Last week, I had the terrifying privilege of trying to change a flat tire on Southbound I-25 near Denver, CO. With each pass of a semi truck or vehicle, the wind buffeted the car while I fetched out the spare tire and jacked up the car for the first time in my memory. I needed to look at the owner’s manual to even understand where the spare tire was on the vehicle. I also think it is the first time in perhaps 15 years that I have had to change a tire and, I am thankfully still alive.
Driving to the tire shop, I arrived — discouraged with the setback, but grateful no harm and no further damage other than the tire. I sat in with the tire shop employee. We looked at the similar tires to replace with. I asked him, “When were the tires purchased?”
“May, 2012. It was with 196,000 miles on the car. How many miles do you have now?”
“295,500”
“Wow! I have never seen that. These tires are rated for 60,000 miles.”
“I think God had something to do with it,” I replied.
As I sat waiting for the tires to be put on the car, I couldn’t help but constantly give God praise. 100,000 miles. God’s faithfulness over those miles — no accidents, no scratches, and it took an I-25 bolt puncture to take down my tire and literally force me into new ones (to be honest, I feel I could have gotten through maybe one more winter with them).
I later overheard the shop sales guy telling the technician — “Can you believe this? This guy got 100k miles on these tires!”
The longer that I am on this faith journey with God, it is more and more the testimony of His faithfulness to us. Some people pray for the better job, the better home, more resources or means. But in my experience, God does this amazing thing for His people — where the treads on the tires last longer, the insurance premiums are low because the family is healthy, and more and more examples.
Now don’t get me wrong — I am not espousing a “health and wealth” gospel here. I am not saying, “If you just have enough faith…” or “If you are good enough….” But what I am saying is the ways that I have seen God be faithful to me and to my family, even in the midst of our need. It reminds me of God’s faithfulness to the people of Israel in the midst of their wilderness wanderings. In Deuteronomy 29:5, God reminds them,
During the forty years that I led you through the wilderness, your clothes did not wear out, nor did the sandals on your feet.
The Lord God, speaking to the people through Moses
I don’t wear sandals much. But, tires, well that’s a different story.
It’s not just the tires, though — I have seen God make a lot of things “last” longer for me and my family — clothing, jackets, shoes, furnaces, hot water heaters, and more. And I can’t explain it. I can’t sit here and tell you that my faith is better or stronger. I can’t say that I am less sinful. I can’t say that I am more honored by God than any one else. All I can say is, “He (God) is faithful, even when I am not. Praise be to God!”
Praise God that His faithfulness is not dependent upon my own.
Praise God that He takes care of His people.
Praise God that He is so good to me.
Praise God for 100,000 miles (and more) of faithfulness.
As I sit and reflect on the recent road trip to Michigan for the 2nd Global Congress on Sport and Christianity, it feels a lot like one of the Apostle Paul’s missionary journeys that’s recorded in the book of Acts. Among the many, many highlights was seeing so many old faces and meeting many new faces. As the family (yes, all 6 of us) headed east, we made our first stop in Olathe, KS. A couple nights with my brother and his family let us get a feel for the road and also allowed us to see my nephew, Asher, in play for Toca FC and visit with one of our chaplain candidates in the area.
Asher Kenney, left, waits for a throw-in during the second half of his club match
It was a short stop in KC and then on to Nashville, TN. We pulled into town as the sun set, but the next day saw the family tour a couple of Civil War sites related to the Battle of Franklin. The still, blood-stained wood floors of the Confederate Field Hospital at Carnton and the on-site, private graveyard were sobering reminders of America’s difficult past.
The Union HQ for the Battle of Franklin, still riddled with bullet holes.
After the day’s events, I had a chance to sit with Nashville SC Chaplain Billy Cerveny and we discussed end-of-season and upcoming MLS transitions at Franklin’s Frothy Monkey. Later that night, after a BBQ dinner, we visited with coaching staff of Nashville SC and shared many reminders and memories of the 2010 Cup Final win for the Rapids and our time together during those years. All in all, too short of a time, but a joy to have even the briefest of reunions.
Martin’s BBQ was a nice shared moment for the family.
The hills of Tennessee gave way to Cincinnati as we visited with a former Rapids player and his family. After a quick stop to see my childhood home in MI, we headed across the state for the start of the congress at Calvin University.
Gary Thomas, with the opening keynote “Every Body Matters”
The Congress, in a word, was an amazing time. I especially enjoyed some of the challenges that were put forth by several of the keynote speakers and in the breakout sessions. One such idea that captured me was Miroslav Volf’s question to attendees,
Is the glory of being better than someone else (in sport) a genuine, human good?
Miroslav Volf, 2nd Global Congress on Sport and Christianity Keynote
Volf’s philosophical and moral grappling was one of the more weighty sessions and his ideas and language around competition were difficult for many of the practitioners in the room to swallow, let alone find a ground for agreement. But I find that the differing opinions help sharpen and shape my own theology and understanding of sport and ministry.
I felt that my breakout session was wonderfully paired with a presentation given by Will Whitmore, just prior, entitled, Towards a Theology of Sports Chaplaincy. Will focused on imago dei as a foundation for consideration and my own presentation called for using Genesis 3 as a more biblical foundation for sports chaplaincy. I was encouraged to share this more seminal text and also to introduce some folks to Saint Martin and his story as key to understanding chaplaincy.
In between sessions, Soccer Chaplains United had a table and we shared more about the ministry with potentially interested chaplains, counselors, and others at the Congress
Saturday morning, Brooke Ewert and myself, co-led a session discussing the partnership of Counseling and Chaplaincy. It followed on neatly from a presentation that was encouraging chaplaincy and social work partnerships. The exciting thing is to see a growing interest in creating interdisciplinary teams of care that can come around those in sport.
Brooke and myself, on Chaplaincy and Counseling: A Necessary Partnership
The Congress wasn’t all presentations and games, though. I took advantage of being in Grand Rapids to meet with some old friends — now coaches with Calvin and Cornerstone University Men’s Soccer. Ryan Souders and I caught up for a coffee and talked about how soccer chaplaincy might become part of the soccer program at Calvin. Ryan and I go back a number of years, to the time when Ryan was a player with the Charlotte Eagles and good friend to former Colorado Rapids midfielder and board member, Greg Dalby.
Ryan and I grab a selfie in the library/coffee shop on Calvin’s campus.
Ryan was kind to invite me to share an encouraging word to the men’s soccer team as they prepared for the last couple of regular season matches. I shared on how God was David in his battles and especially how He prepared and equipped David, for the battles that were right in front of him and the ones to come.
Standing on the touchline, I share about David’s 5 stones with the Calvin University Men’s Soccer team.
I also enjoyed reconnecting with former Rapids defender, Steve Herdsman. Steve was one of the first players I had the privilege of serving as volunteer chaplain for the Rapids. He has coached Cornerstone University Men’s Soccer for a long time now. We laughed as we shared our aging stories, though Steve’s managed to keep much of his good looks and fitness! During a lunch, we began some initial talks on what chaplaincy at Cornerstone might look like. Afterwards, Steve took me on a little tour of his club that he helps lead and he showed me the first ever Goalpher soccer system which has recently been on social media.
Steve and I pose in front of the first construction of Kyle Martino’s Goalpher soccer system.
Friends, if you’re still reading, I just can’t tell you how great the entire trip was. One last exciting opportunity to share with you — during the Congress, someone from India approached me and asked to speak with me. We shared a dinner time conversation together. He is starting a Bible school and would like for us to consider coming to India and teaching and training on soccer chaplaincy! He has a number of chaplains that are just beginning to work with soccer teams in a league that they run in the southern part of India. I don’t know if and how God might make this happen, but it is exciting to see how He is opening new doors and opportunities to grow and develop serving those in the soccer community.
Our trip ended with visiting friends in the Chicago area. A lunch at Portillo’s with our two families was followed by a impromptu tour of Moody Bible Institute. I was blessed to walk the grounds of the school that was so impactful in my life. I got to show my wife and daughters one of the places that is close to my heart. Good friend, Elias Ricks and his mom and two sons were with us as we explored the MBI museum and the campus.
The Kenney and Ricks families in front of Moody’s famous arch
Our last stop before the long drive home was with some friends who recently moved to Illinois. All in all, it was a wonderful trip and we are thankful to God for the traveling mercies and safety on the road and during this long trip.
We had a great reunion with the Salia’s
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/IMG_3624-e1572545099539.jpg19201440Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2019-10-30 12:00:052019-10-31 12:09:02MI Road Trip in a Word: Massive
I am excited as the time has come for the 2nd Global Congress on Christianity and Sport at Calvin University. Next week, I will have the privilege of presenting in a session on Friday, A Biblical Foundation for Chaplaincy in Sport. In the session, I will propose that academics and practitioners develop a more foundational biblical text for chaplaincy theory and practice.
In the second session, myself and Brooke Ewert will present on the challenges of linking chaplaincy and counseling in sports. On Saturday, we will present, Chaplaincy and Counseling in Sport: A Necessary Partnership, will take place on Saturday, 10/26 (9:45-11:45 am, Eastern) as part of a 4-part presentation track. We will share about our work of serving in football (soccer) and how the chaplain and counselor can serve simultaneously and differently from one another.
It is a privilege for Soccer Chaplains United to feature as part of the many breakout sessions during the four-day event. A list of the different break out sessions is viewable here.
Please pray for Soccer Chaplains United, and the other congress attendees — whether academics or practitioners — as we work and interact to process best thinking and best practices in helping bridge the world of Christian faith and sport.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Rev-2018.jpeg484468Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2019-10-18 08:00:402019-10-17 09:10:36Breakout presentation next week
This past Sunday night, Brooke Ewert and I did some final preparations for the 2nd Global Congress on Christianity and Sport at Calvin University next week. We got our two families together for a homemade pizza dinner and threatened our children and teens to have to sit through our rehearsal. Fortunately, there were games and distractions in the basement and our spouses, unwittingly sat, listened and gave feedback for our presentation.
I asked Brooke this week how she was feeling about the Congress and some of the things she was looking forward to, she shared with me,
Rarely, are there this many people who are believers in Christ and who are interested in sports in one location. I usually feel alone because there aren’t many of us in the sports industry who have a faith-based perspective working with athletes. As I looked at the topics for break sessions and keynote speakers, I smiled and thought, ‘I’m going to be with so many likeminded individuals.’
Brooke Ewert, on attending the conference
For myself, I sometimes feel that there are several different sessions that I would like to attend and I fell torn over the different choices. As Brooke says, it’s rare to have so many ‘like-minded’ people gathered in one place, talking about faith, sport, and mental health among other topics. But this congress is about more than rubbing shoulders with like-minded people. It’s about learning and growing ourselves, as Brooke shares further,
I’m really excited to share with those in the sports industry the work Brad and I have done with Soccer Chaplains United and the Colorado Rapids, but also to learn and glean from others who are working with athletes in different ways that will help us to be more efficient or learn from ‘roads already paved.’
Brooke Ewert, on sharing about Soccer Chaplains United
While some of those listenings and learnings, for me, will be in chaplaincy, Brooke will be able to sit in on another session emphasizing counseling and mental health and well-being.
I am also excited to learn how others in the mental health field are helping athletes with mental health issues. This is a huge life passion for me and it will be encouraging to see the work being done with athletes from around the world.
Brooke Ewert, on the counseling track
Please keep Brooke and myself in thoughts and prayers for this next week.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Brooke-Ewert-HS-2015.jpg743707Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2019-10-18 08:00:002019-10-17 18:01:58Prepping for Conference
Moody Bible Institute Men’s Soccer Chaplains Pete Distler resigned last week from Soccer Chaplains United after resigning from the team earlier. Pete shared that for the past few weeks he had been in prayer about his work and role with the team. He felt as though God was calling for him to step down from his position. Pete shared with me,
After much prayer and discerning of God’s will, I am taking this step of obedience. It has been a great pleasure to spend time with you and receive your mentoring in this fascinating ministry field. Many blessings to you, fellow chaplains and the board.
Pete Distler, former chaplain to Moody Men’s Soccer
Pete was the first chaplain to serve the Moody Men’s Soccer team in school history. A search will begin in cooperation with the men’s coach Jon Forsythe for a chaplain replacement to serve in the future at Moody.
We pray that God’s will and plan be plain to Pete in the coming time and thank him for his service to Moody Bible Institute Men’s Soccer and Soccer Chaplains United.
Brooke Ewert, Director of Counseling, and myself enjoyed a time of sharing this morning around the “Breakfast Table” with our friends at AM91. Roy Hanschke and Denise Washington-Blomberg were our hosts this morning around the table and we were able to cover a number of topics including the upcoming 2nd Global Congress on Sport and Christianity at Calvin University.
In case you missed our interview today, you can listen to the compiled interview segments here (26 min long).
Thank you fro continuing to pray and support the ministry and work of Soccer Chaplains United!
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/IMG_8774.jpg14401920Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2019-10-04 14:00:202019-10-04 14:54:39Soccer Chaplains United Radio Interview
This October, with it being Pastoral Appreciation Month, we encourage supporters to “adopt” a chaplain — it might be a financial adoption, or prayer adoption — but however and whomever you might choose to “support” this month here is a little bit more on the chaplains that make up Soccer Chaplains United. #adoptachaplain
Christ Presbyterian Academy High School Boys Soccer
One of Soccer Chaplains United’s newest members, Rev Ryan Doyle is chaplain of CPA in Nashville, TN. Below are some of the ways you can “adopt” Ryan: – provide his 2020 Soccer Chaplains United membership – pray for Ryan, his wife, Lindsey, and six children – pray for his leadership of Mercy Presbyterian – pray for his teaching work with CPA – pray for his chaplaincy work with CPA Boys Soccer
Founder and Director of Soccer Chaplains United, Rev Brad Kenney, is the volunteer chaplain for the Colorado Rapids (Major League Soccer). Here are some ways to “adopt” him: – support Brad through Soccer Chaplains United – pray for Brad, his wife, Adriana, and four daughters – pray for his ministry to the Rapids organization – pray for his leadership of Soccer Chaplains United – pray for Brad’s broader work in sports chaplaincy
Pastor Rubén Rodríguez is volunteer chaplain for the Rapids DA. Here are some ways to “adopt” him: – provide his 2020 Soccer Chaplains United membership – pray for Rubén, his wife, Kayla, and two daughters – pray for his daily work with Core Contracting – pray for his pastoral work with The Sacred Grace – pray for his work with Rapids DA players and families
Pastor Kurt Trempert is volunteer chaplain for the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, in the USL – Championship (Division II). Here are some ways to “adopt” him: – provide his 2020 Soccer Chaplains United membership – pray for Kurt, his wife, Terasue, and three adult children – pray for his pastoral work with Harvest – Downtown – pray for his ministry to the Switchbacks organization
Rev Cesar Duran is developing chaplaincy opportunities in Laredo, Texas. Here are some ways to “adopt” him: – provide his 2020 Soccer Chaplains United membership – pray for Cesar, his wife, Andrea, and two children – pray for his pastoral work with Laredo First – UMC – pray for his soccer chaplaincy development work in Laredo and across the border in Mexico
Rev Greg Aydt is the volunteer chaplain for Memphis 901 FC, an expansion team in the USL – Championship (Division II). Here are some ways to “adopt” him: – help provide for his 2020 membership and/or expenses for Memphis – pray for Greg, his wife, Heather, and two children – pray for his pastoral work with Advent Presbyterian – pray for his ministry to Memphis 901 FC
Pete Distler is the volunteer chaplain for Moody Bible Institute’s Men’s Soccer. Here are some ways to “adopt” him: – help provide for his 2020 Soccer Chaplains United membership – pray for Pete, his wife, Madeline, and four adult daughters – pray for his Digital Marketing work with the Moody Bible Institute – pray for his ministry to the Men’s Soccer Team
Rev Billy Cerveny is the volunteer chaplain for Nashville SC, which is currently playing in the USL – Championship, but will become an MLS team in 2020. Here are some ways to “adopt” him: – help provide for his 2020 Soccer Chaplains United membership – pray for Billy, his wife, Charla, and two children – pray for his pastoral and counseling work through Redbird – pray for his ministry to the Nashville SC organization
Rev Ricardo Orellana serves Soccer Chaplains United by translating materials from English to Spanish. Here are some ways to “adopt” him: – help provide for his 2020 Soccer Chaplains United membership – pray for Ricardo, his wife, Sonia, and their five adult children – pray for his pastoral, teaching, and counseling work – pray for his ministry to Soccer Chaplains United
One of Soccer Chaplains United’s newest volunteer chaplains is Christina Garber, with the National Women’s Soccer League team, Portland Thorns. Here are some ways to “adopt” her: – help provide for her 2020 Soccer Chaplains United membership – pray for Christina, husband, Andy, and three children – pray for her work through CRU City – pray for her ministry to the players and staff of the Portland Thorns organization
Ben Dudley is the volunteer, co-chaplain with the Portland Timbers (Major League Soccer). Here are some ways to “adopt” him: – help provide for his 2020 Soccer Chaplains United membership – pray for Ben, his wife, Jamie, and two boys – pray for Ben’s daily work with Positive Coaching Alliance – pray for his ministry to the Portland Timbers organization
Troy Ready is volunteer, co-chaplain with the Portland Timbers (Major League Soccer). Here are some ways to “adopt” him: – help provide for his 2020 Soccer Chaplains United membership – pray for Troy, his wife, Jenny, and three boys – pray for Troy’s coaching work with Warner Pacific College – pray for his ministry work with Frontier Missions – pray for his ministry to the Portland Timbers organization
Rev Isidro Piña is volunteer chaplain with the Toros in McAllen, Texas. Here are some ways to “adopt” him: – help provide for his 2020 Soccer Chaplains United membership – pray for Isidro, his wife, Blanca, two adult children and one grandson – pray for Isidro’s pastoral work with El Buen Pastor UMC – pray for his ministry to the RGV Toros FC organization
Kim Beach is our newest member with Soccer Chaplains United. She is the volunteer chaplain with Trinity International University Men’s Soccer. Here are some ways to “adopt” her: – help provide for her 2020 Soccer Chaplains United membership – pray for Kim, her husband, David, and two adult children – pray for her ministry to Trinity International University’s Men’s Team
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/59350568_10155797700987574_2791563721166553088_n.jpg480640Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2019-10-01 10:00:432019-10-03 13:03:32Adopt A Chaplain for October
At just 35 years old, Colin’s death shocked many. He grew up in Fort Collins playing soccer and played for the Rapids, Houston Dynamo, and Los Angeles Galaxy and had one appearance for the US Men’s National Team. He also coached many youth teams in the Colorado area after retiring from professional soccer.
The recorded service is viewable below. I had the privilege of leading and speaking at several different points in the service. The actual service begins at around 17:20 minute mark with a looping slideshow that precedes the service.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Colin-Clark-1-750x375.jpg375750Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2019-09-25 08:00:392021-05-11 13:00:59Colin Clark Memorial Service
We’re just one month away from the 2nd Global Congress on Christianity and Sport at Calvin University (formerly Calvin College) in Grand Rapids, MI. Soccer Chaplains United will feature in two of the many breakout sessions during the four-day event. A list of the different break out sessions is viewable here.
The first session, A Biblical Foundation for Chaplaincy in Sport will take place on Friday, 10/25 (12:30-2:00 pm, Eastern). In this session, I will propose a different starting point for considering chaplaincy and sports chaplaincy from a biblical framework. Currently, there is not an article being published, but hopefully there will be something to add into the library of sports chaplaincy at some point.
The second session, entitled, Chaplaincy and Counseling in Sport: A Necessary Partnership, will take place on Saturday, 10/26 (9:45-11:45 am, Eastern) as part of a 4-part presentation track entitled “Chaplaincy and Resources.” Myself and Brooke Ewert will present on the challenges of linking chaplaincy and counseling in sports. We will share about our work of serving in football (soccer) and how the chaplain and counselor can serve simultaneously and differently from one another.
Please pray for Soccer Chaplains United, and the other congress attendees — whether academics or practitioners — as we work and interact to process best thinking and best practices in helping bridge the world of Christian faith and sport.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Miroslav_Volf.jpg600400Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2019-09-24 12:00:062019-09-24 13:37:53Congress Breakouts Announced
Former Colorado Rapids Midfielder, Colin Clark, died on Monday morning of a heart attack. At just 35 years old, Colin’s death has come as a shock to many. The left-footed midfielder grew up in Fort Collins playing soccer and played for the Rapids, Houston Dynamo, and Los Angeles Galaxy and had one appearance for the US Men’s National Team.
A date and time has been set for his memorial service.
Wednesday, September 18 at 7:00 PM at Dick’s Sporting Good’s Park.
Family, friends, and the soccer community are invited to attend and pay their respects during this time. More details to follow.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Colin-Clark-1-750x375.jpg375750Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2019-08-30 12:00:152021-05-11 13:01:12Colin Clark Memorial Service
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