingly to music. I’m like a music therapist without the qualification, really,” says Rob.

“I also play covers in bars around the city which sometimes opens up one-on-one conversations with people about faith, as well as in the old folks’ homes playing old songs to bring back fond memories.”

When Rob heard about SPBC’s Certificate in Chaplaincy from close friend and previous graduate Tim Tovey, he jumped at it.

“I’m hoping it will give me new tools to help more people,” says Rob.

“To get over barriers quicker and more effectively; to have a framework that can help me with the right thing to say; and also to get better with boundaries—knowing when to say no and when to back off a bit when things are affecting me too emotionally.

“There are absolutely positions in media where you can pastor musicians. Even if I don’t walk into a career, I can still help all these guys that the Lord’s bringing me.
“God can transform anybody’s life and reach anybody. He did it for me.”

—
Inspired by Rob’s story?
Apply now to join the SPBC Certificate in Chaplaincy midyear intake. Online, part-time.