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From the Rev: Waiting in the Wings

In 11 seasons of serving as team chaplain, and three seasons in media relations with the Colorado Rapids, I feel like I have “seen it all.” In those years, there have been many highs and many lows, that I have had the sacred privilege and honor of observing and participating in. But, there is perhaps no greater place of tension as a chaplain than ministering to those who are “waiting in the wings.” Every professional team has them – those players who work tirelessly (sometimes even harder than the starters) to gain a starting position. And in no other sport is it more difficult to get a chance than for those who fill out the reserve squad for a football (soccer) team’s roster.

Consider this: a National Football League team has 53 players. There are 11 on the field at a time – and usually there is little duality of roles (i.e. offensive players and defensive players do not mix). The resulting 22 “starters” leave another 31 on the sidelines, but there tend to be many ways for players to have specific roles (special teams, etc.) with an NFL team and are still able to play and contribute. There is no limit to the number of substitutions that can be made during an NFL game- only to the amount of players (46) that can dress on game day. So potentially, there are seven players that may not see action on game day. Statistically speaking, 13% of your roster that you have to try and keep satisfied, motivated.

A National Basketball Association team can have 15 players signed and practicing with a team, but can only dress 12 for an NBA game. There are five players on the hardwood for a team at a time, unlimited substitutions and flexibility of roles within a team make for the chances of each player being able to get some time playing the professional game that they are passionate about. The three players that do not dress, equals 20% of a ‘roster’ though the NBA is similar to the NFL in that they often designate these players as “practice squad” players.

The National Hockey League is similar to the NBA, but with more players on the roster. 23 players can be with the club, but 20 (18 skaters and 2 goaltenders) are dressed for gameday. The speed and pace of the game means that there are many substitutions (again, unlimited) and the 6 players (5 skaters and 1 goaltender) on the ice at a time allow for full participation of players in the game (coaching decisions, penalties, and situational circumstances aside). The three players excluded from game day represents 13% of the roster – again, keeping these players fit, motivated, and satisfied represent a challenge for the coaching staff.

Major League Baseball has a different system. There are 25 players on an active roster (an additional 15 players are on an expanded roster which has injured players or farm team players). With 9 players on the field at a time (the American league has an additional player hitting for the pitcher) there are unlimited amount of substitutions that can be made, but there is a limit to this as many of the roles in baseball are situational. Teams carry different loads of positional player to pitcher ratios (usually 12 pitchers and 13 positional players on an active roster) but if we merely look at the game-day roster of 23 and assume that there are 13 position players that could be substituted for 8 positions (excluding the pitcher) this leaves 5 that may not see game time (not including situational pitchers). But the sheer number of games in MLB (162) means there is plenty of opportunity for players to play. So, roughly, 22% of a MLB team waits in the wings.

Major League Soccer teams carry rosters of 30 (with some exceptions). Of this number, 18 dress for 11 positions on the pitch (field). However, competition rules limit the number of substitutions to 3 players. This means that in any given game (34 league games in a season) at most 14 players can compete. Games are timed (like in football, basketball, hockey) but there is no stoppage of the clock. 90 minutes for 14 players out of 30 means that more than half of your team is not seeing a minute of playing time (limited as it is) and among professional sports leagues, only the NFL has fewer games than MLS. 50% is a large number of individuals on a team to try and keep satisfied, motivated, and fit. And, so, when a player gets a chance in soccer, they have to make the most of it. 

As a chaplain, here is the rub – we support the players starters, subs, and reserves without reservation. But the competition and drive and desire to gain that position is a difficult place to minister. To encourage the younger player, to support the incumbent, to be received well by both can be one of the most challenging parts (if not the most) of my work. The fatal tendency for a chaplain can be to fall to one of two extremes: either gravitation toward the starters for their profile and fame or gravitation toward the reserves because of their openness and hunger for any and all support. There is a balance to be struck, I believe, but it is one of those heart-wrenching places for a chaplain because we want to see the team do well and individuals do well and succeed, too. And, so many times, I find myself saying an extra prayer for those “waiting in the wings,” that God would give them encouragement, strength, discipline, and patience.

Blessings,

Rev. Brad Kenney

 

From the Rev: The Beckham Affect

When David Beckham first stepped foot on American soil to play for Major League Soccer, there was a division of opinion. Some said Beckham was merely the latest in a long line of world-renown footballers, past their prime, looking to make a last stab at financial gain before retirement. There were other pundits who claimed that soccer had officially made it in America and that the Beckham brand would forever change the American landscape and attitude toward a sport with a sketchy history of attraction in the U.S.A. Now, five years later, the jury may still be out on many points of the argument but there is at least one thing (there are more) from this chaplains perspective that Beckham’s arrival did for Major League Soccer. I call it “The Beckham Affect.”

Perhaps a common fan would not have paid too much notice to some of the differences of Beckham’s arrival, and to be sure the changes are minimal considering where Beckham has played before and his popularity (truly, public obsession) in other parts of the world, but after being around MLS for the last 14 years the changes were a bit more obvious. There are  changes that accompany “The Beckham Affect.”

Change #1 – Tighter Security – With David Beckham walking your hallways, post-game, there was a visible change in the amount of security agents that worked MLS games. Some were uniformed, contracted off-duty officers, some were plains clothes but there were additional people brought in to make sure that there was a safe environment for the players. Additionally, people around the clubs and organizations who were “volunteer” were scrutinized heavily and many did not make the cut. To my knowledge, this had some impact on team chaplains who had been in place for several years – suddenly, they were on the outside looking in as “non-essential” people were not give the same accessibility to players, coaches, and staff.

Change #2 – Legitimacy – Beckham’s first few years were a mix of success and failure – at one point there was heavy criticism for the amount of money he was being paid for the number of minutes he was on the field and producing seemingly little results. However, last year’s MLS Cup Final win over Houston and Beckham’s subsequent return and renewed contract may have stemmed the tide of opinion against him. Beckham’s presence, though, did open the door for other, high-profile players to come and ply their trade in MLS. Although some still may view MLS as a pre-retirement destination, the league has grown in popularity and legitimacy in the years that Beckham has been in the league and looks to continue to grow in an upward trend.

Change #3 – Money – Beckham is an oft-critisized personality. Some have made fun of his seemingly un-sharp comments at times, but he has a lot of respect in terms of his personal branding and marketing. MLS has benefitted from the Beckham brand – a healthy and in-form Beckham is sure to help the local team sell out for the LA Galaxy game when the Beckham show hits the road and this means people in the seats to see the world-famous star. General Managers like to have their stadiums fill to capacity.

I will leave it to the experts to decide whether “The Beckham Affect” has been good for the league. It may take a few years or more after Beckham’s eventual retirement to make such a decision, but talks of Beckham buying into the league and owning a team may mean that the world-famous athlete decides to put a bigger imprint and legacy on the “New World” soccer league, as it were. But let me give one other consideration for your thoughts – the reverse of “The Beckham Affect.”

While we can speculate about how David Beckham has impacted MLS and the North American soccer scene, there is something telling in the decision this offseason to stay with the LA Galaxy and keep his family in the US. I have heard from many football players and coaches down through the years that the US is a great place to raise a family – and this attraction and appeal seemed to weigh heavily upon the Beckham’s decision according to many different sources. And for those of you who know about chaplaincy and our work around professionals, this might be a great opportunity – to influence a world influencer and his family. To care for them, in a way perhaps they have never have experienced in any other club on the planet. As chaplains, we can only continue to work hard to effect “The Beckham Affect.”

Blessings,

Rev. Brad Kenney

From the Rev: Mulling over Mullan

As I watched this afternoon’s match up between the Colorado Rapids and the Seattle Sounders, there was one thing on my mind: Brian Mullan. Many are aware of the controversy surrounding Mullan and the Sounders’ Steve Zakuani whose leg was broken in a tackle last April. Zakuani has been rehabbing and recovering and was relegated to watching today’s match from a players box suite in a suit and tie. Mullan, who did not speak with media before the match, shared briefly after the game a few comments.

In the hours immediately following last April’s injury, Zakuani was at risk and needed surgery immediately to relieve pain and pressure from the break. I know many on the Sounders were holding their breath – this was their prized draftee and a promising young player; career, even life seemed to hang in the balance. Mullan had no idea of the extent of the injuries until the game was finished and he was heading home.

For those that know Mullan, he’s a wily veteran with an extensive playing career, but ‘dirty player’ is not a title that would be used in the same sentence for one of two players in the league to have earned five championship rings.  He joined the Rapids to help them win the coveted Major League Soccer Cup, and that he did in his first year with the club.

The ensuing fine ($5,000) and disciplinary action (additional 9-game ban) in 2011 after the tackle and injury was reviewed by committee, was one the largest to be handed out in MLS history. But the sobering piece for Mullan was not so much the money or the suspension (which he did not appeal), but the extent of Zakuani’s injury and the vitriolic nature of the fans and media that were calling for Mullan’s “head,” so-to-speak. He issued multiple apologies and you can read more of the original story here. But, despite the efforts taken, it seemed as though it all might be too much for the quiet-natured Mullan.

Fast forward to today, the return trip to Seattle and one of the most difficult places to play in the league – but when 38,000 fans are ‘booing’ you every time you touch the ball, it can seem a lot more. I did feel that the fans were professional enough – any team will ‘boo’ the villan. I was wondering if there would be more pugilistic kinds of threats or danger toward Mullan, but it seems that the game went without incident in any sort of regard to that direction – although there will always be extreme fans or media members that say and do extreme things for attention or that cannot fully understand all the principles that come into play around such things. Professional players do not live in a reality similar to our own and media members and fans are often disillusioned about the lives of pro athletes.

Zakuani, for his part, has not only been professional and even forgiving – something that I think would be hard for anyone given the drastic nature of the injury. But Zakauni is known for his Christian faith, and so it is really great to see that thread of forgiveness present in his life – not just a lip-sync, but a true action. Zakuani’s attitude deserves praise as a testament to faith in a modern-day context.

Personally, though, there is some disappointment for me as the Rapids team chaplain. Perhaps I am too idealistic. Perhaps I am too romantic. Perhaps my desire for the beautiful, storybook ending just isn’t to be hoped for. I had imagined Brian Mullan walking over to Steve Zakuani at midfield, with the entire of Seattle watching as the two shook hands, hugged, and forgiveness and grace at center stage with tears and confetti while the Sounders faithful sang a new hymn of football reconciliation. But such things were not to be today – but maybe another day. We can only hope and pray.

Blessings,

Rev. Brad Kenney

From the Rev: Beautiful are the Feet

A Wall Street Journal editorial written in 2009 by Steven H. Webb Professor of Religion and Philosophy at Wabash College proclaimed “Soccer is Ruining America.” Webb’s claim? That “American energy, drive, and competitiveness are being undermined to the point of no return” by the global sport that “is a foreign invasion.” Amongst the arguments against the deprivation of soccer in America, was one that I find curious enough to comment on as it was listed as the first point of argument in his article and also included references to God and the Christian faith. I have included the paragraph for context below:

Excerpt from "Soccer is Ruining America" WSJ, March 12, 2009

 Now, admittedly there is a degree of sarcasm and perhaps some dry, academic humor from which the author is speaking. The relevancy of this article and its recent resurgence in the public square – it was originally published three years ago, but has comments (albeit few) that are as recent as minutes ago – might be debated since soccer in the United States has grown exponentially since then; however, I want to address some theological deficiency within Mr. Webb’s opening point (or cheap shot as some have suggested). Essentially, Webb’s deprecation of the feet is not quite the biblical response as Webb might want one to expect or believe.

First, the apostle Paul wisely points out the importance of unity in the body and names the feet specifically in his example. From I Corinthians 12:21-26 (NIV, 1984) –

21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!”22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

 Eugene Peterson’s paraphrase version, The Message frames it this way –

 Can you imagine Eye telling Hand, “Get lost; I don’t need you”? Or, Head telling Foot, “You’re fired; your job has been phased out”? As a matter of fact, in practice it works the other way—the “lower” the part, the more basic, and therefore necessary. You can live without an eye, for instance, but not without a stomach. When it’s a part of your own body you are concerned with, it makes no difference whether the part is visible or clothed, higher or lower. You give it dignity and honor just as it is, without comparisons. If anything, you have more concern for the lower parts than the higher. If you had to choose, wouldn’t you prefer good digestion to full-bodied hair? 25-26The way God designed our bodies is a model for understanding our lives together as a church: every part dependent on every other part, the parts we mention and the parts we don’t, the parts we see and the parts we don’t. If one part hurts, every other part is involved in the hurt, and in the healing. If one part flourishes, every other part enters into the exuberance.

There is value, honor for the feet as opposed to Webb’s supposition that the feet are some what “lesser” of a body part. In fact, Webb’s oversimplification of hands vs. feet might lend plausibility to the argument that soccer (or football as it is also known by) is a more demanding sport because of the difficulty and limitation that players use (primarily) their feet. Soccer aficionados also are quick to point out that American Football (or the NFL) rarely uses the feet and might better be called ‘handball.’ But, I digress.

A second point to add, Webb has failed to mention the blessedness or beauty of the feet, especially as it is found in the Bible. The Hebrew prophet Isaiah writes:

 7 How beautiful on the mountains
are the feet of those who bring good news,
who proclaim peace,
who bring good tidings,
who proclaim salvation,
who say to Zion,
“Your God reigns!”

The feet of the herald are declared beautiful (נָאָה). Isaiah isn’t the only one declaring the beauty of the feet – Nahum gives an anticipatory word of hope for the feet of the messenger (Nahum 1:15); Paul echos the words of Isaiah in Romans 10:15 using the Greek word ὡραῖος (hōraios) which speaks of a beauty that may only lasts in this world, but has an inherent timeliness in its beauty.

Finally, we see that the feet are the direct contact point for one’s stability – Christian believers are urged to ‘stand firm’ (Ephesians 6) and Paul’s words suggest battle. The implications being that the feet represent the staying and foundational power against an onslaught of foes. What does this have to do with soccer? Well, perhaps few games other than soccer have the ability to remind us that we cannot live life on our own – we need community and others around us who are supporting us, working alongside of us. Too, the fluidity of the game of soccer is much more like life – there are movements forward and backward, positive and negative, but the game continues to go (like life) there are few pauses or breaks – time continues to tick down to the inevitable end.

For those rankled by Webb’s comments – on God or soccer – don’t suffer him too much grief or attention – for he exists within a shrinking minority who do not realize that the Beautiful Game is played, watched, and adored by those of whom it might be said “beautiful are the feet.”

Blessings,

Rev. Brad Kenney

From the Rev: All Access

One of my best friends serves as youth pastor in Cardiff, Wales. He loves the image of the ‘All Access’ credential I wear around my neck at the stadium on match day. From the earliest days of my work with the Colorado Rapids, the badge around my neck has given me the chance to move freely – whether into the locker room or on to the pitch, into the stadium boxes and stands, or into the most obscure hallways and stairways. Even when the team played at Mile High Stadium and Invesco Field, as well as its current location at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park – there have been few doors that have been shut and inaccessible – an amazing sign of God’s mercy and grace.

At times it can feel like the gates are being welded shut against a chaplain.

Not all chaplains, though, in Major League Soccer have such access. In fact, CrossTraining’s ministry to the Portland Timbers is such a location. There, few doors are open to the work that Timbers Chaplain Ben Dudley is doing with players and staff – meetings are held off-site, a season ticket is purchased in order for Ben to be present at matches, and there is no credential; no open door. The work in Portland is tough. It is different, even difficult, and can be discouraging.

‘All Access’ – this can be part of your prayers for CrossTraining Portland and our work with the Timbers. How do the doors open? Usually, through relationship. Of the chaplains around the league who have access similar to that of CrossTraining Colorado, much of the access happens from being in relationships with people who make decisions – whether a head coach, an administrator, owner – these have sway over what happens (and does not happen) in the locker rooms and team facilities around the league. Many relationships rely heavily upon a person’s understanding of what a chaplain is and what a chaplain does and this makes continual education and relationship building a priority for those who choose to minister to professional teams.

 

This CGI rendering of the veil in the Jewish temple shows the monstrosity and what could only be the work of God to rip the barrier which separated man from God (what was known as the Holy of Holies) into two pieces.

Of course, the metaphor of ‘All Access’ is one that is not lost on Christians – several texts in scripture speak to the access that is granted to those who believe and have faith in Jesus. Romans 5:1-2, Ephesians 2:17-18, and Hebrews 10:19-22 all speak to the access to God and His grace and the reconciliation that occurs as a result of the sacrifice that Jesus made in going to the cross, dying a gruesome death, and being raised to life three days later. This ‘All Access’ pass that we have available to us is not merely about getting a peek behind the proverbial curtain of religion or spirituality – it is about having access to God, Himself and of being able to be in reconciled relationship with Him.

This first day after Easter, I hope that you have an ‘All Access’ credential to God – it is simple and easy to obtain – this gift of God is available through faith. It came at a great price – the death of Jesus. Do you know him?

Blessings,

Rev. Brad Kenney

From the Rev: Just Fools

Sometimes being a fool means serving in little ways - here I am helping collect stray soccer balls for the Colorado Rapids before MLS Cup 2010 - suit, tie, dress shoes, and all.

It’s probably a feeling and phrase that I have felt an innumerable amount of times as I visited the stadium or training grounds. It’s like a bad voice in my head that won’t go away. It feels condemning at times.

“You’re a fool.”

If you are reading this and have worked in any capacity as a chaplain before (whether professional sports, healthcare, or military) there are times when you cannot help but feel overwhelmed. The people, institutions, and organizations where a chaplain ministers can unknowingly and unwittingly contribute to the frustrating sense that is all to common to a chaplains experience.

During my years as a hospice chaplain, it was easy to feel the fool while in the midst of interdisciplinary team meetings as doctors and clinicians spouted out acronyms and alphabet soups and medicinal side effects like living medical dictionaries. The smart chaplains learned what the major medications were called and what impacts they had on patients – or they learned to feign indifference. But, it was overwhelming, nonetheless, as there seemed to be an expectation that chaplains should understand medicine like doctors understand spirituality – not that doctors necessarily do, but some believe spirituality isn’t as hard to grasp or understand.

There is little difference for the professional sports chaplain – although ‘professional’ may be misleading as it tends to condition the type of sport, and not the type of chaplain. For the sports chaplain there is a lot of waiting – waiting for a training session to be finish, waiting for a player to complete a treatment, waiting for a game or match to begin, waiting for a season to start anew, and more. It’s during these times when a chaplain, if not extremely careful and intentional, can feel the fool.

“What am I doing here?” “This is such a waste of time.” “Am I making a difference at all?”  “Does anybody, except me, care?”

The difficult truth maybe is in the answer to that last question – “No, nobody cares … save One.”

But that is why we are here – we are here because God cares. And He calls chaplains (really all of us) to be fools for it; to be fools that care about, fools that love, fools that serve others. Happy April Fool’s Day.

Blessings,

Rev. Brad Kenney

From the Rev: Waiting for…

It’s that thing that I wait for at the beginning of every season – I wonder how many sports participants, fans, and even the casual observer wait for it too. I liken it to getting a new car and pulling out onto the road there is so much joy and anticipation, but in the back of your mind something lingers. Something isn’t right…

Then it happens – the first rock chip, scratch, dent, or ding on the new car. No! It’s almost like we can’t believe what has just happened – perfection ruined, buyers remorse,

“What have I done?” “Can we start over? How could I have avoided that?”

Many times that is the feeling that surrounds that first damage to the car and the first team loss of the year.

The New York Red Bulls held the Colorado Rapids to a goal and ended up wining 4-1.

Until it comes, anything is possible: championships, trophies, awards, accolades, galore.

When it comes, it is almost like there is a huge relief of pressure. “Okay, we are human.”

 

Herein exists the tension – we desire perfection, but if we desire it too strongly it will dominate and master us until we are driven insane. On the flip side, we can become despondent when realizing that perfection cannot be attained and, so, what’s the use of trying? So what remains – how do we exit, how do we dwell in the tension of striving for perfection?

I find comfort in the words of Apostle Paul to the church in Colosse:

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.”  (Colossians 3:23-24)

Imagine – if we work as though we are working for God, and we leave the results in His hands, we will not only give of our best, but we will receive something that is lasting and of value – an inheritance.

When the Colorado Rapids went on to win the MLS Cup championship in 2010, the first loss of the season came in the third game of the year – had the team stopped and fretted over missing the mark of perfection they wouldn’t have gone on to achieve what they did. However, if they had given up, if they had stopped striving and working (for even a moment), they also wouldn’t have gone on to win the final game.

So let’s be thankful – for first losses and all that come with them. May we continue to do and give our best in service to God.

Blessings,

Rev. Brad Kenney

From the Rev: Reflections on Racism

Downtown Detroit might look bright and shiny, but the streets are dark and despairing

As I prepare to head into the training ground, today, and speak with the players about the issue of racism. I have been reflecting on my own journey and wrestle with attitudes of racism and prejudice. Growing up near Detroit, Michigan through my teenage years, I wasn’t sheltered from issues of race and prejudice. I still can remember driving through the inner city and seeing two homeless men – one white, one black fighting each other. One taking a lead pipe and threatening the other over a blanket and shopping cart – whom stole from whom, I couldn’t tell. My small, private school was near the suburb of Pontiac which had a large community of African-American people and while not a majority of the student body by any means, it was the most exposure I had ever had to another ethnic group. It was during those years, I fell in love with Black Gospel music. The passion, energy, the way the choral parts could be distinctly heard and the way I felt the Spirit move, drew me in and I loved the deep, moving words and rhythms expressed (I would, later for the college radio station, go on to host a Black Gospel music program). I can’t say at this point, I had any really close friends that were from a different ethnicity – my closest friends still hailed from the Anglo people. But, I didn’t have prejudiced attitudes – or at least so I thought.

I moved from Michigan to Colorado just before my senior of high school – I confess it was a bit of a blur. Attending two high schools in your senior year is not on my list of life recommendations, but if there was any diversity to be had in Colorado it would be more along the lines of Hispanic, but it was difficult to make friends for me in such short amounts of time. My only recollection of the race issue coming up that year was in our church youth group – which was milky white, and had no people different from me. Our youth pastor at the time brought up the issue of race and how we ought to love others as ourselves. I remember making a comment about how some of my “black” friends that I had grown up with in Detroit felt about how people treated them. A peer criticized me – saying that my “black” reference was racist and that “they prefer to be called African-American.” Another student rose to my defense, but one could see the lines of confusion even amongst the student youth at our church.

I started college in the city – the University of Colorado-Denver. One of my fellow classmates that I loved spending time with (his name was Michael) we would debate the merits of socialism and whether it was better to be a Republican or Democrat. Michael was African-American, but we lived in different worlds – I bused in from suburbia and he lived in a motel along Colfax. I transferred to Moody Bible Institute the following year.

A resident of Cabrini Green before it was leveled

Not knowing much about it – its location in downtown Chicago and bordered by the Cabrini Green Housing Projects – put some fear in the heart of my mother, but I was just excited to be in the city. There was a vibrancy and life that came from being there. As far as the projects – we could hear gunshots sometimes at night, but the saying was, “If you are white and in Cabrini Green you are either an undercover cop (and we know who they are) or you are a Moody Student coming to pick up your little brother or little sister through the school’s outreach program. Here, at Moody, I also got to live out some of my love, joining the campus Black Gospel choir – I was a white boy swaying and clapping (many times off beat) to the rhythms and songs I had grown to love years before.

Dante Upshaw - EFCA Director of African-American Ministries

But it was while I was at Moody that I was confronted (and rightfully so) with the true nature of my prejudice attitudes. It was a small meeting of several students on campus – some folks from the choir had invited me to attend. A couple of African-American students were looking to put together a chapel presentation on racism. What was supposed to be a planning and idea meeting turned into something very different. I recall one of the students (who would later go on to become one of my dearest friends), Dante Upshaw, speaking with such power and conviction – asked us to examine our own attitudes that might be considered prejudice – even at this Christian campus amongst people that believed in God as I did. As I thought about his question, a moment came to my mind – I shared a moment in the gym a week before. I had been shooting hoops when another student came in with his little brother from Cabrini Green – I had left some personal things (a jacket, wallet, keys) at the other end of the gym. I stopped what I was doing and walked over trying to inconspicuously collect my things and take them to the other side of the gym. I remember thinking in my mind, “This kid might steal my stuff…I better move it.”

Moody's campus (seen from the John Hancock tower) is sandwiched in the middle of the city (brown brick bldg at left edge of picture is the men's dorm) - a buffer from the Magnificent Mile of Michigan Avenue and the housing projects of Cabrini Green (now row homes at top of photo)

I forget where my sharing of that story occurred in the process of the meeting, but I remember that the meeting changed soon after that – there were some tense moments as I defended myself and another student challenged me. There were other students – on all sides of the ethnic divide – sharing their own stories. An American Indian describing how people ignored him or made fun of the way he looked. A Latino girl angry about how others treated her. A white person mad because he felt that there was reverse prejudice imposed on him. And on and on it went. There were tears, apologies, confrontation and a lot more. At the end of our time (I think we went on for a couple hours) we had done no planning or talking about taking the issue of racism and prejudice to the student body, but we had lived something out. Dante picked up on this, “This is it – we take this, what just happened here” in all of its ugliness and strange beauty we decided to recreate what had just happened for the student body. Tearing Down the Walls – the name of our program. We didn’t need to rehearse any lines – because we had been living out the lines in our everyday lives.

Well, I may have already gone on too long in this post, but I would hope that someone could look at my life and say “He changed. He’s different, today.” I still have some reservations and difficulties at times. The issues seem somewhat different and yet somewhat the same today – whether it is about immigration issues or older forms of racism and prejudice. I confess that I am not some great ambassador or example of inter-racial relations. But I do value people of different ethnicity and culture. I still make mistakes, but I pray God keep perfecting me. And in this, I hope that the players today that I speak with will listen and receive and put attention to the ways in which their own prejudices might play out. And, for the Christians, I hope that they trust in the power of God to change the way they think, act, treat, and even love one another. For it is when we love God and others, as ourselves, that we really begin to fight the fight against racism.

Blessings,

Rev. Brad Kenney

Prayers for Muamba

As a chaplain in professional sport, it is so disturbing to see athletes injured, and especially when one collapses or even suffers death in the midst of competition. Saturday’s incident where Fabrice Muamba of the Bolton Wanderers of the EPL (English Premier League) collapsed and suffered a heart attack during an FA Cup match, was one of those shaking moments for all – players, coaches, officials, and fans to see. As I reflect on the trauma (the match was abandoned) caused, I am reminded of the fragility of life and how much more pronounced that tenuous space feels when we watch one of the best fall – these are the ones who are in the prime of life, the peak of physical performance and conditioning – if they fall, then the hope that we often put in our physical fitness seems that much more diminishing and fleeting.

Perhaps, the most traumatic injury I have witnessed in my times as a chaplain was Steve Zakuani’s injury in 2011. Climbing into the ambulance to pray briefly with him before heading to the hospital, I could see the pain in his eyes and the shock – it took more time, but the implications for his career, his future – all of this was in jeopardy and doubt. And to consider Muamba’s collapse – his life was on the line – there was much more at stake!

These are times when Christian people need to pray – pray for the chaplains who work with these teams; pray for the the players, their families and loved ones as their world is turned upside down and their faith is tried and tested.

Please lift Phil Mason (pictured left), the chaplain for Bolton, up in your prayers. Pray that God would use him to speak into Muamba’s life, his family, and the rest of the team, coaches, and fans. Pray for Muamba – for his recovery, for his health, and for his strength.

From the Rev: New Beginnings

I just wanted to share some personal reflections as the new Major League Soccer season is now underway. After 11 seasons as team chaplain for the Colorado Rapids, there has been a lot of things (as I look back) that have happened over the years – from injuries to players, to coaching changes, to championships, and everything in between. This week, CrossTraining will change a bit too – though mainly superficial, I can sense more change coming. We will, of course, change the website look and feel, but there is more – as I read back through the couple of years of stories and shared concerns, there is something that seems to be missing, and for me it is huge.

For many years, we have tried to share the stories of what God is doing in the work amongst the professional players, coaches and staff of the soccer teams that we have served. Much of it has been in a formal way, a “professional” way. Interviews, press-release like stories, and so on have been the make-up for most of our communication to our supporters. But recently, a question was posed around hearing “the heart” of the matter, hearing how this call of God to serve these people has radically gripped my own heart and the (now) hearts of others.

While there is an important boundary to be maintained with confidentiality and trust – as I look back on the stories I have shared, I wonder, “Is there enough of my heart, and really God’s heart, shared in the lines of text and the pictures?” I think that I have felt so – but, in truth, I live out the story in a daily fashion. I know the blood, sweat, and tears that have been poured into the years of ministry. But do you see it? Do you know it?

I continue to find out how important it is to be in community – and have been blessed to, at a young age, realize how much I miss when it’s just me and my ideas. I’m not very good, to tell the truth. And while I may not know what the future looks like – from non-profit status to sharing the compelling stories – for CrossTraining, I know that with every new beginning we should look for the opportunities to change and improve. And I think there are many ways for myself and this thing that God has called me to, this ‘CrossTraining,’ which is really just a clever way to talk about serving people to do just that.

So in looking forward to the fresh change and the new beginnings, I hope that you will continue on this journey, and invite others to do the same, because while one may go quickly, with many we will go far; or, in other words, one can be easily overwhelmed, but two are good for fighting for each other, and a cord of three strands cannot easily be broken. So join me, join CrossTraining on this journey, and together with God let’s us become the three that cannot be easily broken.

Blessings,

 

 

 

Rev. Brad Kenney

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