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  • From the Touchline

    Caedmon had an interesting start to life — his desire and passion didn't match his skill and ability. He wanted to sing. He wanted to recite poetry. He wanted to share in the communal musical and lyrical moments of his day. But he couldn't. Couldn't sing, he was off key. He couldn't play the harp. To his shame he would run and avoid those moments which had become a heavy embarrassment for him. What do you do when confronted with something you love, but aren't very good at it? Can God somehow transform it? Can God use you to carry His song, His message to the world, even if you're tone deaf and can't remember the words? Today, on the From

  • In many places around the world, football season has already begun, but here in the U.S. and in a few other nations, the new season is yet to begin. Just last week Major League Soccer joined the other professional leagues in the U.S., announcing a tentative start date for the 2021 season. For years, prior to the beginning of a season, as a chaplain, I have stepped forward to bless — athletes, coaches, staff, and those who are part of the game prior to the season start and to share with each of them a critical message — not just for the season ahead, but for life. Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, I look at a passage in Deuteronomy

  • I'm pleased to announce that Rod Underwood has joined the Soccer Chaplains United Board of Directors. Rod brings a wealth of soccer experience, both as a professional player and as a coach across all levels of the game. And his passion to see coaches in the game feel supported in the difficulties that they face is part of the wonderful drive and passion that Rod will bring to the group. Much of Rod's coaching, playing, and life experience can be found at his website. But to highlight a few things — Rod has coached at MLS, USL, international, and youth levels for many years. A professional player coming out of NCAA Division 1 Furman University, Rod played primarily as a forward

  • From the Touchline

    The consequences of sin are some times the thing we fear most — no it's not the confrontation or the confession — sometimes when that happens we feel lifted, lighter. It's almost a relief when the truth comes to life. However, when we have the short and long-term consequences of sin that we have to face — those things can be painful, hurtful, and we might wonder if we will ever recover My best mate, Fraser Keay, concludes the month of January with the last parts of one of his published biblical monologues. He narrates a time in King David's (Israel) life when he abused his kingly power and fell from God's grace. Today, in parts 5 and 6, we see David

  • I had the exciting privilege last week to visit on Zoom with several sports chaplains serving in Russia. The sports chaplaincy meeting featured a couple of American chaplains (including myself) sharing different chaplaincy outreach methods during this global pandemic and hearing from the Russian chaplains about the various ministry opportunities that they have had during the last year or so. One of the things that I shared as being an "adaptation" during the pandemic has been sending audio prayers to different athletes, coaches, and staff. Different than a text message or even a Zoom Bible study or meeting, being able to pray over people — whether before a match or during a difficult time — has been one of the things

  • From the Touchline

    We all need truth-tellers in our lives — you know, a person who isn't afraid to tell you like it is, ready to call you out when you start to go astray. And this can be hard — to be confronted with the truth. What is your response when that happens? Do you get defensive? Are you stoic and unwavering? Or, is there a sense of sadness and repentance when you realize you've sinned, messed up, made a mistake? My best mate, Fraser Keay, continues to share with us during the month of January through one of his published biblical monologues. He narrates a time in King David's (Israel) life when he abused his kingly power and fell from God's