Written by Jason Shaw, Community Services Enabler – Nelson Diocese
“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
– Ephesians 5:1–2 (NIV)
If you’ve had the privilege of meeting Jan Northfield, you’ll know that these verses describe her perfectly. Jan has served as the Rest Home Chaplain Coordinator with deep love and quiet strength, offering spiritual care to some of the most vulnerable members of our community.
Taking over from Atje Faber, who first established the programme, Jan stepped into the coordinator role with humility and heart. When she began, there were just eight volunteer chaplains serving in rest homes across Nelson and Waimea. In just eighteen months, that number has grown to sixteen—each one trained, encouraged, and supported by Jan as she meets with them regularly, plus another five eldercare workers who attend the monthly training events.
Jan’s calling to chaplaincy was clear from the start. While studying at Bishopdale College, she sensed a pull towards rest home ministry—despite it not existing at the time. Just weeks later, Atje launched the programme and invited Jan on board. When Atje stepped back, she nominated Jan as her successor. Like Moses in Exodus 4:13, Jan initially felt unsure about stepping into leadership. But with courage and faith, she said yes—and that yes has transformed countless lives.
Jan often says that rest home chaplaincy is not about solving problems—it’s about presence. “Older people just need to know someone cares enough to sit with them and listen,” she says. That simple truth has shaped her ministry and inspired others to serve. Whether it’s a quiet visit, a prayer, or a listening ear, Jan’s team has become a vital lifeline for residents, especially when family or staff are stretched thin.
Jan’s leadership has always been marked by humility, compassion, and joy. She never imagined herself teaching or leading groups, but through this journey, God revealed a hidden passion. “He snuck me in through the back door,” Jan reflects with a smile. Her courage in embracing the unknown has left a lasting impact—not only on the residents and volunteers she has supported, but also on our wider diocesan whānau.
On 9 May, Jan will step down from her role. Though she plans to take time for herself—including returning to her other passion, amateur theatre—she’s already offered to help guide whoever picks up the mantle next. It’s just who she is.
Jan, we honour you for walking in the way of love and embodying the heart of Jesus in all you do. Your ministry has been a fragrant offering, and we thank God for the gift you’ve been to so many.
If you feel a nudge toward becoming a rest home chaplain or would simply like to find out more, please email Jason Shaw at jason@nelsonanglican.nz.
Check out other articles in the
series below.
More articles in the
series are to come.
We have invited these writers to share their experiences, ideas and opinions in the hope that these will provoke thought, challenge you to go deeper and inspire you to put your faith into action. These articles should not be taken as the official view of the Nelson Diocese on any particular matter.
Written by Jason Shaw, Community Services Enabler – Nelson Diocese
“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
– Ephesians 5:1–2 (NIV)
If you’ve had the privilege of meeting Jan Northfield, you’ll know that these verses describe her perfectly. Jan has served as the Rest Home Chaplain Coordinator with deep love and quiet strength, offering spiritual care to some of the most vulnerable members of our community.
Taking over from Atje Faber, who first established the programme, Jan stepped into the coordinator role with humility and heart. When she began, there were just eight volunteer chaplains serving in rest homes across Nelson and Waimea. In just eighteen months, that number has grown to sixteen—each one trained, encouraged, and supported by Jan as she meets with them regularly, plus another five eldercare workers who attend the monthly training events.
Jan’s calling to chaplaincy was clear from the start. While studying at Bishopdale College, she sensed a pull towards rest home ministry—despite it not existing at the time. Just weeks later, Atje launched the programme and invited Jan on board. When Atje stepped back, she nominated Jan as her successor. Like Moses in Exodus 4:13, Jan initially felt unsure about stepping into leadership. But with courage and faith, she said yes—and that yes has transformed countless lives.
Jan often says that rest home chaplaincy is not about solving problems—it’s about presence. “Older people just need to know someone cares enough to sit with them and listen,” she says. That simple truth has shaped her ministry and inspired others to serve. Whether it’s a quiet visit, a prayer, or a listening ear, Jan’s team has become a vital lifeline for residents, especially when family or staff are stretched thin.
Jan’s leadership has always been marked by humility, compassion, and joy. She never imagined herself teaching or leading groups, but through this journey, God revealed a hidden passion. “He snuck me in through the back door,” Jan reflects with a smile. Her courage in embracing the unknown has left a lasting impact—not only on the residents and volunteers she has supported, but also on our wider diocesan whānau.
On 9 May, Jan will step down from her role. Though she plans to take time for herself—including returning to her other passion, amateur theatre—she’s already offered to help guide whoever picks up the mantle next. It’s just who she is.
Jan, we honour you for walking in the way of love and embodying the heart of Jesus in all you do. Your ministry has been a fragrant offering, and we thank God for the gift you’ve been to so many.
If you feel a nudge toward becoming a rest home chaplain or would simply like to find out more, please email Jason Shaw at jason@nelsonanglican.nz.
Check out other articles in the
series below.
More articles in the
series are to come.
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