Sport, especially the sport of soccer, is increasingly filled with more and more pressure. Pressure to perform, pressure to leave family, pressure to succeed, and more. Part of the work of Soccer Chaplains United is to look to care for the entire person that is involved in the game — whether an athlete, a coach, executive, or staff member, and even fans — our aim and mission to provide chaplaincy and counseling support that can care for the entire person and their family. In today's From the Touchline episode, Rev Brad and Counselor Brooke Ewert have a recorded conversation about chaplaincy and counseling and some of the different approaches and challenges that come with trying to work together and connect

Being thankful has a tremendous impact on our own spiritual and mental health and well-being. No matter one's circumstances, there is always something that we can give thanks for, something that we can be grateful for. And when that focus is off of one's self it can help foster greater sense of gratitude and even impact things like one's self-esteem. In today's From the Touchline episode, Rev Brad and special guest Brooke Ewert reflect on the impact of gratitude and how this can affect even elite, high-level athletes. Brooke is the Director of Counseling for Soccer Chaplains United and also has her own practice, Rocky Mountain Sports Counseling. Notable stories or resources mentioned in today's podcast: — 5 Kernels of

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 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

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