Christina Garber has faithfully served the Portland Thorns since 2019 as volunteer chaplain and will continue to do so but not under the banner of Soccer Chaplains United, any longer. As Christina and I have spoken over the last few weeks, a greater need to “simplify life” has become an emerging theme. Wife to Andy, (who is a Tottenham fan) and mother to three wonderful children, Christina has also supported the Portland Thorns through a NWSL championship season (2022) as volunteer chaplain all the while maintaining full-time work with CRU City and helping the development of the Pro Soccer Chaplains Association. In truth, it has all become a bit too much.
Christina will continue to serve the Thorns and step back from some other engagement places in addition to her membership with Soccer Chaplains United, but the door remains open for her return someday should she elect to consider us again. Her accountability and association will now rest with CRU City.
On behalf of the team and board of Soccer Chaplains United, we wish Christina well in her family life and professional endeavors as she continues to steward the position as volunteer chaplain to the Thorns and the other places where God calls her to serve and be.
Christina (with her family) will continue to serve the Thorns as an extension of her CRU City work in an effort to simplify.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Christina-Garber.jpg753657Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2023-03-21 12:00:002024-07-08 23:50:00Garber Leaves Soccer Chaplains United But Will Continue To Serve Thorns
Josh Bailey has a pastors heart. Josh also is coach and enjoys sports — namely basketball and soccer. In his time as both coach and pastor he has for awhile now, been prayerfully considering ways to combine soccer and sharing about Jesus; being Jesus. He’s had previous opportunities to do serve as a chaplain in the past. Josh served as a chaplain with a men’s college basketball team before — traveling with athletes, attending practices, leading chapel services, and meeting with people one-on-one for spiritual and emotional support. It’s from that experience that Josh knows the many opportunities that can come when investing in the lives of people and he has been sensing it’s time to be more active doing that type of ministry again.
That nudge and inkling led Josh to start searching for ways to connect, especially and more deeply in with the burgeoning soccer community. His search led him to find Soccer Chaplains United and to reach out with an initial inquiry. Josh, is the Pastor at Covenant Church (PCA), where he has been serving since 2018. You can read more on his bio page here.
I was really excited to find Soccer Chaplains United and meet Rev Brad. With the growth of soccer in West Virginia, I was looking for a way to serve the soccer community for Christ. I am looking forward to making connections with the teams and coaches in the greater Charleston area and West Virginia.
Josh, on his hopes for serving the community of soccer in West Virginia
Josh and I have been conversing for the past 6 months. As a pastor, Josh has driven by the local soccer fields and seen an increasing number of people — people whom he knows might never be part or connected to a local church. Seeing the children and parents and families awoken something within him — a desire to reach out, to be available, to serve. And with the rapids growth of the game in the valley — from seeing the collegiate and club teams to even a USL-League Two team — Josh has sought for ways other than coaching to serve.
One of the things that most excites me about Soccer Chaplains United is being a part of a team of other chaplains across the country. As I sought to find a place to do soccer chaplain work, it was very important for me to have accountability and oversight, which is exactly what Soccer Chaplains United provides.
Josh, on one of the things that attracted him to reach out to Soccer Chaplains United
Josh’s background includes serving as a teacher in schools for over 15 years. His latest role before becoming a pastor was as a Title 1 teacher working with students struggling with reading and math. In addition, Josh has coached many athletic teams in soccer and basketball. He works hard to be a servant leader with a consistent demeanor — knowing it’s an example to others, including his wife and 5 children. He strives to be approachable and to be an excellent listener — knowing that these are key components to being part of a team and working with other people.
I am excited to pioneer a work in the greater Charleston area. There is nobody doing work in the soccer community quite like what Soccer Chaplains United offers. I am humbled to be a part of the team!
Josh, on his hopes for working with Soccer Chaplains United to develop out chaplaincy opportunities for the future
We want to encourage supporters to be praying for Josh and the various opportunities that exist and will continue to arise in the greater Charleston, West Virginia area.
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 work. Our chaplains are not employed or paid by any of the clubs that we serve. Check out our Donation Page with all the different options. Or, simply click the PushPay link below to make a secure, online, tax-deductible gift, or mail a donation to Soccer Chaplains United, PO Box 102081, Denver, CO 80250.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/JoshBailey.png19201440Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2023-02-21 00:00:002024-07-08 23:50:21Josh Bailey Joins Soccer Chaplains United
Jordan Rivera recently completed the process to being serving as a volunteer chaplain to New Mexico United, a team playing in the United Soccer League — Championship (USL-C) in Albuquerque, New Mexico. USL-C is part of the second division of professional soccer in the United States and New Mexico United has, historically, been one of the stronger and more exciting teams to play in the league independent of any Major League Soccer (MLS) club affiliations.
Established in 2018, NMU is a constant contender in the Western Conference of what is USL-Championship
Jordan, originally from Ecuador, was tabbed by current volunteer chaplain Clint Moore to help assist with Spanish-speaking needs throughout the organization — from the first team through the academy. Growing up, Jordan enjoyed playing soccer but when his family moved from Ecuador to Argentina and then to the US — the call of God was heavy on his heart and he started to pursue a theological education and a deepening of his relationship with God.
Jordan has a heart for Jesus, the game of football, and the people on and off the pitch. Being from Latin America gives him even more language and cultural ability to serve the club in unique ways. I can’t wait to see how the Lord uses him at NM United!
Clint Moore, volunteer chaplain New Mexico United
Jordan bring a number of skills and talents and other unique notes as he joins the team of Soccer Chaplains United. At age 28 he is now the the youngest chaplain to serve in the group. He is the first chaplain of Ecuadorian descent (although not the first to be born in Quito — see Kurt Trempert). Jordan joins a growing list of bilingual chaplains which have represented the nations of Mexico, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Columbia, Brazil, and Chile. His ordination with Comunidad Cristiana La Nueva Esperanza of San Juan, Texas is tied into the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) making Jordan the 4th chaplain in Soccer Chaplains United history to come from that denomination.
Jordan enjoys coffee and playing guitar and other instruments as well as learning to be a new dad
Jordan joins the chaplaincy team in the midst of preparing to launch a Spanish-speaking congregation in Albuquerque in the next year or so. He is married and he and his wife have a young daughter whom they are both enjoying learning to love and parent.
I have been really impressed at the lengths Soccer Chaplains United goes in this process. It feels affirming and feels important — this isn’t just a pat on the back and go do the work. I look forward to working with the people, in my time shadowing Clint in the past I have learned that there is a slow and steady work to build trust and to serve people where they are.
Jordan River, on joining Soccer Chaplains United and serving NMU
Soccer Chaplains United is non-profit, 501(c)3 and depends upon the financial support of individual donors and church partners to carry out our work of growing chaplaincy service across all levels of soccer. Our chaplains are not employed or paid by any of the clubs that we serve. Check out our Donation Page with all the different options. Or, simply click the PushPay link below to make a secure, online, tax-deductible gift, or mail a donation to Soccer Chaplains United, PO Box 102081, Denver, CO 80250.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Jordan-Rivera-hs.jpg8001000Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2023-02-07 00:00:002024-07-08 23:54:25Jordan Rivera Joins Soccer Chaplains United in Albuquerque
While it wasn’t on my radar, 2023 is starting with a slight feeling of being behind the proverbial 8-ball. As we near the end of the month of January there is a growing list of chaplain candidates waiting for interviews and processing for part of Soccer Chaplains United. For some chaplain candidates, they are already in place and in position and might simply be considered “transfers.” The early encouragement from the Pro Soccer Chaplains Association is for independent and unaffiliated chaplains to align with a founding organization. For some of those chaplains, we are a better fit than others.
But beyond what we might call “transfer growth” has been the numerical growth of the game as well as the increase in popularity which might be evidenced by last year’s World Cup viewership numbers in the U.S. and around the world. 2023 will be no different at the Women’s World Cup, co-hosted in New Zealand and Australia, will likely provide impetus for the launching of a new, 2nd division league on the women’s side of the game here in 2024. Estimations have some 40 or so teams slated to begin play in 2024.
Below the 1st and 2nd divisions of pro-soccer in North America there are other levels of the game. These teams and organizations are still very fluid — sometimes pressing pause on operations for a season due to finances or other reasons; however, many are recovering from 2020 and 2021’s pandemic crunch and beginning to build vibrant organizations again.
Current development opportunities for Soccer Chaplains United (and other member groups of the PSCA) abound. Here are the professional team opportunities that we are focusing on for the short-term future:
Huntsville City FC — an MLS Next Pro franchise attached to Nashville SC
El Paso Locomotive FC — a USL-Championship franchise where we have had a chaplain in the past
New Mexico United — adding two team members to share the duties between the USL-Championship side and their growing academy
Colorado Rapids — adding an additional chaplain for academy and organizational cover
West Virginia — an opportunity for a USL-League two team and local club
Union Omaha — seeking candidates
If you or someone you know might be a good fit or consideration for serving as a volunteer chaplain in professional soccer, please reach out to us at info@soccerchaplainunited.org or check out our CHAPLAINCY page for more information on Soccer Chaplains United requirements and processes.
Soccer Chaplains United is non-profit, 501(c)3 and depends upon the financial support of individual donors and church partners to carry out our work of chaplaincy service across all levels of soccer. Our chaplains are not employed or paid by any of the clubs that we serve. Check out our Donation Page with all the different options. Or, simply click the PushPay (the big P or give tab) link below to make a secure, online, tax-deductible gift, or mail a donation to Soccer Chaplains United, PO Box 102081, Denver, CO 80250.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/ezmdm92edha.jpg10671600Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2023-01-24 00:00:002024-07-08 23:54:31Chaplain Candidate Backlog to Open 2023
Tonight, I embark on something a little bit new and different — I will help facilitate an online course with Baylor University’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary. The course, entitled, Soul Care in Sports, is developed by Professor Cindy White. She, along with husband John, helped to co-found the Faith and Sport Institute and teaches part-time with the university.
The Soul Care in Sports class is part of the degree plan for the Master of Arts in Theology and Sports Studies. The course has a number of residential as well as online students participating in the class. Baylor’s Truett Seminary is one of the few seminaries in the US offering a sports ministry and sports chaplaincy focus for learning.
As I prepare (now weekly) to co-facilitate and teach, I can certainly say it feels humbling. There is a lot to learn about and I am not even talking about the course! My daughter asked what kind of grader or teacher I was going to be — the tough one, or the grace-filled one? I told her I don’t know but I hope it is the grace one 🙂, because I will need that from the students!
It is also helpful to realize and recognize that many of the students are peers in the sports ministry space, so there is an element that we are building community and journeying together — not being some talking head dispensing generalized wisdom.
Please pray for me as I take this task on for this first, spring semester. Maybe pray more for the students, too, because I don’t know what kind of teacher they are going to get. At times, I feel like I should be taking the class, not helping lead it!
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/386980_640.png360640Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2023-01-23 00:00:002024-07-08 23:54:33A Little Something New, Adding Baylor to Preseason
The Pro Soccer Chaplains Association (PSCA) is close to an informal and unofficial launch after a year’s worth of discussion and work to understand a way forward for the future. What initially began in late 2021 with the decision to host a leadership summit between the different organizations operating in the pro soccer space, COVID canceled an in-person meeting, but spurred on the decision to begin the process through a series of regular meetings online.
Leaders of the different groups and organizations that have volunteer chaplains posted within the top professional soccer leagues in North America came together to understand ways forward with the ever-shifting and growing landscape of professional soccer. Amongst some of the drivers — standards, accountability, unity and community, and a growing knowledge base and resource for chaplains for the future.
In January of 2022, leaders from Athletes in Action (AIA, the pioneer of sports ministry in soccer), Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), Impact City FC (ICFC), Soccer Chaplains United, and Upper90 met together to begin what would be a year long process of discerning and understanding the future.
Some of the clearest outcomes include:
selecting a representative name that could incorporate multiple organizations
working to agree on certain standards and expectations of chaplains and organizations
creating opportunities and pathways for future growth
developing collaboration points and community opportunities for chaplains and organizations
creating a voluntary “advisory board” to assume leadership and ongoing formation
I am using the terminology of “unofficially launching” because there are aspects of the PSCA which are potentially still to be determined. For example, does the PSCA become a 501(c)3? Does the PSCA need access to funding to help subsidize chaplain activities and gatherings.
After a year of working together, it is the start of something and by no means a final iteration, but it carries great potential. As I look at the landscape of soccer, especially in North America, in addition to rapid growth and change has come an increasing standard of professionalization. This has its unique challenges and it is my hope that the PSCA will be on the vanguard of adapting and growing with the game. As for Soccer Chaplains United, our own group will be part of the PSCA and continue to evaluate our relationships and seeking best ways forward for the sake of those in and around the game.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/PSCA-Logo.png322526Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2023-01-20 00:00:002024-07-08 23:54:35Pro Soccer Chaplaincy Association Close to Unofficially Launching
TBH, when Billy Cerveny called and told me that he was going to need to move to Jacksonville, FL I was discouraged. It takes a tremendous amount of time, energy, and relational capital to discover, develop, and deploy a chaplain and the higher the level (especially within the elite, professional ranks) the more that seems to be at stake and the more things that could go wrong.
So, fighting back the tears and fears (yes, I believe God is sovereign), Billy and I began searching earlier this year for candidates that might be able to be a fit with Nashville SC. A short list of names cropped up.
“What about _______?” I asked.
“No, I don’t think that person will work because _________,” Billy might remark.
It seemed like our short list was no list after a few weeks of prayer and searching and researching. It’s helpful to have the longevity of a chaplain like Billy. It’s even more helpful to have depth of relationship with some of the people with Nashville SC as an organization, because we have a greater sense of personalities and needs around the club that someone on the outside may not have. But let me tell you, it felt a little dire when we had run through the initial list of names.
Then, Billy remembered a name: Greg Joiner.
“Let me reach out this guy, first,” he asked. “Before we get into a list of secondary folks that we don’t know as well.”
After months of conversations and interviews and parallel processes — it’s my pleasure to announce that Greg Joiner will serve as the next chaplain for Nashville SC of Major League Soccer. Becoming the second chaplain in the club’s history to do so.
Beyond being able to rock a bow tie, Greg played soccer at probably the highest level of our current chaplain corps. As a midfielder for the University of Mobile Rams Greg played during his college years, completing a degree in Human Performance and Exercise Science. His post-collegiate work was with Centrifuge Camps where he was a Director and Program Specialist for a number of years before feeling called into pastoral ministry.
He went on to serve at Fellowship Bible Church in the areas of Young Adults and Student ministry for some 13 years before transitioning to his current work with Search: Nashville. Search: Nashville is about looking for meaningful stories and about creating space to having conversations about life and faith. There are many things about his work with Search that make Greg a good fit for consideration as chaplain.
I love my role with SEARCH because it gives me the opportunity to show up for people in our Nashville business community and help them navigate the spiritual journey. The relational and conversational approach fits so well with the role of chaplain. I cannot wait to start coming along side players, staff, and coaches with the team.
Greg, on his role with Search and how it synthesizes with the work of a chaplain
Greg will begin his tenure as the volunteer chaplain with Nashville SC as the 2023 MLS seasons gets underway. With the MLS Cup Final happening this past Saturday (LAFC won 3-1), the season really begins now as there will be roster transitions and other moves with an eye toward next year. The teams get set to report back at the earliest time ever in the history of MLS (January 6/7 for most clubs).
2023 will be a year of building trust. I am praying that God would allow me the opportunity to serve this club out of that foundation for many years to come!
Greg, on his hopes for serving Nashville SC in 2023 and beyond
Please Greg in your prayers as he learns the new rhythms and ways of serving and caring for the people that make up Nashville SC — from the athletes, coaches, staff, and executives as well as their families. Pray, too, as Greg begins to find community and support amongst Soccer Chaplains United — both leaning into the other chaplains and also contributing back into the larger group.
Greg and his family take grab a pre-match photo a few months ago
The addition of Greg to Soccer Chaplains United brings our chaplain group now to 20 strong. And he becomes the third “Greg” currently with the team. We will have to figure out a way to tell them all apart.
Remember, that chaplains with Soccer Chaplains United are ultimately guests and volunteers with the clubs and teams that we serve. Please pray for our work and consider supporting us in our efforts to grow and expand chaplaincy in the North American leagues and beyond.
Soccer Chaplains United is non-profit, 501(c)3 and depends upon the financial support of individual donors and church partners to carry out our work of chaplaincy service across all levels of soccer. Check out our donation page for different giving options and opportunities. Your gifts go to help discover, develop, and deploy chaplains like Greg and to also aid in our community outreach initiatives through our Community Projects program.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/image0.jpeg8001200Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2022-11-11 00:00:002024-07-08 23:56:24Joiner Joins for 2023 to Serve Nashville SC
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.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/9-qfzv9a2zc.jpg1200800Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2022-11-07 00:00:002024-07-08 23:56:29Founder’s Retreat Happening Later this Week
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.
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.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/M-Kell-Profile-Pic-2021-scaled-e1661545462291.jpg638945Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2022-09-12 00:00:002024-07-08 23:58:15Kell New Appointment to Soccer Chaplains United
We may request cookies to be set on your device. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website.
Click on the different category headings to find out more. You can also change some of your preferences. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer.
Essential Website Cookies
These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features.
Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refusing them will have impact how our site functions. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site.
We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain.
We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. You can check these in your browser security settings.
Other external services
We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Changes will take effect once you reload the page.
Google Webfont Settings:
Google Map Settings:
Google reCaptcha Settings:
Vimeo and Youtube video embeds:
Privacy Policy
You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page.
