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Today, I am really pleased to announce the volunteer Tacoma Defiance chaplain, Jubal McDaniel, will become the West Coast Chaplaincy Manager for Soccer Chaplains United. The role will “officially” begin January 1, 2024, but in truth, Jubal has been doing the work for some time.

With the chaplain growth that we experienced in 2023 (8 chaplains and 40% growth), the importance of continuing to support our existing chaplains and continue to discover and develop new chaplains is leading to this new organizational structure augmentation. As “Chaplain Manager,” Jubal will be tasked to 1) support chaplains within the Pacific timezone and 2) work to discover and develop out new chaplains for new chaplain opportunities that arise.

Jubal joined Soccer Chaplains United three years ago (in late 2020). In that time, he has grown in the role serving the Defiance as well as with Soccer Chaplains United. Jubal has gone back to Liberty University to also grow in his professional development, taking on courses in chaplaincy and sports chaplaincy to grow in his understanding and work to serve the team and the Beautiful Game well. He finished a Master’s in Sports Chaplaincy earlier this May.

Mid-year, this year, I started to toy with the idea of having some “timezone” specific help. Interviewing candidates, inquiring about new opportunities and vacancies, and supporting existing chaplains for our growing ministry were all motivations behind the idea. Jubal was one of the first to raise his hand and I asked him to share more about his own thoughts behind diving in “deeper”:

I’m very encouraged by the growth of Soccer Chaplains United over the last 18 months. We have added a significant number of chaplains to our team, and continue to remain faithful to our common code of conduct, professional standards and the Lord. It is truly an honor and a blessing to have the opportunity to serve alongside Brad – by serving and caring for new and current chaplains.

Jubal, on seeing the growth and feeling called to become more involved

To offset the additional time and commitment, we are working to grow a stipend fund for the chaplain managers. But, for Jubal, it’s not so much been about funds or funding but seeing the value of the work and wanting to see the chaplaincy continue to grow.

It honestly makes me emotional to be serving in this way. I never dreamed I would be serving in professional soccer this way. Even when I joined SCU three years ago, I was amazed to simply have the opportunity to serve the Tacoma Defiance, but the Lord had another plan. Starting in Tacoma and now being able to serve the west coast is an incredible blessing! 

Jubal, on seeing the Lord grow and expand his own heart for the ministry

Jubal will work to raise additional support through Soccer Chaplains United. You can support his work by selecting Tacoma from the PushPay drop down fund. Visit our Donate page to have quick access to other links and learn where you might also mail checks in support of Jubal and his work in Tacoma and beyond.

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 service across all levels of soccer. Please consider making a contribution today to help us continue growing our work. Simply click the PushPay (the big P) link below to make a secure, online, tax-deductible gift, or mail a donation to Soccer Chaplains United, PO Box 102081, Denver, CO 80250.