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Founder’s Retreat Happening Later this Week

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brown and grey wooden cabin surrounded by trees

For the second year in a row, Soccer Chaplains United chaplains and board members will have an in-person retreat with a few zoom meeting moments during the annual Founder’s Retreat in scenic, Fairplay, Colorado, November 10 — 13.

Last year (2021), the retreat format and style was changed to include chaplains and board members after 2020 saw the retreat canceled due to the pandemic. Prior to 2020, the Board of Directors and chaplains had met in alternating years, but last year felt like an important time to mix both parts of the ministry for the sake of encouragement and support.

The Board of Directors retreat in 2019 had a vision and dream session facilitated by Dave Meserve. The Board also dove deep into each others hearts and lives and prayed about the future of the ministry together. The time together was important for establishing a “stabilizing” sense around the work of Soccer Chaplains United.

The chaplains retreat in 2018 was a guided retreat entitled “7 Stories.” The retreat time featured sharing meals and some fellowship times together and a deep dive into some of the personal stories that each chaplain brings with them into ministry.

The Founder’s Retreat is so named after the celebration day (November 11) for Saint Martin of Tours, to whom the origins of chaplaincy are credited. The retreat comes right at the tail end of the regular seasons for Major League Soccer, the United Soccer Leagues, as well as the National Women’s Soccer League.

Supporters of Soccer Chaplains United are encouraged to pray for the time spent amongst the chaplains and board members — for a time of renewal and refreshment.

brown and grey wooden cabin surrounded by trees

Brad Kenney Guest Speaker at Mental Fitness Summit 2022

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I am excited at the opportunity that my long-time friendship and relationship with Wells Thompson has afforded me to be a guest at this year’s Mental Fitness Summit. There are some 15+ industry-leading professionals that are coming together to speak on issues of mental health and resilience. This year’s event is online, similar to last year. I am including some details below. I think players and parents and others associated with soccer will find this to be a brilliant introduction to Soccer Resilience and all that they have to offer which includes resourcing club, teams, and individuals: including coaches and referees.

The summit is being held from November 14-16. And if you are interested you are encouraged to register here at this link.

Kell New Appointment to Soccer Chaplains United

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From east coast to west coast, Michael Kell has seen and been in all parts of the US, but he now calls Southern California home. The father of two has recently seen his oldest off to college at Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA — his old alma mater. And his son, (Ethan) currently plays with Los Angeles Football Club’s Academy program, as a goalkeeper. From the countless hours spent on the sidelines, Michael was curiously stirred by the tremendous amount of need that he would come across as he would patiently sit and watch games with other parents. The felt needs prompted him to start exploring what chaplaincy at the academy level might look like. Enter in Soccer Chaplains United.

I was surprised to find Soccer Chaplains United a few years ago and to discover that there was work being done at the academy level. I thought this was a good thing — and as time has gone by, I started to think to myself, ‘Maybe I should go through this process…be ready…just in case the club has a need.’

Michael Kell, on his first impressions of Soccer Chaplains United and thought process on joining

A couple of years ago, Michael and I met at a Rapids First Team match while LAFC Academy was in to play a local tournament. We had spent a few hours on the phone already. I had been sharing the vision and work of Soccer Chaplains United — not to just be about the elite athletes in the First Team dressing room, but to have capacity to serve the whole club — from the front office, to the academy, to the pros. It’s been really exciting to consider someone like Michael joining the team to serve as chaplain because there are many opportunities to develop out in this space.

Michael’s son, Ethan, makes a save playing for LAFC against California Rush in a scrimmage late last month.

Michael brings his unique experience of being an academy parent for one of the elite teams in MLS. The challenges faced by the athletes, parents, and families with the potentiality of playing professional soccer are tremendous and Michael is poised to understand and serve those from his own experience.

At this time, Michael will serve as a regional chaplain for Soccer Chaplains United for the Southern California area. His relationships in and amongst the academy community and with local area teams will be a broader area of focus until Soccer Chaplains United can better understand the needs for a specific club or academy program and how best to situation Michael for service. Regardless, though, Michael has a heart to serve and compassionately come alongside of parents and athletes who are facing the possibilities of their child being a pro at an early age.

As clubs, and our nation, produce the next generation of superstars, there are families, players, academy coaches and staff along the way who have very real needs.  My prayer is that Soccer Chaplains United can be a venue through which to serve and meet the spiritual needs of this unique community.

Michael Kell, on his hopes for his work with Soccer Chaplains United

Soccer Chaplains United is non-profit, 501(c)3 and depends upon the financial support of our partners to carry out our work of developing chaplaincy across all levels of soccer. Please consider making a contribution today to help us continue growing our chaplains and our work. Check out our Donate page for different giving options.

Cerveny to see out 2022 and handoff chaplaincy

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Billy Cerveny recently announced this will be his final season serving as the Chaplain for Nashville SC. Billy has served NSC since the fall of 2017, prior to their inaugural season, so this will be a big change for the club and for him. During this time he has cared for players, coaches, staff, families. He has lead Bible studies and chapels, prayed with players, officiated wedding, visited hospitals, welcomed new players and helped others say goodbye. We are thankful for his time with the team and know the Lord is in the midst of this transition.

It’s hard to overstate the blessing it has been to be a part of Nashville SC. The players, coaches, and staff are people I love deeply. I’m excited to finish out this season and to see what the Lord does next with the Chaplain role at NSC.

Billy, on his time as chaplain with Nashville SC

Billy and I have been working closely together in recent months meeting with potential candidates to fill this chaplaincy role. We believe God has brought us the right person and we are currently working through the process of onboarding, but will announce the new chaplain for the 2023-24 season, soon. In the meantime, Billy will focus on finishing strong this season as he prepares the way for the next chaplain. 

Transition is never easy, but it is a reality of the Christian journey; especially if you are a chaplain. We are stewards of our roles and we must be ready to pass the baton of ministry, care, and leadership to others when the Lord leads us forward. This is where we are now and we are excited for what’s ahead.

As a chaplain, you see a lot of people come and go in professional sports. Now it’s my turn and it’s sad; but I’m thankful for the tears. It shows the time spent with Nashville SC has been meaningful and worthwhile.

Billy, on the emotion of leaving the team

Billy is moving to Jacksonville, Florida to be closer to his parents to help offer care and support. He will continue his work with Redbird, the non-profit pastoral outreach and counseling ministry he founded in 2018. Billy will also continue working with Soccer Chaplains United and I am looking forward to utilizing him in a development role as we look to make more chaplaincy placements throughout the US in the years to come.

Soccer Chaplains United is non-profit, 501(c)3 and depends upon the financial support of our partners to carry out our work of developing chaplaincy across all levels of soccer. Please consider making a contribution today to help us continue growing our chaplains and our work. Check out our Donate page for different giving options.

While You Are Sleeping (Probably)

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If you’re in the Mountain or Pacific timezone, than it’s likely that next Sunday you will be sleeping when I am presenting at the 3rd Global Congress on Christianity and Sport. At least from the initial schedule of speakers, the session time slot for my presentation will be 11:30 am Cambridge time (4:30 am for my wife and children), Sunday, August 21. My presentation? The Sports Chaplain as Captive: Issues of Pay and the Differences Between Preaching and Peddling the Gospel. What can I say, I like long titles…

It’s with some mixed feelings, if I am honest, that I look forward to next week’s session. It’s at the end of the congress (will people stick around or will they have been headed out to catch the flight home?) so that may mean a smaller group in the room. Part of my emotion also has to do with my daughter getting ready to leave for college and only having a few days remaining by the time I get back home before we pack the car and try to set her up for her next chapter in her life’s adventure.

But regardless of the number of people in the room, I think what excites me has been the work of preparing for this presentation and the study in the Bible to get to the point where I am landing. Sometimes in this moments you submit an abstract or a thought about where you are going to end up going — there’s a process of development, I’ve learned. And even after a presentation, you can often get people coming up and helping add meaning and value to the conversation because they heard or say or interpreted or experienced something different than you have — so you have to hold all of these things loosely and still handle the text (especially Scripture) really well.

I share my abstract with you here:

Tension exists for chaplains in sport — the majority are unpaid, volunteers (Paget & McCormack, 2006). This characteristic necessitates chaplains have other meaningful vocational work or fundraise support, both activities detracting from the chaplain’s work. Should sports chaplains be paid? Or, is there a conflict of interest in chaplains leveraging privileged positions or exciting experiences to earn an income or wage? 

The apostle Paul, writing in 2 Corinthians 2:14-3:6, defends his work and ministry, self-identifying as a “captive” led by Christ and contrasting his work with “many” others who “peddle the word of God for profit.” Paul, previously (I Cor. 9), defends the right of pay for those who “preach the Gospel.” So, then, is there a balance to be struck? If so, what is that balance?

This presentation will reflect theologically on the Corinthian texts, Paul’s meanings and example — offering practical ramifications and considerations for sports chaplains.

I am keenly aware that this issue is a bit “niche” if you will — but it’s the space where I am working and developing (sports chaplaincy). Probably some of what I am learning and studying has applications and ramifications outside of such a narrow window, but I have been amazed at some of what I have been learning and growing in as I go.

Special thanks goes to Dave Schoeman for his help in getting to Cambridge. I’ve come to be blessed by Dave and his wife, Barbie, as they have encouraged me and pushed me to reflect well on this subject and what it might mean for chaplains in sport.

I look forward to seeing some old friends and meeting some new ones in a week’s time, even though you will probably be sleeping. 😉

Sincerely from the Rev,

Rev Brad Kenney

Navitsky Steps Back from Valor Chaplaincy, Remains in Consultancy Role

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Greg Navitsky, chaplain for the past few years to Valor Christian High School Boy Soccer, has announced that he is stepping back from the chaplaincy role which he has held since 2020. Despite Greg stepping back from the chaplaincy, he has expressed his desire to stay on with Soccer Chaplains United in a consultancy and writing role for the time being.

During the last two years of soccer chaplaincy, it has been an immense and precious gift to hold space for students, coaches, and parents. If the last two years has taught us anything, it’s that being an incarnational presence in others lives is what our souls ache for. I believe the work we do is crucial and having Kingdom influence in more ways we can imagine. I’m thankful to stay connected to all you, albeit different ways, in the coming months. Cheering you all on!

Greg, on his time as Valor chaplain

Among some of the critical mass reasons for the change include a new role as pastor of students at Smoky Hill Vineyard Church; his pending wedding and marriage to fiancée, Bekka Weeks, in September; and, a new role with Where Grace Abounds.

I am excited that Greg will continue to stay connected and look to help and serve Soccer Chaplains United. We’ve really benefitted from his past experience in soccer and his passion for young people — in the midst of the brokenness and pain that we see, especially in this world of soccer. I hope that in a not-too-distant future Greg will have time and bandwidth to take on a direct chaplaincy role, again. For now, still feeling blessed that he will be part of our team.

Soccer Chaplains United is non-profit, 501(c)3 and depends upon the financial support of our partners to carry out our work of developing chaplaincy across all levels of soccer. Please consider making a contribution today to help us continue growing our chaplains and our work. Check out our Donate page for different giving options.

Rev Brad to Preach at Creek Next Week

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It’s not often that I preach a Sunday morning message at church — it actually never has been. As a hospice chaplain for some four years, and a pastoral care pastor for six my main moments of speaking or preaching have tended to revolve around a funeral or memorial service. Well, hopefully, next Sunday morning’s opportunity to preach at partner church Cherry Creek Presbyterian Church (located in Denver, Colorado) won’t feel like a funeral or memorial service!

A week ago, one of my daughters asked me how work was going.

“Well, there’s this sermon that I am trying to study and write and prepare for…” They could tell that it was weighing on me. I tried to explain that while it is a tremendous honor and privilege to be invited to preach at church, and especially at a church where you worship together as a family, that there is a weighty burden that often accompanies it (as it should) because we are handling and disseminating the very Word of God!

Add into this the very simple fact that I rarely preach (maybe x1 a year, every other year) and I have been telling people — you get what you pay for! There’s a pressure and a burden to deliver “your best sermon ever.” Think of the pressure, you went to seminary (even though it was 20 years ago) and you learned Hebrew and Greek and homiletics; you’re in ministry; you’re an ordained Teaching Elder in the denomination…should be a breeze right? Well, if I were crafting a podcast or writing up an article for the website or coming up with a 5-10 minute devotional for the team it’s a totally different story. But this sermon prep stuff is hard! It’s not what I am used to.

I shared some of this with Rev Kevin Hasenack (Rapids 2 chaplain) this past week when we met to discuss and debrief some of the Rapids chaplaincy needs. “I have a refreshed respect for you doing this week in and week out…” I told him. It was funny as he commiserated and even said — “Yeah, you probably feel like you have to hit not only a home run, but a grand slam!” What was funny was that as Kevin said these very words, a guy outside the coffee shop made a swing-for-the-fences motion that caught my eye. He did this a few more times as Kevin went on with his baseball metaphors, which made me laugh.

But for all of my complaining (and believe it’s likely to get worse as the week goes on and the moments approach), I am reminded of Paul’s charge to his young protégée, Timothy:

Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage — with great patience and careful instruction.

Paul, 2nd Letter to Timothy 4:2

So I am readying myself — TBH, I probably wish it were more like a podcast or simple prayer and blessing — I’m much better at that it seems these days. But I pray that God is glorified and that for those listening and in attendance next week that the text of Acts 8 will come alive and that we will all be challenged by what God has to say — to me and to those I share with.

Sincerely from the Rev,

Rev Brad Kenney

Jiménez Moves On From El Paso Chaplaincy

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Erick Jiménez, who served as chaplain for El Paso Locomotive FC, for the past couple of years has moved on from the chaplaincy to the team. Erick, a native of El Paso, Texas most recently served as Minister of Discipleship at First Baptist Church of El Paso but his move to a different church in Richland Hills, Texas has meant the end of his time as chaplain. Erick began serving as chaplain during 2020 and the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. His ministry included meeting with athletes via zoom and encouraging them through an extremely difficult period of time. Erick shared with me some of his thoughts on his time serving as El Paso’s chaplain:

Getting to know you (Brad) was a real blessing to me. You ministered and encouraged me throughout COVID and especially when my mom passed away. It has been great to be a part of something (Soccer Chaplains United) that I never knew existed and seeing all the connections and network of people serving as chaplain to these teams.

Erick, on his time with El Paso

Soccer Chaplains United would like to thank Erick, Jordan, and their entire family for their time serving and investing into the USL-Championship team in El Paso. We will work now to try and find another candidate to serve as chaplain. If you are interested or know someone who might qualify, please send an email to info@soccerchaplainsunited.org.

Soccer Chaplains United is non-profit, 501(c)3 and depends upon the financial support of our partners to carry out our work of developing chaplaincy across all levels of soccer. Please consider making a contribution today to help us continue growing our chaplains and our work. Check out our Donate page for different giving options.

My Beautiful Game Enters Post-Production

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I don’t know if I have shared very often about a special film project known as “My Beautiful Game” (MBG for short). MBG is an “inspiring 90-minute sports documentary profiling the lives of exceptional athletes who have committed their lives to not only their sport of soccer but to helping others through compassion, generosity, and social justice. A feel-good film that showcases the humanity in soccer while experiencing all the action and excitement surrounding both professional and amateur competition.”

I’ve gotten to know Martin Butler (director/producer), Brian Bird (exec. producer), and Scott Pomeroy (exec. producer) over the past few years and I really love the vision for the film to tell the story of football that goes beyond the pitch and into athletes lives. As a chaplain for some 20+ years in professional soccer, I’ve seen a lot of story-telling. Usually the story is about victory and paralleled with one’s ability to have spiritual victory, as well. But what space do we have for telling stories of defeat, of grief and loss — on the field and off the field?

Martin and his team with MBG, have just entered into the post-production phase after scouring the world and beginning to tell stories from familiar faces here in the US and globally. With the rise and fall of football and everything that happens on the field of the beautiful game and the field of life — there is a compelling story that is beginning to take shape. Several athletes have opened their football careers, their homes, their lives and told the more vulnerable parts of their story — all with the aim of helping people understand what the Beautiful Game (for them) is really all about.

MBG has an aim to finalize the story-telling in time for this year’s World Cup — and with the groundswell in soccer right now, I have to say, MBG seems poised to tell an important story at an important time. Of course, with any venture such as this one, there is always need — financial needs, prayer support needs, and more. Martin and his team have had to fight through a pandemic and many different challenges to work to bring these stories to light. I’d love it if you take a look at what Martin and his team are doing and perhaps you have an interest to help advance the story-telling.

Two quick ways that you can help:

  • Partner — easy to be informed, to pray for the project and team members, and find other ways to become involved including donating to the non-profit group behind the film
  • Invest — funding film projects might be something God has called you to consider as a big investor, I know Martin will meet personally for coffee, or via phone or zoom with members of his team to help you understand the potential of the film and things like ROI (return on investment)

Soccer Chaplains United is proud to be a part of partnering with Martin and My Beautiful Game and we hope and pray that God provide all that they need to get across the finish line and deliver these compelling stories come World Cup this December 2022.

Ready Doubles Down With Soccer Chaplains United

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Troy Ready, volunteer co-chaplain with the Portland Timbers, has been part of Soccer Chaplains United since late 2017 when we went through a rebranding and welcomed he and Ben Dudley onto the team. Troy has a long history in soccer as a former professional player and as a coach, which has included coaching at the U-23 level and at the collegiate level as well.

Today, Troy has done a bit deeper dive with us by moving his fundraising and support base under Soccer Chaplains United after serving for a number of years with another non-profit organization. We’d like to welcome those donors that have chosen to support Troy and Jenny and the family as they make this change.

More recently, so much of my work is involved in the soccer realm — from coaching, to the volunteer chaplaincy — that we started to feel that we might need to shift our support for the chaplaincy to be more in alignment with this amazing field where are called to serve.

Troy, on the reasons for moving funding under Soccer Chaplains United

For me, I am excited that Soccer Chaplains United has the flexibility to offer a bit of a “home” for Troy and the work that he has been called to. I’ve constantly felt and believed that God wasn’t calling us to become a large sports ministry because a number of those already exist; however, I have desired our little organization to be flexible enough for the varying needs of the chaplains — whether they need to raise a little money or no money — and to offer, above all, a professionally striving collaborative and supportive group that share similar values when it comes to offering chaplaincy to soccer.

You can support Troy and his ministry with Portland Timbers. Check out our Donate page and through PushPay select the Portland 2 (Ready) Fund or memo Portland 2 (Ready) in your check or donation.

Soccer Chaplains United is non-profit, 501(c)3 and depends upon the financial support of our partners to carry out our work of developing chaplaincy across all levels of soccer. Please consider making a contribution today to help us continue growing our chaplains and our work. Check out our Donate page for different giving options.

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