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Soccer Chaplains United is excited about the 3^rd Global Congress on Sport and Christianity that will be hosted by Ridley Hall Cambridge, UK between 18^th and 21^st August 2022.

The inaugural congress was held in York, England in 2016 and was the springboard for many different things for Soccer Chaplains United — including the rebranding of the ministry. The Sport.Faith.Life group has captured some highlights of the 2016 conference (photos and keynote speakers and topics) as well as the 2019 conference held at Calvin University, in Michigan (photos, videos and other highlights).

I have had the privilege of delivering some breakout presentations at each global congress including the following topics:

• Foundations of Pastoral Care: Recovering the Spirit of Chaplaincy in Professional Sport 
  • This presentation will look at the role of the chaplain, including its historical and biblical roots, making a clear distinction between sports ministers and sports chaplains, and examining the use of the historic functions of pastoral care as a way to maintain the integrity of the position and pastoral work of the chaplain within a professional sports context.
• Genesis 3: A Biblical Foundation for Chaplaincy in Sport 
  • This presentation examines theological and practical ramifications for chaplaincy originating in the Genesis 3 text. Scholars, theologians, and chaplaincy practitioners will be encouraged to reflect on and engage Genesis 3 as a more seminal and foundational biblical text from which to fully develop a more holistic framing philosophy and effective practice of chaplaincy ministry.
• Chaplaincy and Counseling in Sport: A Necessary Partnership (with Brooke Ewert)
  • This presentation will examine practical challenges in integrating chaplaincy and counseling in sports contexts from professional to youth and amateur levels. The presenters will share anecdotal work experience, learnings, and case studies in their efforts to partner chaplaincy and counseling as part of an integrative, holistic approach in providing care for the spiritual and mental health needs of those in sport.

The congress will be welcoming delegates ‘in person’ to this on-site event, with presentations from keynote speakers and contributors taking place on the 19^th, 20^th and 21^st August. Arrival will be followed by a Gala Dinner on the evening of the 18^th August and there will be ample opportunity for delegates to explore the historic city of Cambridge and beyond during the Congress.

Further details, including a full list of speakers and delegate fees, will be confirmed by the GCSC at a later time. Organizers will update people directly as they are released. Interested persons can sign up to the 3GCSC mailing list at their website. https://www.ridley.cam.ac.uk/news/3rd-global-congress-on-sport-and-christianity-3gcsc