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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.

Dragovich Steps Down

Yesterday, Darren Dragovich announced he would not seek to renew his term on the Soccer Chaplains United Board of Directors. For the past four years, Darren has brought a lot to the board. With his initial start in 2016, he helped to facilitate a church partnership conversation with Cherry Creek Presbyterian and a meeting with the church’s missions committee. Darren’s background with FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) and CGF (College Golf Fellowship) also lent invaluable experience to the ministry during a time of important transition and change.

Darren shares his personal story of how a chaplain impacted him in college

I have thoroughly enjoyed serving on the Board since 2015, and remain in complete support of Soccer Chaplains United and its mission.

Darren Dragovich, former Secretary of the Board of Directors, Soccer Chaplains United

It was during Darren’s tenure that Soccer Chaplains United underwent a name change and rebranding. Additionally, Darren’s skill and knowledge pertaining to legal matters and as General Counsel at Western Union has helped provide good insight as the ministry has moved forward into the years following its rebrand.

Darren prepares an impromptu drum roll at the unveiling party for Soccer Chaplains United

The funny part is that the applicant was someone I know. The convergent worship leader at the church my family worships at, Cherry Creek Presbyterian, and a church partner with Soccer Chaplains United. What’s even more funny is that I had asked the missions director and executive pastor if they knew of anyone in the church that might assist us.

Darren and I visit with a team before praying over a Community Project donation in 2018 headed to Juarez, Mexico with church partner Cherry Creek Presbyterian Church

Darren recently joined another non-profit board and between his work, church, and family commitments, he felt that now was the time to consolidate his extra commitments.

I am incredibly grateful to Darren for his time these past four years and his commitment to continue to support me, and Soccer Chaplains United, going forward. We pray a tremendous blessing on Darren, his family, his work, and on all that God has in store for Darren in the years to come. Thank you, Darren!

20 to Watch For in 2020

As we come to the close of 2019 and usher in a new year and a new decade, here are twenty stories that we at Soccer Chaplains United believe are worth watching for in the next year and in the years to come. Of course, some of the stories are part of a larger picture, but we’ve come up with 20 (so to speak) and they are not necessarily in any particular order or value.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Podcast now on iHeartRadio!

This week, the Soccer Chaplains United podcast, From the Touchline, has been accepted for play on iHeartRadio. The podcast can be heard and found on iHeartRadio.com and can be heard on Android and iOS devices. iHeartRadio is free podcast and broadcast group which began in 2008.

From the Touchline is a short-feature (usually 10 min) podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer. Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer).

You can see a list of our From the Touchline podcasts, right here on our website. And on each episode’s page, you can subscribe using your preferred service — whether iHeartRadio, Apple, Google, Stitcher.

Soon to come we will be trying to launch on Spotify, Pandora, and more. You can help us by listening and rating us in your preferred podcast source. And remember that you can also listen to our podcast in our app, SoccChaplain, which is available in the Apple and Google stores.

Thanks for listening and providing your feedback and even your topics and suggestions. Send us a message at info@soccerchaplainsunited.org.

Now broadcasting, I mean, podcasting…

From the Touchline

I’m really pleased to announce that our podcast, From the Touchline, has been accepted for distribution by Apple and Google Podcasts and Stitcher with more submissions to different podcasting outlets to come.

From the Touchline is a short-feature (usually 10 min) podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer. Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer).

You can see a list of our From the Touchline podcasts, right here on our website. And on each episode’s page, you can subscribe using your preferred service.

Soon to come we will be trying to launch on Spotify, Pandora, and more. You can help us by listening and rating us in your preferred podcast source. And remember that you can also listen to our podcast in our app, SoccChaplain, which is available in the Apple and Google stores.

Thanks for listening and providing your feedback and even your topics and suggestions. Send us a message at info@soccerchaplainsunited.org.

Support Soccer Chaplains United through AmazonSmile

A lot of people nowadays are shopping at Amazon.

Did you know that when you shop for the holidays at smile.amazon.com/ch/20-2604903, AmazonSmile donates to Soccer Chaplains United?

If you purchase things on Amazon, why not make it go further? Amazon donates to the charity of your choice (.5% of your purchase on eligible purchases) and by selecting the link above, you can have a deeper impact on the work and mission of Soccer Chaplains United.

Thanks for considering and supporting.

Congress Reflections

This week, I asked our Director of Counseling, Brooke Ewert to share some of her own reflections following on from the 2nd Global Congress on Sport and Christianity. In her own words,

“This past week was the 2nd Global Congress on Sport and Christianity in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This was my first time attending this conference. After processing through the week when I returned home, I felt so incredibly blessed to be in the same room with so many Christians who work in the sports world. To be honest, I often feel alone because there are not many people who specialize in sports like I do with sports counseling.”

“I was encouraged to hear from those who work in sports as academics, historians, mental health professionals, and chaplains. Each person focused on helping athletes or studying them to help them in a more holistic way. The camaraderie that came from being in the ‘same field’ bonded us together quickly. I felt many people I interacted with quickly became friends and we tried to figure out how we can best help each other in our respective fields of work.”

“A few moments stuck out to me from the conference. First, I met women in my own field (mental health) who encouraged me in my own work with athletes in mental health. Second, I was gleaning information from the speakers who look at sports differently than me and how that can help me to be a better practitioner. I felt inspired by many of those speakers who helped me to see how sports and faith can be weaved together in a beautiful bond. I am already looking forward to the next meeting of the congress in three years and I cannot wait to have a few more sports counselors attending with me.“

Thank you for your support of Soccer Chaplains United. Your financial gifts and support help make continuing education opportunities like the Congress a reality — whether for a chaplain or counselor. It is helpful in shaping our work and direction.

If you would like to make gift to cover expenses or future opportunities for training and education, you can click the PushPay logo below or simply text Soccerchaplains to 77977. Or send your donation via mail to: Soccer Chaplains United, PO Box 102081, Denver, CO 80250.

Thank you for your consideration and support.

MI Road Trip in a Word: Massive

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As I sit and reflect on the recent road trip to Michigan for the 2nd Global Congress on Sport and Christianity, it feels a lot like one of the Apostle Paul’s missionary journeys that’s recorded in the book of Acts. Among the many, many highlights was seeing so many old faces and meeting many new faces. As the family (yes, all 6 of us) headed east, we made our first stop in Olathe, KS. A couple nights with my brother and his family let us get a feel for the road and also allowed us to see my nephew, Asher, in play for Toca FC and visit with one of our chaplain candidates in the area.

Asher Kenney, left, waits for a throw-in during the second half of his club match

It was a short stop in KC and then on to Nashville, TN. We pulled into town as the sun set, but the next day saw the family tour a couple of Civil War sites related to the Battle of Franklin. The still, blood-stained wood floors of the Confederate Field Hospital at Carnton and the on-site, private graveyard were sobering reminders of America’s difficult past.

The Union HQ for the Battle of Franklin, still riddled with bullet holes.

After the day’s events, I had a chance to sit with Nashville SC Chaplain Billy Cerveny and we discussed end-of-season and upcoming MLS transitions at Franklin’s Frothy Monkey. Later that night, after a BBQ dinner, we visited with coaching staff of Nashville SC and shared many reminders and memories of the 2010 Cup Final win for the Rapids and our time together during those years. All in all, too short of a time, but a joy to have even the briefest of reunions.

Martin’s BBQ was a nice shared moment for the family.

The hills of Tennessee gave way to Cincinnati as we visited with a former Rapids player and his family. After a quick stop to see my childhood home in MI, we headed across the state for the start of the congress at Calvin University.

Gary Thomas, with the opening keynote “Every Body Matters”

The Congress, in a word, was an amazing time. I especially enjoyed some of the challenges that were put forth by several of the keynote speakers and in the breakout sessions. One such idea that captured me was Miroslav Volf’s question to attendees,

Is the glory of being better than someone else (in sport) a genuine, human good?

Miroslav Volf, 2nd Global Congress on Sport and Christianity Keynote

Volf’s philosophical and moral grappling was one of the more weighty sessions and his ideas and language around competition were difficult for many of the practitioners in the room to swallow, let alone find a ground for agreement. But I find that the differing opinions help sharpen and shape my own theology and understanding of sport and ministry.

I felt that my breakout session was wonderfully paired with a presentation given by Will Whitmore, just prior, entitled, Towards a Theology of Sports Chaplaincy. Will focused on imago dei as a foundation for consideration and my own presentation called for using Genesis 3 as a more biblical foundation for sports chaplaincy. I was encouraged to share this more seminal text and also to introduce some folks to Saint Martin and his story as key to understanding chaplaincy.

In between sessions, Soccer Chaplains United had a table and we shared more about the ministry with potentially interested chaplains, counselors, and others at the Congress

Saturday morning, Brooke Ewert and myself, co-led a session discussing the partnership of Counseling and Chaplaincy. It followed on neatly from a presentation that was encouraging chaplaincy and social work partnerships. The exciting thing is to see a growing interest in creating interdisciplinary teams of care that can come around those in sport.

Brooke and myself, on Chaplaincy and Counseling: A Necessary Partnership

The Congress wasn’t all presentations and games, though. I took advantage of being in Grand Rapids to meet with some old friends — now coaches with Calvin and Cornerstone University Men’s Soccer. Ryan Souders and I caught up for a coffee and talked about how soccer chaplaincy might become part of the soccer program at Calvin. Ryan and I go back a number of years, to the time when Ryan was a player with the Charlotte Eagles and good friend to former Colorado Rapids midfielder and board member, Greg Dalby.

Ryan and I grab a selfie in the library/coffee shop on Calvin’s campus.

Ryan was kind to invite me to share an encouraging word to the men’s soccer team as they prepared for the last couple of regular season matches. I shared on how God was David in his battles and especially how He prepared and equipped David, for the battles that were right in front of him and the ones to come.

Standing on the touchline, I share about David’s 5 stones with the Calvin University Men’s Soccer team.

I also enjoyed reconnecting with former Rapids defender, Steve Herdsman. Steve was one of the first players I had the privilege of serving as volunteer chaplain for the Rapids. He has coached Cornerstone University Men’s Soccer for a long time now. We laughed as we shared our aging stories, though Steve’s managed to keep much of his good looks and fitness! During a lunch, we began some initial talks on what chaplaincy at Cornerstone might look like. Afterwards, Steve took me on a little tour of his club that he helps lead and he showed me the first ever Goalpher soccer system which has recently been on social media.

Steve and I pose in front of the first construction of Kyle Martino’s Goalpher soccer system.

Friends, if you’re still reading, I just can’t tell you how great the entire trip was. One last exciting opportunity to share with you — during the Congress, someone from India approached me and asked to speak with me. We shared a dinner time conversation together. He is starting a Bible school and would like for us to consider coming to India and teaching and training on soccer chaplaincy! He has a number of chaplains that are just beginning to work with soccer teams in a league that they run in the southern part of India. I don’t know if and how God might make this happen, but it is exciting to see how He is opening new doors and opportunities to grow and develop serving those in the soccer community.

Our trip ended with visiting friends in the Chicago area. A lunch at Portillo’s with our two families was followed by a impromptu tour of Moody Bible Institute. I was blessed to walk the grounds of the school that was so impactful in my life. I got to show my wife and daughters one of the places that is close to my heart. Good friend, Elias Ricks and his mom and two sons were with us as we explored the MBI museum and the campus.

The Kenney and Ricks families in front of Moody’s famous arch

Our last stop before the long drive home was with some friends who recently moved to Illinois. All in all, it was a wonderful trip and we are thankful to God for the traveling mercies and safety on the road and during this long trip.

We had a great reunion with the Salia’s

Breakout presentation next week

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I am excited as the time has come for the 2nd Global Congress on Christianity and Sport at Calvin University. Next week, I will have the privilege of presenting in a session on Friday, A Biblical Foundation for Chaplaincy in Sport. In the session, I will propose that academics and practitioners develop a more foundational biblical text for chaplaincy theory and practice.

In the second session, myself and Brooke Ewert will present on the challenges of linking chaplaincy and counseling in sports. On Saturday, we will present, Chaplaincy and Counseling in Sport: A Necessary Partnership, will take place on Saturday, 10/26 (9:45-11:45 am, Eastern) as part of a 4-part presentation track. We will share about our work of serving in football (soccer) and how the chaplain and counselor can serve simultaneously and differently from one another.

It is a privilege for Soccer Chaplains United to feature as part of the many breakout sessions during the four-day event. A list of the different break out sessions is viewable here.

Please pray for Soccer Chaplains United, and the other congress attendees — whether academics or practitioners — as we work and interact to process best thinking and best practices in helping bridge the world of Christian faith and sport.

Prepping for Conference

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This past Sunday night, Brooke Ewert and I did some final preparations for the 2nd Global Congress on Christianity and Sport at Calvin University next week. We got our two families together for a homemade pizza dinner and threatened our children and teens to have to sit through our rehearsal. Fortunately, there were games and distractions in the basement and our spouses, unwittingly sat, listened and gave feedback for our presentation.

I asked Brooke this week how she was feeling about the Congress and some of the things she was looking forward to, she shared with me,

Rarely, are there this many people who are believers in Christ and who are interested in sports in one location. I usually feel alone because there aren’t many of us in the sports industry who have a faith-based perspective working with athletes. As I looked at the topics for break sessions and keynote speakers, I smiled and thought, ‘I’m going to be with so many likeminded individuals.’

Brooke Ewert, on attending the conference

For myself, I sometimes feel that there are several different sessions that I would like to attend and I fell torn over the different choices. As Brooke says, it’s rare to have so many ‘like-minded’ people gathered in one place, talking about faith, sport, and mental health among other topics. But this congress is about more than rubbing shoulders with like-minded people. It’s about learning and growing ourselves, as Brooke shares further,

I’m really excited to share with those in the sports industry the work Brad and I have done with Soccer Chaplains United and the Colorado Rapids, but also to learn and glean from others who are working with athletes in different ways that will help us to be more efficient or learn from ‘roads already paved.’

Brooke Ewert, on sharing about Soccer Chaplains United

While some of those listenings and learnings, for me, will be in chaplaincy, Brooke will be able to sit in on another session emphasizing counseling and mental health and well-being.

I am also excited to learn how others in the mental health field are helping athletes with mental health issues. This is a huge life passion for me and it will be encouraging to see the work being done with athletes from around the world.

Brooke Ewert, on the counseling track

Please keep Brooke and myself in thoughts and prayers for this next week.

Soccer Chaplains United Radio Interview

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am910, brad, brooke

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (6.0MB)

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Amazon Music | Android | Pandora | iHeartRadio | Email | Youtube Music | RSS

Brooke Ewert, Director of Counseling, and myself enjoyed a time of sharing this morning around the “Breakfast Table” with our friends at AM91. Roy Hanschke and Denise Washington-Blomberg were our hosts this morning around the table and we were able to cover a number of topics including the upcoming 2nd Global Congress on Sport and Christianity at Calvin University.

In case you missed our interview today, you can listen to the compiled interview segments here (26 min long).

Thank you fro continuing to pray and support the ministry and work of Soccer Chaplains United!

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