General news and information about Soccer Chaplains United including newly formed partnerships, news on the different teams and communities being served, and upcoming events for donors, partners, and communities.
I had the exciting privilege last week to visit on Zoom with several sports chaplains serving in Russia. The sports chaplaincy meeting featured a couple of American chaplains (including myself) sharing different chaplaincy outreach methods during this global pandemic and hearing from the Russian chaplains about the various ministry opportunities that they have had during the last year or so.
One of the things that I shared as being an “adaptation” during the pandemic has been sending audio prayers to different athletes, coaches, and staff. Different than a text message or even a Zoom Bible study or meeting, being able to pray over people — whether before a match or during a difficult time — has been one of the things that God has used during the last year to speak into people’s lives, even in spite of the distance because of COVID-19.
The Zoom meeting with he chaplains was impressive — our translator did an excellent job of conveying different words and American idioms as part of this chaplaincy training. Hosted and facilitated by Roger Lipe, who serves as the Southern Illinois University Saluki sports chaplain for FCA, the meeting lasted a little over an hour.
The digital, online meetings have been an increased feature for global sports chaplaincy during the past year, as well. In previous years, most sports chaplaincy training and connection happened in person and was difficult with travel costs and arrangements of schedules. The rise of technology like Zoom has offered more opportunities to connect and learn from and share with chaplains in sport from around the world (including a time of sharing with soccer chaplains in India, back in May 2020).
A curious thing for me was the makeup of the different sports that these Russian chaplains were involved in. While we didn’t have time for everyone to go around and share the ministry or work that they were involved in, most of the Russian chaplains that did share seemed to be working in the sport of basketball.
It was great to hear some of the stories (through translation) of how God opens doors for chaplains to serve and love the people in sport — even in Russia. As one of the chaplains shared, I couldn’t help but think, “that sounds like a familiar story” — God working through people who show love and demonstrate that they care for people. There is a certain irresistible attraction.
Please pray for chaplains in sport around the world — in Russia, in the United States 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. Our chaplains are not employed or paid by any of the clubs that we serve. 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/2021/01/1599px-Flag_of_Russia.svg_.png10661599Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2021-01-25 12:00:002021-01-25 12:33:59Из России с любовью: From Russia With Love
The end of 2020 saw turbulent year and difficult start to a new decade. As 2019 was coming to a close, we identified 20 Things to Watch for in 2020 and we take a look back now at how we did.
20 – 14. Chaplains Corps up to 20
Currently, Soccer Chaplains United has 13 chaplains that are serving in different capacities from High School all the way to professional parts of the game. Part of our original vision was for the organization to be at 20 chaplains by 2020 across all levels and we are close to accomplishing that goal. Prayer: for chaplain placements and opportunities in 2020 to go smoothly.
How we did: when soccer and the world started shutting down in March, I felt that this would be the hardest and most difficult four goals to achieve. However, by the grace of God, we added 4 chaplains to our group. One still to be announced, but has been working with the team for two years now.
All of our work to place chaplains with different colleges across the country shutdown. But we now stand at 17 chaplains, and we know that this couldn’t have happened except by God’s hand especially with the global pandemic.
Grade:B+
13. Counseling Documentary
Soccer Chaplains United’s counseling division is anticipating the work of a special feature counseling documentary that will highlight the need for counseling and chaplaincy work in and amongst soccer. We are praying and discerning the best course of action with some of the stories and information that we have compiled and are planning the creation of a high-level story. Prayer: for the funding of the project (approx. $10k) and for the subject sensitivity and treatment to be honoring and compelling.
How we did: well, 2020 provided some clarity for Soccer Chaplains United in that by the end of the year we decided that we would not be moving on with Counseling as an internal part of our organization. We began some initial dialogues with a videographer and had storyboarded some of our vision for the documentary; however, the pandemic shutdown our work to continue to envision this and it seems to be a benefit as we spent very little resources (time and money) in the initial vision stage. We may revisit this documentary, but in the future it will detail the work of chaplains and not counselors.
Grade:Incomplete (for now)
12. Counseling Network Growth
Continuing to grow the Counseling Network for Soccer Chaplains United will be a story to watch for 2020 — as the awareness of more need arises, having the capacity to serve people, even after they have moved on from a particular, club, team, or city will be vital. The goal is to create continuity of care that goes beyond one’s playing days and time in a particular city. Prayer: for the right counselors in the right cities to join Soccer Chaplains United’s efforts.
How we did: as stated above, we are shifting away from having counselors internal to Soccer Chaplains United. We will shift our focus and emphasis to build out a solid and well-rounded counseling referral network instead. Because of our process of discernment around the direction of counseling for 2021 and beyond we didn’t grow or expand the network, to my knowledge, though I believe that each of our chaplains has at least a rough working list of counselors for referral. So, low grade for this year, but hopefully we will recover and rebound for 2021.
Grade: F
11. Virtual Chaplaincy
A growing need is for pastoral and spiritual care that is borderless. Especially with the global nature of soccer/football, there are many athletes, coaches, staff, and families that move for the game but lack the necessary chaplaincy and faith support at other parts and points in the world. Developing out forms of virtual chaplaincy support will be vital for the future. Prayer: Creative problem solving and appropriate technology uses and abilities for supporting those who feel “afar.”
How we did: there was no prophetic vision of what 2020 might have brought. For myself personally, my last day at the Colorado Rapids stadium and “in-person” (save for one or two meetings) was March 12. Most all of our chaplains were forced to adapt to serving in a virtual way for their current teams and people. Zoom, FaceTime, WhatsApp, House Party, Marco Polo and a myriad of other programs and moments helped our chaplains connect with athletes, coaches, and staff from safe and distanced means during a very difficult season. Additionally, more emphasis was put into podcasting and other means that could minister to people in appropriate ways and means.
Grade: A
10. Chaplaincy Training
While global sports chaplaincy training is beginning to grow and emerge, there is still a lack of resources and soccer-specific training for chaplaincy needs both in the United States and beyond. Soccer Chaplains United is beginning to be involved in developing and creating resources and education for training chaplains today and for the future. Prayer: for the training and resource development to be complementary and cohesive with existing resources and still fill the needs.
How we did: 2020 provided more time to create training that could be accessed by different members of Soccer Chaplains United. Recording a few short online training sessions, writing an article (to be submitted for journal publication in 2021), and beginning to collect other materials for training were all afforded in 2020.
Grade: B+ (probably could have made one more training video if pushed)
9. Travel and Opportunities
2020 alone will have several significant opportunities to travel and teach, learn, and coach. An invitation to teach in India, conference and meetings in the UK, a possible trip to Liberia, and other opportunities are beginning to emerge for Soccer Chaplains United. Prayer: for discernment for stewarding time and resources for the right opportunities.
How we did: the global pandemic shutdown much travel. My own trip to Dordt University was a last holdout, but alas, coming in March time ran out and the world shut down. Training chaplains in India still happened (virtually) and meetings with global sports chaplaincy leaders occurred via zoom, but travel was put off for much of 2020.
Grade: N/A
8 – 6. Multiplication
In terms of fundraising, development, and chaplaincy we can only go and grow as far as the team that we currently have. One of the “in process” prayer and discernment pieces for Soccer Chaplains United as we move into the future will be the multiplication of our efforts across different time zones and regions. Likely, this will look like growing a number of people similar to me (Brad) in my role and focused time and energy. Prayer: for the who, what’s, and wherefore’s of growing the vision and mission of Soccer Chaplains United amongst other like-minded people.
How we did: to be honest, this goal kind of went to the very back burner. I had a few discussion with a some chaplains in our group to gauge interest, but for now, I think I am it for leading and growing Soccer Chaplains United. Much of my time in 2020 was recovered by not traveling or commuting for my chaplaincy work; however, if and when the world returns to some level of normalcy we will still need 3-4 others in different time zones growing the ministry.
Grade: C-
5. Counseling Internship
New for 2020, Soccer Chaplains United is piloting a counseling internship program. We will have a 6 month trial before launching out with all the details, but suffice it to say that our work with soccer and counseling is a unique part of our endeavors and work and has the potential to powerfully help the athletes that we have been called to serve. Prayer:for our first counseling intern and internship program. That the program would work well and we would be able to respond and anticipate needs and adapt to changes and flexibility to push the envelope.
How we did: by now, you know that we ended our counseling emphasis as a result of a discernment process in 2020, but we did still manage to pull off an internship (albeit it was very difficult as the pandemic closed things down). Our intern was able to meet with and provide close to 100 counseling hours. Future internships will move now to be handled by local counselors like Brooke Ewert and her private practice, but it was a good start and we received good feedback overall given the circumstances.
Grade: B
4. New Community Partners and Places
For 2020 and beyond, we are excited to partner with some new churches, organizations and projects that are going to new places in and throughout the United States and around the world. Currently, our Community Projects have touched down in 26 different states and countries around the world. We are looking forward to seeing new places touched with our current partners and with new ones as well. Prayer: for continued gifting and granting of equipment from the organizations that we serve which allows us to partner well with our church and other non-profit partners.
How we did: there were only three projects to speak of in 2020. But by far, one of them was our largest ever with over 850 lbs. of gear delivered to Musana Community Development who was a new partner. Our third “project” is perhaps our smallest – a single pair of “special boots” that we are still tracking!
Grade: B–
3. 2020 Vision for 2026 World Cup
Now is the time to begin envisioning the future. With the United States, Canada, and Mexico co-hosting the 2026 World Cup there are some exciting opportunities for Soccer Chaplains United to serve in unique, large-event chaplain and counseling capacities whereby the world is coming to our door step. The 2026 version of the World Cup will feature an expanded format for the tournament and likely see teams from countries who have never played on the world’s largest stage. Prayer: that Soccer Chaplains United discerns its particular role and ways to serve as the World Cup comes into the national scene in 2026.
How we did: there was little in the way of prep and opportunity for 2026 plans while dealing with COVID-19 and the global pandemic. Is it fair to take a low grade? Oh, well…
Grade: D
2. Growing Sustainability
As with any non-profit organization, sustainability is key. Changing trends in generosity, charitable giving, generational values and norms, volunteerism, and other cultural nuances are all part of the landscape that Soccer Chaplains United must constantly navigate and negotiate. While some in the space are compromising particular aspects of ministry, Soccer Chaplains United continues to look forward at serving in a shifting landscape and become more sustainable and resilient. Prayer: for trusting in God for the future — His provision for His work; not our own.
How we did: well, we had to adapt. Donations and donors and some of our plans for fundraising was stymied by the pandemic. We also survived the loss of a key donor and a couple of foundations that have given in the past that didn’t for 2020! We are still working on the 2020 numbers but at the last that we knew we were just going to be short by maybe a few hundred dollars. Of course, breaking even is sometimes okay, especially in a down year.
Grade: B-
1. Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing
Well, we started out saying that there wasn’t a particular order or value, but it is critical for Soccer Chaplains United to keep on point for the next decade in front of us. While different opportunities and challenges will arise, key to continuing will be for the organization to be careful to not have “mission drift.” Prayer: that Soccer Chaplains United (as it is today and as it will be tomorrow) would continue to pray much, listen well, obey fully, and exercise faith in serving and loving the people that God calls us to serve and love.
How we did: Ok, so truth be told, I am a perfectionist. Feels a bit silly to “give ourselves grades” and likely I would rate us a little lower truth be told across the board, because there is always more room for improvement (even in the good things). Ha! But all said, I do think that Soccer Chaplains United and our chaplains worked really hard to serve and to also keep the “main thing the main thing”. Grades are really meaningless, but thanks for reading, thus far.
Grade: B+
We will come out with some type of vision ahead article for 2021 and beyond, soon.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/ipozqwvcmle-scaled.jpg19201440Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2021-01-05 08:00:002021-01-04 17:01:0320 to Watch For in 2020: How Did We Do?
On the last day of 2020, at really the last hour, Soccer Chaplains United only needs $2,265 to cover our 2020 expenses. Big thanks goes to so many who have given this year — we know that it has not been an easy year. For us to be only a little over $2200 off the pace during this difficult time — we know is a blessing from God.
There is still a little bit of time left to make a final contribution for 2020. Simply click the PushPay (the big P or give tab) link below to make a secure, online, tax-deductible gift, or mail a donation (postmarked by December 31, 2020) to Soccer Chaplains United, PO Box 102081, Denver, CO 80250.
Update: December 16, 2020
With just two weeks to go in 2020, Soccer Chaplains United still needs to raise at least $8,800 to cover our expenditures for this year and not have to dip into our financial reserves.
A huge thanks to our supporters who have continued to faithfully give. Right now, our shortfall from the year is not unmanageable or impossible. And of course, with God, nothing is impossible. Thank you for prayerfully considering a year-end gift or additional gift.
Giving options include online through PushPay or mailing in a donation postmarked by December 31, 2020 to PO Box 102081, Denver, CO 80250.
We will continue to update this post weekly with an outlook on our fundraising goal for fiscal year 2020.
Original Post: November 25, 2020
2020 has been a difficult year to say the least and Soccer Chaplains United has felt the impact of the pandemic and subsequent economic strain. But first, I have to say thank you to the majority of supporters and donors who have remained consistent in their support of me and Soccer Chaplains United. While we have suffered some losses, we are faithful for God’s continued provision as we have seen some awesome things happen this year — including placing several chaplains in spite of the pandemic.
Giving overall through Q3 2020 is 29% below this same point last year. The loss of our biggest donor in June and the difficulty in developing new donors due to various restrictions for meetings and in-person events being some of the biggest causes for the down turn. We are praying for a really strong 4th quarter — one like we had in 2018 where we were able to raise over $35k to finish the year strong.
We have managed to stay above board thus far with drastic reductions in spending. Our program expenses are right at 67% of our 2020 budget with two months left to go in the year. Our administrative and general expenditures are at 68% of budget and fundraising expense is at 59%.
Looking ahead to 2021, the Soccer Chaplains United Board is advising on setting budget reductions based more on 2020 actual numbers due to the continuing uncertainty around COVID-19, election outcomes, and economic recoveries. Please pray for us as we work on the budget for next year.
We would certainly appreciate your consideration as you come to year-end giving and charitable contributions. 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. 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/2020/11/4n3ihymqy_e-scaled.jpg12801920Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2020-12-31 12:00:002021-01-04 17:10:46Soccer Chaplains United Third Quarter 2020 Financial Update
You won’t want to miss my conversation with Valor Christian High School Coach Brian Shultz as we talk coaching and spiritual formation on the last From the Touchline podcast for the 2020 year!
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Slide-Brian-Shultz-Valor.png6821221Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2020-12-16 22:15:002020-12-17 14:50:48Coach Brian Shultz — Special Guest Featured On Last Podcast of 2020
Tune in next week as Nashville SC Chaplain Billy Cerveny shares a special rendition of a well-known Christmas song on next week’s From the Touchline podcast!
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/20190413_Memphis-4_large.jpg6831024Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2020-12-16 22:00:002020-12-17 14:49:02Billy Cerveny — Special Guest Feature On Next Week’s Podcast
As 2020 comes to a close and with 2021 on the horizon, Soccer Chaplains United is making a significant shift in emphasis for the foreseeable future — namely, the elimination of an internal counseling emphasis for the organization. The shift comes after this past year of analyzing and assessing the continued viability for the organization to carry out counseling service for soccer as part of its own makeup and DNA.
There are a number of reasons for what I am calling a “shift of emphasis” that I will share here. But before I do, I want to recount what I think is a still commendable history for counseling in the Soccer Chaplains United organization with the simple timeline graphic below.
Beginning in 2011 — a key conversation with a professional soccer player led us on a journey of trying to “marry” counseling and chaplaincy. It was born out of the idea that there were certain things where a clinical counselor was better trained and equipped to address (mental health areas) and where a chaplain and counseling team might better serve, holistically.
In spite of the upcoming shift, Soccer Chaplains United fundamentally still values and believes in that; however, we have reached a point as an organization where we continue to struggle to see the necessary growth and reconciliation of some key factors internally. Those pieces lead us to believe that we need to go about the chaplaincy and counseling collaboration in a different way.
Some of the key pieces for our consideration included:
Soccer Chaplains United — our name didn’t help grow counseling very well and wasn’t as representative (for counselors, especially) and transparent as necessary.
Limited resources — in truth, legitimate, clinical sports counseling has very few (although growing) amongst its membership. Soccer-specific counselors are even more difficult to find. For us, it’s not that a counselor and to be soccer savvy, but there is a certain subculture to soccer that is key and critical to understand.
Financially — typically chaplains are volunteers in professional sports (this is currently true of all Soccer Chaplains United chaplains); counselors are not. There is a disparity as unpaid chaplains “hand-off” or refer people to counselors who are fee-for-service. While we had aspirations to provide free or subsidized counseling, this was a much harder sell than we anticipated and led to very short lifespans (and conversations) amongst interested counselors.
There were other, smaller considerations for us around the decision, but a number of things that we believe Soccer Chaplains United will continue to uphold and value will help make our mission and vision leaner and also continue to move forward as we seek to serve those in soccer:
We still value and believe that qualified and capable (sometimes known as licensed) Christian counselors and counseling is needed and important for affecting change and offering holistic care and support to those we serve in soccer. To this end, Soccer Chaplains United chaplains will seek to develop local counseling relationships to whom they can, when appropriate, refer.
Differently from most professional sports in North America those in soccer, especially in the lower professional divisions and elsewhere, often lack the financial means to afford counseling fees. To this end, Soccer Chaplains United chaplains may raise and determine a budget for counseling subsidies in their annual budgets.
We believe that this refinement — coming as we have devoted the past six years to seeing and working through a model to try and develop chaplaincy and counseling together, may come at an important time and hopefully this “rest” from development will see the counseling emphasis grow in a better, more organic way outside of Soccer Chaplains United.
By way of practicality, for Soccer Chaplains United, we have taken down the counseling portions of our website. Brooke Ewert will continue to be a localized resource for referral and a help for chaplains serving in the Denver Metro area, but her volunteer role as Director of Counseling will be dissolved. It maybe bad form to quote myself in a story that I am writing, but I wanted to make sure that my own comments about Brooke standout from the rest of the story:
Brooke, has been an amazing person to journey with as part of Soccer Chaplains United. She has grown with us and I am excited to continue working with her in the future (albeit in different ways) to help provide for the mental health needs of those God allows me to serve in soccer. I am glad to have a trusted person to refer people on to see and I look forward to seeing her and her practice grow in the years to come.
Brad Kenney, Volunteer Chaplain Colorado Rapids on Brooke Ewert
I also never want to diminish the people who have worked to serve alongside of Soccer Chaplains United (and formerly, CrossTraining). Cody Baker and Nicholas Runyan also helped in the forming and shaping of best practices and different levels and layers of care. We were also glad to be able to successfully host the first known counseling internship amongst a professional development academy in North America. Those will be some gems and historical highlights that will always be a part of the Soccer Chaplains United story.
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. 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/2020/12/Counseling-stock-image.png6861139Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2020-12-14 06:00:002020-12-07 15:56:53Soccer Chaplains United Refines Focus for 2021, Transitions Counseling Emphasis
Tomorrow, December 1 is known as Giving Tuesday in the U.S. It is a time of special emphasis for non-profit and charitable giving which helps groups and organizations like Soccer Chaplains United as they come to year-end.
Giving through groups like Facebook (link to our Facebook Page) sometimes can even receive a match if certain conditions are met — for example, gifts made starting at 8:00 am Eastern (6:00 am Mountain) are matched up to $7 million by Facebook’s charitable arm.
Because Soccer Chaplains United is based in Colorado, next year we hope to participate in ColoradoGives Day (usually the second Tuesday of December) and also has incentivized matches and other opportunities to grow donations.
Of course, monthly, recurring giving through the mail or PushPay (link to PushPay donations) is perhaps our most preferred method of support as it helps us determine our annual budget and stay debt free in our ministry.
The great thing about Soccer Chaplains United is that when someone donates — you are actually a part of the team. Donations don’t go to cover some big building somewhere or pay exorbitant salaries, and a portion of each donation gets sent out into the far-reaches of the earth through our Community Projects.
We’d like to thank you for considering giving to Soccer Chaplains United during this season. Have a wonderful Advent and finish 2020 strong!
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. 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/2020/11/k0e6e0a0r3a-scaled.jpg12801920Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2020-11-30 10:30:302020-12-01 13:47:06Plan on Giving During Giving Tuesday?
Of the three Major League Soccer (MLS) teams which have Soccer Chaplains United chaplains serving and supporting the organizations, only one team has pulled through the first round of the 2020 MLS playoffs. Nashville SC, a new, expansion team for 2020 won their first round playoff match last night to advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Columbus Crew.
Colorado Rapids the #5 seed in the Western Conference, on Sunday, lost 3-0 in an away trip against #4 seed, Minnesota United. The team started brightly, and looks dominate in many parts of the game, but ultimately injuries and lineup changes led to a few inconsistencies and unfinished chances and the Rapids quickly exited after having last been in the MLS playoffs in 2016. As volunteer chaplain for the Rapids, I shared with someone recently about the loss,
It really feels devastating in a number of ways — after watching the team face challenge after challenge this year — months away from families, starts and stops to the season, a COVID-19 outbreak amongst the team…and then there are a lot of unmet and unrealized hopes and expectations. To come this far and to achieve (for the team) a spot in the playoffs has been a tremendous feat, but I know to a person — from front office to the footballers to the equipment staff — everyone had hoped for so much more. I am super proud of each and everyone who gave their all and I pray that as we rest and get ready for next year there will be a looking back on a solid foundation laid for the future.
The Portland Timbers faced similar challenges this year, albeit a win in the MLS is Back bubble tournament earlier in the year might soften the early exit for the #3 seed in the West. Portland had a home match against #6 FC Dallas, and nearly advanced, but top man Diego Valeri’s chip-shot effort glanced the outside of the far-post. The teams, drawn, finally went to penalty kicks and FC Dallas came out on top. Timber co-chaplain, Ben Dudley, commented on the loss,
Ben Dudley, co-chaplain Portland Timbers posing during the team’s inaugural season
Always tough to lose a match, especially, on PK’s. Proud of the team and their resilience this season. 2020 MLS is Back Champs is something that we will uniquely claim! 2021 here we come!
Ben Dudley, volunteer co-chaplain Portland Timbers
For Nashville SC, 2020 is also a year and season full of trial and adversity. Beginning with the spring tornados which trashed East Nashville, the team being suspended from the MLS is Back bubble tournament in Orlando because of a COVID-19 outbreak, to even a “minor” early-season switch from the Western Conference to Eastern Conference, Nashville SC has also had its own challenges to face.
So when Nashville SC handily beat expansion-side Inter Miami FC 3-0 in the play-in game for the Eastern Conference Playoffs, that was one thing. But last night’s 1-0 win in extra time against perennial playoff contender and former MLS Cup winners (2017), the #2 seed in the East, Toronto FC meant a new level for this new Nashville team. Soccer Chaplains United volunteer chaplain, Rev Billy Cerveny expressed his emotions with me in a text exchange, last night:
Rev Billy stands with Nashville SC players helping cleanup after the early 2020 tornados which ripped through Nashville
For the teams that have finished, end-of-season meetings will inform players about team plans for next season. Some will end up moving on from their teams, some will stay. Some will have contract negotiations, offers from other teams. Some are preparing to welcome a new child to the family. Some will be getting married. The busyness of life will resume (briefly) until the pre-season begins again.
For Nashville SC and the other remaining MLS playoff teams, December 12 is what they are all striving for — the MLS Cup trophy match. There’s still football to be played!
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/MLS-Playoff-Update.jpeg19201733Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2020-11-25 10:00:232020-11-25 10:31:21Colorado Crashes Out; Portland Ponders What Might Have Been; Nashville Never Gives Up
I had the privilege last week to speak with students at Denver Seminary, my alma mater, and share about my work in sport chaplaincy. The course, Many Faces of Chaplaincy, is part of the core curriculum base for those studying chaplaincy — whether in the Master of Divinity track or the seminary’s Chaplaincy Certificate Program.
For me, sometimes the class can be a great opportunity to see the growth of chaplaincy and some have even been curious enough to look more into serving as a chaplain in sport, and even with Soccer Chaplains United. Most students are looking into military or hospital/healthcare chaplaincy opportunities.
Myself, and three other presenters, joined Prof Dr. Jan McCormack (top left) and about 18 students to discuss specialized chaplaincy expressions
This go around, I was surprised at the large numbers of students in the class — the seminary’s recent development of online programs, perhaps, a reason for the larger class size. I was also pleasantly surprised at a number of international students — three of them from Africa that were studying chaplaincy at Denver Seminary.
After a short introduction, myself and three other presenters took round robin questions from Dr. Jan McCormack about the nature of our different expressions of chaplaincy. Particular emphasis was on the entrepreneurial nature of our chaplaincy work — especially with being in sport. Questions about standards and proficiencies also were subjects covered in the 2-hour zoom, with questions from the students at the end of the class time
Additionally, I shared with the students about the growth of sport chaplaincy around the world and encouraged them to consider that wherever God may take them in ministry and life — if they have a passion for sport and available time, to consider being a volunteer chaplain in a sporting context.
As an alumni of Denver Seminary, it’s always great to serve and share to the next generation of chaplains coming out of the school. It is a way of giving back and I hope that in the future there will be more opportunities and more interest from students to really explore the many, many opportunities to become a chaplain and pastoral presence in sport.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/643_denver-seminary-logo-30377.jpg148240Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2020-11-24 12:00:042020-11-24 12:08:00Spending Time With Denver Seminary
We all need good news from time to time. Now, SmileAmazon is available in the Amazon App — so it’s really convenient for people to support Soccer Chaplains United with all their ways of purchasing things on SmileAmazon. You no longer need to make the purchase only on a laptop or tablet, you can use the app on your phone!
Do you buy things on Amazon? Follow these steps below:
Switch over to SmileAmazon.org.
Select Soccer Chaplains United (Denver)
Purchase your items*
*A small percentage of your purchase will be donated to Soccer Chaplains United.
Thanks for considering and supporting Soccer Chaplains United this way!
Soccer Chaplains United is non-profit, 501(c)3 and depends upon the financial support of individual donors and church partners. Please consider making a contribution today through the PushPay button below to help us continue to subsidize training and education of our chaplains.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Smile_CharityListinAppFacebook-Banner.png6271200Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2020-11-18 12:30:142020-11-18 12:25:56Good News: SmileAmazon Now Available in the App
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