Brisbane, Australia – The Redlands College well-being team recently encountered a moment of spiritual connection during a lunch break. Braiden Jackson, a 24-year-old chaplain at the K-12 Christian school, listened attentively as a student expressed frustrations about a close friend. Jackson’s role as a chaplain involves being available to students in moments like these, fostering a spiritual connection. Redlands College, associated with the Churches of Christ, has noticed that the majority of its 1,440 students do not possess a personal faith. In response, the school’s chaplains play a unique role in introducing religion to students who may have little exposure to it otherwise.
Despite the school’s affiliation with Christianity, some students remain dismissive of its faith aspects. Imogen Meyers, an 11th-grade student at Redlands, expressed her disinterest in Christian values before being baptized in 2023. Meyers admitted to not caring about chapels or Bible studies, but her perspective changed after she became a Christian. Her transformation is not unique among students at Redlands College, as the Christian population in Australia continues to decline. The national census reveals a steady increase in the no religion demographic as well.
In an effort to infuse fresh perspectives and strengthen its faith heritage, Redlands College sought government approval for a 408 visa program. This visa permits recipients to engage in full-time religious work at an institution in Australia. With specific parameters in place, the school welcomed applicants between the ages of 18 and 35 with educational or ministry-related backgrounds. They also sought recommendations from church leaders or school representatives associated with the Churches of Christ. Surprisingly, the government responded favorably, granting approval for three visas within a few months.
Redlands College has ambitions of establishing connections with Christian institutions in the United States through this visa program. Andrew Johnson, the school’s principal, expressed a desire for staff and student exchange programs with other schools and universities. The aim is to foster a global exchange of ideas and perspectives. In order to make this vision a reality, Redlands College enlisted the help of Braiden Jackson, who was deemed an ideal fit for the 408 visa due to her strong faith and authentic ministry style.
As a chaplain, Jackson works on the well-being team, offering spiritual guidance to students alongside counselors and social workers. The role involves addressing stressors both inside and outside of school, such as exams and feelings of inadequacy. Jackson uses biblical wisdom to remind students of their unique worth and purpose. Her efforts have made a significant impact, resulting in five baptisms thus far. While the results can be challenging to see, Jackson remains hopeful that the seeds she plants will flourish.
One student who has experienced this growth is Imogen Meyers. Initially uninterested in the school’s Christian emphasis, Meyers joined a student mission trip to the United States in 2023. Her motivation for going was to help people, not to explore faith. However, by the end of the trip, Meyers had a change of heart. She returned to Australia as a baptized Christian and now actively engages with the school’s Christian values. Meyers turns to Jackson and others for biblical guidance and finds that the teachings apply to her life.
Redlands College serves as a vital platform for students growing up in a post-Christian landscape. The school’s chaplaincy program, led by dedicated individuals like Braiden Jackson, ensures that biblical guidance and spirituality are integrated into students’ lives. Their efforts help foster faith, even when the surrounding culture may be dismissive or disengaged. As the Australian demographic continues to shift, the chaplaincy program at Redlands College remains committed to nurturing young faith in a post-Christian world.
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