Archive for month: May, 2020

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Breaking New Ground

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Today, I had the privilege of presenting two sessions on sports chaplaincy to about thirty men and women interested in or whom are currently serving as sports chaplains in the country of India.

In the first session, I presented an expanded presentation of a Biblical Foundation for Sports Chaplaincy along the lines of last year’s presentation at Calvin University in Michigan. It was at the 2nd Global Congress on Sport and Christianity, where I met with delegates from India who invited me to conduct today’s training. With about 40 minutes, I was able to expand further into the study of Genesis 3 as the biblical foundation for the work of chaplaincy in sport and provide examples and illustrates along the way.

A short break and intermission allowed for us to dive into a second session, whereby I presented a reformatted version of a teaching from 2016 in which we looked at the four foundational elements of pastoral care as a framework for how one might take on the role of chaplain. The second session featured more around passages in the New Testament and a brief discussion of Saint Martin of Tours and the origins of chaplaincy. Our time flew by, but I encouraged the attendees to go away with the teaching and reflect on the Parable of the Good Samaritan.

Prior to Coronavirus, initials talks had been in place to do some form of training for soccer chaplains in India and the global pandemic and the uptick in utilizing video conferencing resources has opened some new doors and ways of thinking of how we take on different training and educational opportunities.

I look forward to seeing further opportunities open up for us and for Soccer Chaplains United!

12 Years Quarantine

From the Touchline

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 24:31 — 33.7MB)

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Right now, if you’re like me, you’re probably tired of all things Coronavirus — it can feel consuming, depressing, and more. Even as things in the U.S. begin to re-open and start to phase a return, there are likely still a lot of questions that are in your heart and mind — will school happen in the fall? Will sports resume? What will life look like on the other side?

In today’s From the Touchline episode, I want to introduce a woman to you, with that hope that from her story we might gain some encouragement and strength to persevere through this global pandemic time. We may live in different parts of the world and our governments and health officials and sports organizations may have varying responses to the pandemic, but we can learn a lot from this lady and her story.

Below are the scripture verses that read or mentioned on today’s podcast.

From the Touchline is a short-feature (usually 10-15 min) podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer. Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer).

Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd, in the Apple and Google store.

Avila Ends Term

Alex Avila recently told us that he would not seek to renew his term on the Soccer Chaplains United Board of Directors. For the past two years, Alex has been instrumental in being a guiding voice and advocate for the counseling aspects of the ministry and work of Soccer Chaplains United.

Alex steps aside as he has felt a calling to open up an innovative, coffee shop mental and spiritual health center in his local city of Castle Rock, Colorado and to pursue developing more online counseling and relationship education resources.

Alex continues to see clients and develop counseling resources through his Relationship Institute of the Rockies

I enjoyed serving alongside Brad and the passionate team he has assembled to make a difference in the lives of athletes, their families and ministry partners around the world. This Board is truly dedicated to giving people practical help and providing genuine hope when life is going well and during challenges.

Alex Avila, former member of Soccer Chaplains United Board of Directors

It was during Alex’s tenure that Soccer Chaplains United added a counselor for the Development Academy program, helped to develop the position and name a Director of Counseling for Soccer Chaplains United, and help begin a pioneering program in forming a counseling internship in the Development Academy soccer program, the first of its kind.

Alex is in the process of forming his own nonprofit organization to lead and direct the coffee shop counseling with an aim to de-stigmatize counseling and mental health help for people.

I appreciate all that Alex has brought to Soccer Chaplains United the past two years and it has been exciting to see God place a new vision and burden in his own heart. I look forward to continuing to support and partner with Alex in the future. We pray God’s best for his future endeavors and his vision to serve people in a holistic manner.

More than Keepers

From the Touchline

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 16:51 — 23.1MB)

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In the midst of Coronavirus, there is a rising divide that is becoming more and more apparent. Sides are being taken on how one ought to respond to restrictions and the pace of re-opening local, national, and global societies and economies. The divide seems to be widening as people pick sides — Democrats against Republicans, mask wearers against non-mask-wearers, social distancers against non-social distancers.

In today’s From the Touchline episode, I make a bit of a stronger exhortation and statement for people who identify as Christian. As Christians, we are called to be more than “keepers,” we are called to love. And in today’s podcast, I visit how God wants us to act and think towards one another in the midst of these trying times.

Below are the scripture verses that I read or mention throughout the podcast.

From the Touchline is a short-feature (usually 10-15 min) podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer. Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer).

Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd, in the Apple and Google store.

Community Update

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With COVID-19 stifling the world around, we wanted to provide an update on where our community projects and initiatives stand at this point.

If you’re an avid reader and follower, you will know that Valor Christian High School cancelled their trip to Costa Rica. The houses still got built, but the team that was to leave back in mid-March had to return the requested soccer gear.

We still have a fulfillment waiting for new project requestor, Musana; however, the delay with lockdown measures has meant that the containers are behind in being finished and with the country of Uganda shut down as well, there haven’t been approvals for the shipping manifesto and the soccer items that we’ve currently got waiting for them. The hope is that the containers might be completed and shipped by late summer.

In the meantime, many church partners have cancelled their international travel and missions trips. I am hoping that there will be some late year requests that will enable us to support our global and local mission work with some soccer gear, but still much remains to be seen.

Running with Wells Thompson

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:00:36 — 55.5MB)

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Part of the uniqueness of the beautiful game is the game is in constant motion. There is little stopping of play and there is a fluidity to the athletes and official that are on the field. Especially for the midfield position, there is a lot of running that goes on. Data analytics have tracked averages around 7 miles in a typical soccer match — with some players running as much as 9.5 miles in a game.

On today’s From the Touchline podcast episode, Wells Thompson is our special guest. Wells is a now-retired midfielder who played for many years — in college for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons and then for Major League Soccer professional clubs New England Revolution, Colorado Rapids, and Chicago Fire before finishing out his career with the lower division sides Charlotte Eagles and Carolina Railhawks. Wells and I visit about his time in the game and the things that he is doing since retiring, including ultra marathoning.

In his nearly 10 years of professional soccer, Wells has run a lot of miles and today we wanted to highlight Wells as he runs again for clean water in Africa. Wells is partnering with with Hydrating Humanity (a nonprofit that provides clean drinking water, hygiene education and hope to the people of Kenya and Tanzania) to raise $50,000 by running 24 hours straight on May 15th-16th. You can help by supporting his 24-HOUR RUN 4 CLEAN WATER, (click the link) or go to hydratinghumanity.org. Other ways you can help include running, walking or biking for a portion of the 24 hours and asking other people to financially support for each mile you complete! You can also, spread the word and let others know on social media and in person! 

Below are links to scripture references that are comprised within the prayer at the end of the podcast and a few other links mentioned by Wells and myself during the podcast:

From the Touchline is a short-feature (usually 10-15 min) podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer. Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer).

Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd, available in the Apple and Google store.

Ewert Features on Mindful Monday for Rapids

Soccer Chaplains United’s Director of Counseling, Brooke Ewert, recently took part in an interview series with the Colorado Rapids. With the month of May being known as Mental Health Month, the Rapids have been doing a series, entitled, Mindful Monday. The interview style stories on the website featured Brooke and others working in the field of mental health and sport. Read the interview here.

Part of the vision of Soccer Chaplains United is to work closely with counselors in order to provide necessary clinical interventions that support the whole person. While chaplains often provide spiritual help and support, there are times when it is important to refer the athletes, coaches, staff, and their family members on to a trusted counselor to help provide mental health and well-being.

You can learn more about how counseling integrates with chaplaincy, here.

White Shoes with Greg Dalby

From the Touchline

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 46:31 — 42.6MB)

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In football, there are many places where one’s career may take them — across international borders and all around the world. The shoes that we wear as we travel that journey in football (soccer) can become muddied and grimy with the difficult situations and circumstances that we walk through. It might be a failed tryout, a sketchy contract, an abusive coach, a failed relationship, a season-ending injury, a career-ending injury, or something more. In all our travels, our shoes which may have started out white, pristine and glowing (perhaps a metaphor for our hopes, dreams, and confidence) can end up being bruised, broken, and down and dirty.

On today’s From the Touchline podcast episode, I am joined by special friend and guest, Greg Dalby. Greg is First Assistant Coach with Penn State Men’s Soccer and he has played professionally in Europe and the U.S. after a successful high school and collegiate career in the game. Greg also served for many years as a board member for Soccer Chaplains United and brought wisdom and insight into how our organization might better serve the needs of athletes and coaches that are part of the beautiful game of soccer.

Below are links to scripture references and a few other links mentioned by Greg and myself during the podcast:

Another resource that wasn’t mentioned on the podcast, but may be of interest is Henri Nouwen’s book Return of the Prodigal Son. It examines the parable told by Jesus in Luke 15:11-32. It is a parable that speaks about journey and redemption. Check the book out here:

The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming, by Henri Nouwen

From the Touchline is a short-feature (usually 10-15 min) podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer. Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer).

Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd, available in the Apple and Google store.

Travis Eliason Joins Soccer Chaplains United Board of Directors

It’s my pleasure to announce that Travis Eliason, brother to current board member Geoff Eliason, has joined the Soccer Chaplains United Board of Directors. Travis brings a wealth of legal experience and knowledge as an attorney in Illinois. He is a partner with Quales and Brady, LLP and graduate of the University of Illinois College of Law. His legal specialty areas include focuses on representing lenders and other secured and unsecured creditors in bankruptcy cases and complex commercial litigation. His undergraduate studies were at Wheaton College where he played soccer on the men’s varsity team.  Travis and his skill set fill a vacancy left by former board member, Darren Dragovich, who moved on earlier this year.

When I asked him what he is looking forward to most with joining the board, Travis shared,

I am excited to be on the board because it combines two components of my life that are and continue to be important — faith and soccer. I look forward to working with the board members and my brother, too.

Travis’ life history and story include a long love and passion with soccer. He has played since a young age — AYSO all the way through college — and has also coached youth soccer. After graduating from Wheaton College, Travis spent time in Surrey, England as Youth Director at International Community Church where he used soccer to reach out to local youth.

I am excited about the opportunity to be on the board because its a type of ministry that I am familiar with and have been engaged with in the past — essentially carrying the message of the Gospel through soccer to a diverse and international community of peoples.

Travis, credits God for bringing him through many challenging times and trials,

God has brought me out of some tough spots and he has redeemed my personal and professional lives…

We are excited to have Travis as part of our Board of Directors.

If you would like to learn more about Soccer Chaplains United and opportunities to serve on our Board of Directors, please send an email to info@soccerchaplainsunited.org.

Soccer Chaplains United is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that relies on the generous support of individual donors and church partners to carry out its work of chaplaincy and counseling in soccer.

You can give a safe, secure, electronic, tax-deductible gift via PushPay by clicking the button below or by texting soccerchaplains to 77977. You can also mail a donation to Soccer Chaplains United, PO Box 102081, Denver, CO 80250.

Matt Kaufman Joins Soccer Chaplains United Board of Directors

It’s my pleasure to announce that Matt Kaufman, principal of Milliman Financial Risk Management LLC, and friend of current board member Geoff Eliason, has joined the Soccer Chaplains United Board of Directors. Matt and Geoff got to know each other and work with each when they both worked for PowerShares — an exchange-traded fund company based in Chicago.

Matt has been in the financial services field since graduating from  Cedarville University in 2004. His work has been to mainly build investment products and consult with asset managers and insurance companies.

When I asked him what he is looking forward to most with joining the board, Matt shared,

Over the last year, the Lord has been pressing on my heart to serve in a ministry. I feel that He has led me to Soccer Chaplains United combining several things that I am passionate about, namely sports and faith and ministry.

Matt played soccer as a youth, but transitioned to volleyball in high school and went on to play and coach in college, as well. Matt’s wife, Suzanne, was a collegiate player at Wright State University. To which Matt is quick to point out,

My wife is much better at soccer than me.

Today, Matt still enjoys soccer and specifically watching his children play the sport. Matt has seen God show up in his life in many special ways, which has helped him work and serve in the financial services sector for so many years with a sense of even-ness,

I can see several points in my life where the Lord specifically showed up in my life and the lives of my family (e.g., meeting my bride, being tole we would not have any children (and then having 6!), a child diagnosed with leukemia, my mother-in-law giving her life to the Lord hours before she died). These moments have marked my faith journey in a tremendous way and made me a stronger follower of Christ…

We are excited to have Matt join the Soccer Chaplains United Board of Directors.

If you would like to learn more about Soccer Chaplains United and opportunities to serve on our Board of Directors, please send an email to info@soccerchaplainsunited.org.

Soccer Chaplains United is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that relies on the generous support of individual donors and church partners to carry out its work of chaplaincy and counseling in soccer.

You can give a safe, secure, electronic, tax-deductible gift via PushPay by clicking the button below or by texting soccerchaplains to 77977. You can also mail a donation to Soccer Chaplains United, PO Box 102081, Denver, CO 80250.

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