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On the Road Again

February was a heavy travel month — as there is a preseason in sports, there is a preseason in sports chaplaincy as well.

Feb 7-8: Leoti, KS

To begin, a 400-mile road trip out to Leoti, KS for presbytery meetings. As an ordained minister in the EPC (Evangelical Presbyterian Church), it is important to work to attend a number of our quarterly meetings if at all possible. The added benefit for this trip was two fold: a) I got to spend an unexpected amount of time with our new chaplain in Memphis, Greg Aydt. His re-routed and re-directed flight put him into Denver and I had an extra seat. It was a God-thing to get the additional 4 hours on the drive to talk and work through some of the chaplaincy needs of the preseason. b) Soccer Chaplains United was able to have our new introductory video played at presbytery. The video highlights our chaplaincy, counseling and community work and many in attendance commented on the quality of the video and how it conveyed a new sense of the scope of work being done with Soccer Chaplains United.

Feb 19-21: Nashville, TN

I had the wonderful privilege of spending time with one of our newest chaplains, Rev Ryan Doyle. Ryan is getting started with providing chaplaincy for Christ Presbyterian Academy Boys Soccer for the upcoming spring season. We enjoyed a coffee and catch up in the historic Franklin downtown. We shared for a couple of hours on different ideas for the chaplaincy.

While in Nashville, I also got a chance to spend time with our Nashville SC chaplain, Billy Cerveny. We spent time together talking about the chaplaincy issues that will likely be faced this year as the team makes the transition from United Soccer League – Championship to Major League Soccer. Some Martin’s BBQ made for a full day as we also took in the announcement for Nashville’s new logo when they begin play in MLS.

Nashville SC new logo launch and reveal party

My trip also include some time spent with Nashville Head Coach Gary Smith and his family and an old friend, Pastor Don Diehl. Don was my youth pastor for a couple of years back in high school and early college. We were able to grab a quick breakfast and catch up with each other, before heading off to my final February destination.

Don and Diann Diehl, long time friends back to my high school days

Feb 21-26: Charlotte, NC

The longer part of my trip was to take part in the 3rd Summit on Global Sports Chaplaincy. Here, with leaders from around the globe, we worked through the continuing development of sports chaplaincy at a global level. How do we develop chaplaincy in developing countries? How do we equip and support chaplaincy leaders that lack resources? To what level do we try to formalize partnerships and relationships? These were some of the questions and tasks that everyone around the table worked to tackle.

Dr Steven Waller and I pose outside the Championship Conference Room at Joe Gibbs Racing Center where we had our meetings over a few days

For Soccer Chaplains United, the aims of this group is much broader than our own; however, the global nature of soccer and the relationships that God has afforded me to make over the years has meant that this is a significant conversation to continue to be involved in and contribute to.

I was excited, too, to learn that my hosts were connected to the most recent candidate to emerge for the Charlotte Independence vacancy. I had a dinner meeting with someone from the club during one of the nights where we had some time off from the meetings and then a breakfast the next day to meet with the candidate and speak more about what the chaplaincy with the team looks like.

All in all a full February and many ways in which I was able to see God’s faithfulness in so many ways. Thankful for the many miles travelled and the safety and provision of God.

Bentos to Step Away From Charlotte Independence

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It is with a bit of sadness that we announce that Gustavo Bentos will be stepping down as chaplain to the Charlotte Independence. The season, which has just concluded, saw a strong start to ministry, but was ultimately hampered by increased duties and responsibilities with Gustavo’s church Northside Baptist and personal health issues this year that saw Gustavo have to go for surgery to remove a benign mass in his head.

Gustavo has brought such a great dynamic to our chaplain team — in addition, to his experience as a professional player, Gustavo’s energy and background and bilingual skills were a much needed part of our team. Gustavo now will be able to focus more on his recovery, duties at the church, and on his young family.

Soccer Chaplains United has begun to search for possible chaplain candidates to serve the Independence. The team, playing in Matthews, a south-east suburb of Charlotte, has plans to move soon into a renovated Memorial Stadium in the heart of Charlotte’s downtown area in the next few years.

If you have someone that you would like to recommend to us for consideration as a chaplain candidate, please send an email to info@soccerchaplainsunited.org.

United Soccer League Continues Evolution

The United Soccer League (USL) this past week announced a rebranding and restructuring of its leagues. The USL will remain as a corporate identity with a re-envisioned logo (above). Meanwhile, the three tier will be Championship, League One, and League Two respectively.

 

 

 

While League Two has some clarity around this being the new version of the PDL (Player Development League) and a pre-professional league, it is not clear at this moment what teams will make up League One and Championship.

Currently, Soccer Chaplains United has chaplains at four USL teams — Charlotte Independence, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, Nashville SC, and Rio Grande Valley Toros FC. It is possible that one or more of those teams could have a different placement in the newly announced structure which will begin in 2019.

Please pray as Soccer Chaplains United develops strategies for discovering and placing chaplains within the different teams that comprise the USL. Currently, it costs about $5000 to discover and process a new chaplain. These are costs that are borne by Soccer Chaplains United as we look to develop chaplains in soccer.

If you would like to partner with us financially, or if you are interested in or know of someone that might be a candidate in a particular city where the USL is expanding, please consider supporting and contacting us. You can give financially below through PushPay or you can reach us at info@soccerchaplainsunited.org.

Charlotte Independence Update

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During my recent 10-day trip, Charlotte, NC and spending some time with our chaplain to the Charlotte Independence was high on my priority list. Last year, Gustavo Bentos took over the chaplaincy while we were still operating under our former name. With some personal and professional challenges arising, it was difficult for Gustavo to really invest the time into the team during the latter part of 2017.

At a meal with Independence representatives, part of my own and Gustavo’s understanding was focused on how we might serve the team better this year. A transition to a new stadium venue in Matthews, NC and the moving of office space along with a new ownership represented changes on the Independence side that might give opportunities for Gustavo and the chaplaincy to occur.

As we attended the opening home game for the Independence, there were several points of ministry that were observable and that many people do not consider being part of what a chaplain might possibly do. For example, a player was taken to the hospital due to injury. I shared with Gustavo, that a chaplain might be the one to help that player in a number of ways. One way might include praying for the player before heading to the hospital or showing family members how to get to the hospital, or even to simply help the player retrieve his car or belongings later, from the stadium.

The game itself, was a thrilling, 4-1 win for the Independence. Included was this penalty kick goal:

Herrera Penalty Kick Goal

Please pray for our work and the ongoing development of the chaplaincy in Charlotte with the Charlotte Independence. We are excited to see a fresh year and new season begin with Chaplain Gustavo Bentos in place and with several strong connections of people to serve.

From the Rev: Introductions

At the recent 2015 NSCAA (National Soccer Coaches Association of America) Convention in Philadelphia, I was waiting in Starbucks for a meeting when I overheard a woman ask a friend to make introductions with a potential employer and influencer in the game. “Maybe if you could just introduce me,” she suggested, “it could open the door for me.” She was hopeful that her friend had enough influence and rapport to get an opportunity or an audience. As I reflected on the woman’s hopeful tone, I realized my own meeting was about an introduction – waiting to meet someone in the new USL-Pro franchise for Charlotte, the Charlotte Independence. I was, too, hopeful for good introductions and the beginning of a trusting relationship to help develop chaplaincy with this new organization. In fact, much of the the time at the NSCAA Convention and MLS (Major League Soccer) Draft, when we hold our annual chaplain meetings, is about making introductions and networking with friends and colleagues from years past.

Introductions: An Ancient Practice

The need for introductions is nothing new – as I walked away from my meeting that day and thought back to those moments in Starbucks, I was reminded of Paul and Christians in the ancient world. Without the modern resources of LinkedIn or Facebook to help make quick connections, people in the ancient world relied heavily upon references from others. Introductions from people were that were held in high esteem or had wealth or power or influence were highly sought after and desired. These introductions were often made by way of letter and were often carried on the person (like a passport or a wallet, today).

philemon introduction

The earliest fragment of Philemon – Paul’s introduction of Onesimus back to his owner

Philemon: An Example of Biblical (Re)Introductions

An example of such is found in the biblical book of Philemon. Here, Paul introduces (or re-introduces) the slave Onesimus to Philemon. As far as we know, Onesimus had runaway from his owner Philemon. At some point, Paul encounters Onesimus, learns his story and sends him back to his owner – trying to make right or just the situation. Within the letter to Philemon, Paul uses several pleas and appeals to Philemon – recalling their friendship, recalling the favors that Philemon owes Paul, naming mutual friends, and offering to settle any financial debts that might be had.

It may seem odd to have the inclusion of such a letter in the Bible – the Word of God. I doubt that MLS or other major corporations keep historical records of the “introductions” that led them to particular player or opportunity. But for the church and the people of God this letter stands as a clear example for the power of introductions (and reintroductions). Paul’s appeals for these two men to love each other, forgive each other, to have restored fellowship and to engage in reconciliation are benchmark standards and goals for Christian believers throughout the ages.

Modern Day Introductions

introductions over coffee

Today, many introductions happen over a cup of coffee.

Fast forward a couple thousand years – whether in a grand convention hall or in a local Starbucks or church –  we are still in need of introductions today. As a chaplain to the Colorado Rapids and as a Christian, much of my role is about making introductions – introductions that exceed temporal priorities and impact; introductions that have eternal and lasting benefits. As a chaplain, I sometimes introduce people into a local community or support network. Sometimes, I make introductions to resources or ideas that have to do with being a good father or husband. I also introduce people into places or disciplines that keep their mind and faith sharp amidst the pressures of professional life. And, the greatest privilege for me, is to introduce (or re-introduce) people to Jesus Christ and to his Church.

Friend, maybe you are reading this today and you need an introduction. I cannot claim to be a person of importance or influence, but I do know One with whom I can introduce you and it would make all the difference in the world in your life. I would love to make that introduction for you – please reach out to me and I will.

Blessings

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Rev. Brad Kenney

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