October is Pastor and Ministry Appreciation month and today, on the From the Touchline podcast, I (Brad) want to take a minute (well a lot of minutes) and share about the special people that make up Soccer Chaplains United. We now have a team of 28 people who are working and serving as chaplains to the sport of soccer and each of them comes with a special set of gifts and talents and contributions that they make to Soccer Chaplains United and the teams that they serve. I wish I was able to personally thank them over and over again for representing Jesus to the people of soccer as wonderfully as they do, but at least for today — I will talk about them and point you to honoring their work and their sacrifice.
From the Touchline is a 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).
Don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/From-the-Touchline-Cover-Art.jpg15001500Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2023-10-11 00:00:002024-07-08 23:47:422023 Soccer Chaplains United Chaplain Appreciation
Growing up in Harare, Zimbabwe, Africa Tate Madizma grew up in a Christian home and also grew up kicking a ball and loving sports. While he grew up going to church and having an idea about God, a relationship with God, with Jesus, was a more difficult thing to grasp. Tate, on multiple occasions, found himself struggling to understand God’s grace until his youth pastor began to disciple him and teach him more accurately about the nature of God.
Then, in 2004, Tate made the move to the United States for college. He studied Radio, Television, and Film at the University of North Texas, but he had a call upon his heart for full-time ministry. He began to serve at The Village Church while he was in college and God started doing a work in him which led him to seminary and eventually into more full-time ministry.
Fast-forward to last year (2022) and Clint Moore began to consider whom he might add on to the chaplaincy team serving Albuquerque’s professional soccer team, New Mexico United. As Clint moved from full-time church work into a role in industry, he felt as though his time may grow to be less flexible than it had with pastoring. As Clint and I talked about United and the team’s needs, I asked him, “Who do you think might be able to fill your role well, in the event that you need to step back or step away?”
“Two guys, actually…” he replied.
Earlier this year, we introduced Jordan Rivera who serves as bilingual chaplain to New Mexico United. Tate now joins to also co-chaplain the team and bring some different gifts to the table. Tate is the Children and Families pastor at Desert Springs Church, a church which helped to birth out the church Clint pastored at for several years. Tate and Clint had for a number of years been playing soccer together weekly in a midday pick up game. The connection between the two churches had helped to reinforce their pastoral relationships and friendships and the mutual passion for soccer was a bonus. Clint shared with me the how and why Tate fits Soccer Chaplains United.
Tate being born and raised in Zimbabwe brings a whole other experience and value set to the table…he can readily related to people in soccer that come from similar kinds of backgrounds. Yet, Tate has been in the U.S. long enough now that it’s seamless for him to integrate and “get” those that have grown up here for their whole lives. He loves Jesus, people, and the game of soccer…plus he has kiddos running around the house so he gets what it is to juggle the demands of job and family life all at the same time. This is a place where many in USL soccer find themselves.
Clint Moore, on how Tate adds to the team serving New Mexico United
I had the opportunity, earlier this year, to meet with Tate over a meal in Albuquerque. I shared more with him the style and approach that Soccer Chaplains United takes as we take on chaplaincy in the soccer space, much of which really resonated with Tate. He shared some of his background and some of the gifts that add to his chaplain and pastoral presence and appraoch.
I feel that being a chaplain and part of the team with Clint and Jordan suits me really well. My love of the game, my love of people, and my love for Jesus, kind of all get wrapped up here. I can imagine some of the challenges that come with the game and the pressures and I come from an ask culture — I am going to ask and pursue and seek to help people in an authentic way. My wife and I are excited to add this to our and our families opportunities to serve others here in Albuquerque.
Tate Madzima, on his vision for serving New Mexico United
The appointment of Tate brings Soccer Chaplains United’s chaplain corps, currently, to 22. His bio page is found here.
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 across all levels of soccer. Please consider making a contribution today to help us continue growing our work. Our chaplains are not employed or paid by any of the clubs that we serve. Check out our Donation Page with all the different options. Or, simply click the PushPay 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/2023/04/madzima-2_Original-scaled.jpg19201280Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2023-04-25 00:00:002024-07-08 23:49:48Tate Is Great for Soccer Chaplains United
Jordan Rivera recently completed the process to being serving as a volunteer chaplain to New Mexico United, a team playing in the United Soccer League — Championship (USL-C) in Albuquerque, New Mexico. USL-C is part of the second division of professional soccer in the United States and New Mexico United has, historically, been one of the stronger and more exciting teams to play in the league independent of any Major League Soccer (MLS) club affiliations.
Established in 2018, NMU is a constant contender in the Western Conference of what is USL-Championship
Jordan, originally from Ecuador, was tabbed by current volunteer chaplain Clint Moore to help assist with Spanish-speaking needs throughout the organization — from the first team through the academy. Growing up, Jordan enjoyed playing soccer but when his family moved from Ecuador to Argentina and then to the US — the call of God was heavy on his heart and he started to pursue a theological education and a deepening of his relationship with God.
Jordan has a heart for Jesus, the game of football, and the people on and off the pitch. Being from Latin America gives him even more language and cultural ability to serve the club in unique ways. I can’t wait to see how the Lord uses him at NM United!
Clint Moore, volunteer chaplain New Mexico United
Jordan bring a number of skills and talents and other unique notes as he joins the team of Soccer Chaplains United. At age 28 he is now the the youngest chaplain to serve in the group. He is the first chaplain of Ecuadorian descent (although not the first to be born in Quito — see Kurt Trempert). Jordan joins a growing list of bilingual chaplains which have represented the nations of Mexico, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Columbia, Brazil, and Chile. His ordination with Comunidad Cristiana La Nueva Esperanza of San Juan, Texas is tied into the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) making Jordan the 4th chaplain in Soccer Chaplains United history to come from that denomination.
Jordan enjoys coffee and playing guitar and other instruments as well as learning to be a new dad
Jordan joins the chaplaincy team in the midst of preparing to launch a Spanish-speaking congregation in Albuquerque in the next year or so. He is married and he and his wife have a young daughter whom they are both enjoying learning to love and parent.
I have been really impressed at the lengths Soccer Chaplains United goes in this process. It feels affirming and feels important — this isn’t just a pat on the back and go do the work. I look forward to working with the people, in my time shadowing Clint in the past I have learned that there is a slow and steady work to build trust and to serve people where they are.
Jordan River, on joining Soccer Chaplains United and serving NMU
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 growing chaplaincy service across all levels of soccer. Our chaplains are not employed or paid by any of the clubs that we serve. Check out our Donation Page with all the different options. Or, simply click the PushPay 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/2023/03/Jordan-Rivera-hs.jpg8001000Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2023-02-07 00:00:002024-07-08 23:54:25Jordan Rivera Joins Soccer Chaplains United in Albuquerque
A number of results this past Wednesday night solidified the playoff destinies of teams where Soccer Chaplains United chaplains are serving.
In Major League Soccer, while my own Colorado Rapids lost to league-leading New England, Ben Dudley and Troy Ready’s Portland Timbers won 2-0 to clinch a spot. In the Eastern Conference Billy Cerveny’s Nashville SC won with a thrilling come-from-behind victory over Cincinnati to clinch a playoff place with a few games in the season remaining.
In the National Women’s League, Christina Garber’s Portland Thorns clinched the league shield (most points in the season) and will have the top seed for postseason play.
In the United Soccer League Championship, Soccer Chaplains United chaplains are serving six different teams. In the Mountain Division, with four teams, there will be a tense playoff battle which will either see Chaplain Isidro Piña’s Rio Grande Valley Toros or Clint Moore’s New Mexico United go through. Erick Jiménez’s El Paso Locomotive clinched the top division spot weeks ago and Kurt Trempert’s Colorado Springs Switchbacks recently secured a home playoff game. In the Pacific Division, Jubal McDaniel’s Tacoma Defiance are in striking distance, but need results to go their way and a win against division leader Phoenix, this weekend. Elsewhere, Greg Aydt’s Memphis 901 FC finally secured a spot with Wednesday night’s home victory.
On the college front, Kim Beach’s work with Trinity International University will see the last home game and senior night this weekend. TIU has stumbled a bit this season to a 3-13 record and with an ever-shifting landscape from the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kim’s work as chaplain will continue well into the offseason with the student athletes of TIU.
In High School, Greg Navitsky’s Valor Christian High School team advance out of the first round of the Colorado State High School playoffs with a 1-0 win over Doherty Wednesday night. Ryan Doyle’s boys team at Christ Presbyterian Academy play in the spring and Jordan Medas’ work in central Virginia is just getting going.
The extension of ministry due to the playoffs means that chaplains have more opportunities to serve and love and care for the athletes, coaches, staff, and families that they serve. More touch points and potentially some difficult places as teams flourish or fail — sometimes the failing places offering more space for a chaplain to represent God to people and to bring comfort in the midst of disappointment and loss.
Please keep our chaplains and their respective teams in your prayers.
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 across all levels of soccer. Please consider making a contribution today to help us continue growing our work. You can text soccerchaplains to (833) 245-5091 to link through your mobile device or simply click the PushPay Logo on the bottom of the page below.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/g9sny0almf0.jpg7371600Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2021-10-29 00:00:002021-10-28 12:55:16Playoffs at Fever Pitch with Soccer Chaplains United Chaplains
Clint Moore is one of the newer chaplains for Soccer Chaplains United. He volunteers with New Mexico United, playing in the the USL-Championship — the second division of professional soccer in the U.S. United are just a hop-skip and a jump down I-25 (a major interstate in the US) and this fast-paced and exciting team with an amazing fan base already have developing rivalries with league counterparts — Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC as well as Major League Soccer side, Colorado Rapids. United played the Rapids a few years ago in the inter-league US Open Cup and won in Colorado to advance deep in the tournament.
This year, as Clint enters into his third season as volunteer chaplain. He joins me, Rev Brad Kenney, on the From the Touchline podcast. We talk about what soccer in the ‘Land of Enchantment’ looks like and how United have ‘united’ the people of New Mexico with its difficult and complex, yet storied history.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (usually 10-15 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Clint-Moore-headshot.jpg558537Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2021-05-26 00:00:002021-06-28 09:39:30New Mexico United with Clint Moore
Clint Moore, has been serving, unofficially, as chaplain to New Mexico United for the past two seasons. During that time, Clint and I have had a lot of conversations about joining Soccer Chaplains United for mutual collaboration and support as he looks to serve the United Soccer League — Championship (USL) side. Clint is the Pastor over Missions and Community Groups at Christ Church Albuqurque. You can read more about him on his bio page here.
It is always amazing to me how God finds people to work with the soccer community. When New Mexico United was announced as an expansion franchise a few years ago, I began praying, especially since the team is just down the road from Denver. After a few initial reach out inquiries to local pastors within my network, I reached out to friend and former Colorado Rapids player, Mike Graczyk, then assistant coach at University of New Mexico.
Mike, I am looking for candidates that might be interested in doing chaplaincy with New Mexico United, do you know of anyone that might be interested in going through the process?
Mike told me, “I’ve got a guy.”
That guy happened to be Mike’s pastor whose sons have been involved in soccer. An invitation by the Colorado Rapids Developmental Academy to his sons afforded us an opportunity to meet in Parker, Colorado (of all places) and for me to share the vision of Soccer Chaplains United and meet Clint in person.
When I asked Clint to consider the opportunity, he did due diligence – first going to his wife and church leadership to have them help discern what the Lord was doing in this opportunity. With the church’s blessing and with an informal availability and service over the past couple of seasons, Clint has been able to be there — even in the midst of the global pandemic.
It’s been my joy to serve the team voluntarily and informally for the past couple of seasons, truly…My hope is that I’ve been there when needed, but never a distraction. That’s my goal – no pressure for anyone to utilize, but right there and eager as a…resource for anyone in the club who desires it.
Clint, on serving New Mexico United the past few years
Clint’s heart is to missionally serve, not just New Mexico United but the city of Albuquerque, so what better way to do that than through this exciting, professional team?
As Clint officially joins Soccer Chaplains United, he brings the number of chaplains currently serving to 17 chaplains and New Mexico United becomes the 6th USL team being served by Soccer Chaplains United.
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 across all levels of soccer. Please consider making a contribution today to help us continue growing our work.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Clint-Moore-headshot.jpg558537Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2021-03-22 13:00:002021-04-01 16:34:59Clint Moore Unites with United
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