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
It is no secret that enrollment in higher education has suffered as a result of the 2020 pandemic. This past February, the news that Trinity International University would be closing their campus to in-person learning and switching to an on-line only format broke many hearts. For Chaplain Kimberly Beach, better known to the athletes and coaches and campus staff as “Miss Kim,” it more like losing an entire family in one short, swift moment.
I feel like my family was ripped from my hands when the school announced it is closing. But I trust God. He has never failed me. He will not start now. This is not about me and as we approach the final banquet, the “last supper,” with the team I am thinking about how to point them to Jesus, yet again.
Kim, as she reflects on the final days with TIU Men’s Soccer
Perhaps the confluence of several things — residuals from COVID, advances in technology, changes in higher education costs — were behind the decision. For the six years that Kim served as chaplain, she served the team and coaching staff well. Initially starting as “Team Mom” and moving into a more official capacity as Team Chaplain a few years ago.
Regardless of title, though, Kim has served with distinction — whether a home-cooked meal, she and husband David making sure athletes had a ride to church, or painting the school bleachers in the heat and humidity of Illinois in August — Kim has given selflessly of herself for the team and the school. This past season was memorable on several points, as Kim shared with me:
This year we asked players to participate in leading more morning devotional sessions. The theme for the year was “Finding Jesus in Genesis” and all devotionals were centered around the foundational Christian histories found in Genesis. We had learned in the past several years that so many students, though raised in church, did not have exposure to the stories we consider common place. We had success both on and off the pitch this year. For the first time in years, TIU made it to playoffs, but more importantly, with a smaller team, we were able to be more intentional in relationships with players. Though we continued small groups and completed chapel credits are required, we also sought to plug players into churches and local groups.
Kim, looking back on 2022 with TIU
In addition to watching Trinity move on from its historical and traditional education model, sell the property, and forego its athletics programs; the new year has brought additional losses for Kim and her family. She and David both saw their fathers pass away in a few week span, the death of an unborn grandchild, layered on top of seeing the student athletes and coaches start to move on and move away made for a difficult season and close to this chapter. However, to Kim’s point, she trusts God and she knows that He will see her through and bring new opportunities, some of which have already begun.
Last September, my son asked me to assist with his high school team at Victory Christian Academy in Valparaiso, Indiana. The coach of a local women’s team has also contacted me about serving with them.
Kim, on the new opportunities that lie on the horizon as a soccer chaplain
Kim and her family have also recently welcomed a new granddaughter just a few weeks ago and they look forward to the June wedding of Kim’s daughter who survived a stroke at an early age and is a reminder of God’s miraculous power and faithfulness.
Supporters are encouraged to keep our chaplains in prayers, especially Kim and her family. Also please pray for Trinity — the coaches, the student athletes, as there is a period of upheaval and transition to new things. And of course, please keep Miss Kim in your prayers as she begins to show and share the love of Jesus with a new group of people in soccer.
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/2019/09/Kim.jpg200300Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2023-04-28 00:00:002024-07-08 23:49:40Miss Kim Closes Out Trinity; Moves On and Asks God For More
2020 and 2021 have been difficult for college sports teams — seasons postponed, games canceled, college recruiting stopped, scholarships extended, and more. During such times, as coaches and athletes alike struggle with the every shifting, ever adapting changes it can be a vital space for a chaplain to step into and serve, and love, and speak truth.
Well today, on the From the Touchline podcast, Chaplain Miss Kim joins me on the podcast to share a bit about her life story and to talk about her work with the Trinity International University Men’s Soccer Team. Kim’s unique role wasn’t something she necessarily sought out, but God opened an amazing door and looking back over her life story, it’s easy to see how God was preparing her to not just be “Team Mom” but to be Team Chaplain.
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/2019/09/Kim.jpg200300Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2021-02-24 00:00:002021-03-08 14:49:35Chaplain ‘Miss Kim’ from Trinity International University Joins the Podcast
This October, with it being Pastoral Appreciation Month, we encourage supporters to “adopt” a chaplain — it might be a financial adoption, or prayer adoption — but however and whomever you might choose to “support” this month here is a little bit more on the chaplains that make up Soccer Chaplains United. #adoptachaplain
Christ Presbyterian Academy High School Boys Soccer
One of Soccer Chaplains United’s newest members, Rev Ryan Doyle is chaplain of CPA in Nashville, TN. Below are some of the ways you can “adopt” Ryan: – provide his 2020 Soccer Chaplains United membership – pray for Ryan, his wife, Lindsey, and six children – pray for his leadership of Mercy Presbyterian – pray for his teaching work with CPA – pray for his chaplaincy work with CPA Boys Soccer
Founder and Director of Soccer Chaplains United, Rev Brad Kenney, is the volunteer chaplain for the Colorado Rapids (Major League Soccer). Here are some ways to “adopt” him: – support Brad through Soccer Chaplains United (select GENERAL from the drop down funds) – pray for Brad, his wife, Adriana, and four daughters – pray for his ministry to the Rapids organization – pray for his leadership of Soccer Chaplains United – pray for Brad’s broader work in sports chaplaincy
Pastor Rubén Rodríguez is volunteer chaplain for the Rapids Development Academy and assists Rev Brad Kenney. Here are some ways to “adopt” him: – provide his 2020 Soccer Chaplains United membership – pray for Rubén, his wife, Kayla, and two daughters – pray for his pastoral work with The Sacred Grace – pray for his work with Rapids DA players and families
Pastor Kurt Trempert is volunteer chaplain for the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, in the USL – Championship (Division II). Here are some ways to “adopt” him: – provide his 2020 Soccer Chaplains United membership – pray for Kurt, his wife, Terasue, and three adult children – pray for his pastoral work with Harvest – Downtown – pray for his ministry to the Switchbacks organization
Erick Jimenez is one of our newest chaplains and is the volunteer chaplain for El Paso Locomotive FC, a team in the USL – Championship (Division II). Here are some ways to “adopt” him: – help provide for his 2020 Soccer Chaplains United membership – pray for Erick, his wife, Jordan, and six children – pray for his pastoral work with his church – pray for his ministry to the El Paso Locomotive FC Team
Rev Greg Aydt is the volunteer chaplain for Memphis 901 FC, a team in the USL – Championship (Division II). Here are some ways to “adopt” him: – help support Greg by donating to cover his chaplain expenses for Memphis (select MEMPHIS from the drop down funds) – pray for Greg, his wife, Heather, and two children – pray for his pastoral work with Advent Presbyterian – pray for his ministry to Memphis 901 FC
Rev Billy Cerveny is the volunteer chaplain for Nashville SC, which is in its first season in MLS. Here are some ways to “adopt” him: – help provide for his 2020 Soccer Chaplains United membership – pray for Billy, his wife, Charla, and two children – pray for his community pastoral and counseling work through Redbird – pray for his ministry to the Nashville SC organization
Rev Ricardo Orellana serves Soccer Chaplains United by translating materials from English to Spanish. Here are some ways to “adopt” him: – help provide for his 2020 Soccer Chaplains United membership – pray for Ricardo, his wife, Sonia, and their five adult children – pray for his pastoral, teaching, and counseling work – pray for his ministry to Soccer Chaplains United
One of Soccer Chaplains United’s newest volunteer chaplains is Christina Garber, with the National Women’s Soccer League team, Portland Thorns. Here are some ways to “adopt” her: – help provide for her 2020 Soccer Chaplains United membership – pray for Christina, husband, Andy, and three children – pray for her work through CRU City – pray for her ministry to the players and staff of the Portland Thorns organization
Ben Dudley is the volunteer, co-chaplain with the Portland Timbers (Major League Soccer). Here are some ways to “adopt” him: – help provide for his 2020 Soccer Chaplains United membership – pray for Ben, his wife, Jamie, and two boys – pray for Ben’s daily work with Positive Coaching Alliance – pray for his ministry to the Portland Timbers organization
Troy Ready is volunteer, co-chaplain with the Portland Timbers (Major League Soccer). Here are some ways to “adopt” him: – help provide for his 2020 Soccer Chaplains United membership – pray for Troy, his wife, Jenny, and three boys – pray for Troy’s coaching work with Warner Pacific College – pray for his ministry work with Frontier Missions – pray for his ministry to the Portland Timbers organization
Rev Isidro Piña is volunteer chaplain with the Toros in McAllen, Texas, a team in the USL – Championship (Division II). Here are some ways to “adopt” him: – help provide for his 2020 Soccer Chaplains United membership – pray for Isidro, his wife, Blanca, two adult children and one grandson – pray for Isidro’s pastoral work with El Buen Pastor UMC – pray for his ministry to the RGV Toros FC organization
Rev Cesar Duran recently moved to San Antonio, Texas. Here are some ways to “adopt” him: – provide his 2020 Soccer Chaplains United membership – pray for Cesar and two adult children – pray for his new hospital chaplaincy work – pray for future soccer chaplaincy opportunities in San Antonio
Jubal McDaniel is the newest volunteer chaplain with Soccer Chaplains United and was recently announced to serve the Tacoma Defiance. a team in the USL – Championship (Division II). Here are some ways to “adopt” him: – help support Jubal by donating to cover his chaplain expenses for Tacoma (select TACOMA from the drop down funds) – pray for his coaching work amongst the Tacoma soccer community with Northwest Ministries Football and Cascade Christian schools – pray for Sam, his wife, and four children – pray for his ministry to the Tacoma Defiance team and organization
Kim Beach is the volunteer chaplain with Trinity International University Men’s Soccer. Here are some ways to “adopt” her: – help provide for her 2020 Soccer Chaplains United membership – pray for Kim, her husband, David, and two adult children – pray for her ministry to Trinity International University’s Men’s Team
Greg Navitsky is one of the newest member with Soccer Chaplains United. He is the volunteer chaplain with the Valor Christian High School Boys Soccer team. Here are some ways to “adopt” him: – help provide for his 2020 Soccer Chaplains United membership – pray for Greg and his family and friends – pray for Greg’s continuing studies at Denver Seminary – pray for his ministry to Valor Christian High School Boys Soccer Team
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/59350568_10155797700987574_2791563721166553088_n.jpg480640Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2020-10-06 14:00:002020-10-26 12:18:05Adopt A Soccer Chaplain for October
This October, with it being Pastoral Appreciation Month, we encourage supporters to “adopt” a chaplain — it might be a financial adoption, or prayer adoption — but however and whomever you might choose to “support” this month here is a little bit more on the chaplains that make up Soccer Chaplains United. #adoptachaplain
Christ Presbyterian Academy High School Boys Soccer
One of Soccer Chaplains United’s newest members, Rev Ryan Doyle is chaplain of CPA in Nashville, TN. Below are some of the ways you can “adopt” Ryan: – provide his 2020 Soccer Chaplains United membership – pray for Ryan, his wife, Lindsey, and six children – pray for his leadership of Mercy Presbyterian – pray for his teaching work with CPA – pray for his chaplaincy work with CPA Boys Soccer
Founder and Director of Soccer Chaplains United, Rev Brad Kenney, is the volunteer chaplain for the Colorado Rapids (Major League Soccer). Here are some ways to “adopt” him: – support Brad through Soccer Chaplains United – pray for Brad, his wife, Adriana, and four daughters – pray for his ministry to the Rapids organization – pray for his leadership of Soccer Chaplains United – pray for Brad’s broader work in sports chaplaincy
Pastor Rubén Rodríguez is volunteer chaplain for the Rapids DA. Here are some ways to “adopt” him: – provide his 2020 Soccer Chaplains United membership – pray for Rubén, his wife, Kayla, and two daughters – pray for his daily work with Core Contracting – pray for his pastoral work with The Sacred Grace – pray for his work with Rapids DA players and families
Pastor Kurt Trempert is volunteer chaplain for the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, in the USL – Championship (Division II). Here are some ways to “adopt” him: – provide his 2020 Soccer Chaplains United membership – pray for Kurt, his wife, Terasue, and three adult children – pray for his pastoral work with Harvest – Downtown – pray for his ministry to the Switchbacks organization
Rev Cesar Duran is developing chaplaincy opportunities in Laredo, Texas. Here are some ways to “adopt” him: – provide his 2020 Soccer Chaplains United membership – pray for Cesar, his wife, Andrea, and two children – pray for his pastoral work with Laredo First – UMC – pray for his soccer chaplaincy development work in Laredo and across the border in Mexico
Rev Greg Aydt is the volunteer chaplain for Memphis 901 FC, an expansion team in the USL – Championship (Division II). Here are some ways to “adopt” him: – help provide for his 2020 membership and/or expenses for Memphis – pray for Greg, his wife, Heather, and two children – pray for his pastoral work with Advent Presbyterian – pray for his ministry to Memphis 901 FC
Pete Distler is the volunteer chaplain for Moody Bible Institute’s Men’s Soccer. Here are some ways to “adopt” him: – help provide for his 2020 Soccer Chaplains United membership – pray for Pete, his wife, Madeline, and four adult daughters – pray for his Digital Marketing work with the Moody Bible Institute – pray for his ministry to the Men’s Soccer Team
Rev Billy Cerveny is the volunteer chaplain for Nashville SC, which is currently playing in the USL – Championship, but will become an MLS team in 2020. Here are some ways to “adopt” him: – help provide for his 2020 Soccer Chaplains United membership – pray for Billy, his wife, Charla, and two children – pray for his pastoral and counseling work through Redbird – pray for his ministry to the Nashville SC organization
Rev Ricardo Orellana serves Soccer Chaplains United by translating materials from English to Spanish. Here are some ways to “adopt” him: – help provide for his 2020 Soccer Chaplains United membership – pray for Ricardo, his wife, Sonia, and their five adult children – pray for his pastoral, teaching, and counseling work – pray for his ministry to Soccer Chaplains United
One of Soccer Chaplains United’s newest volunteer chaplains is Christina Garber, with the National Women’s Soccer League team, Portland Thorns. Here are some ways to “adopt” her: – help provide for her 2020 Soccer Chaplains United membership – pray for Christina, husband, Andy, and three children – pray for her work through CRU City – pray for her ministry to the players and staff of the Portland Thorns organization
Ben Dudley is the volunteer, co-chaplain with the Portland Timbers (Major League Soccer). Here are some ways to “adopt” him: – help provide for his 2020 Soccer Chaplains United membership – pray for Ben, his wife, Jamie, and two boys – pray for Ben’s daily work with Positive Coaching Alliance – pray for his ministry to the Portland Timbers organization
Troy Ready is volunteer, co-chaplain with the Portland Timbers (Major League Soccer). Here are some ways to “adopt” him: – help provide for his 2020 Soccer Chaplains United membership – pray for Troy, his wife, Jenny, and three boys – pray for Troy’s coaching work with Warner Pacific College – pray for his ministry work with Frontier Missions – pray for his ministry to the Portland Timbers organization
Rev Isidro Piña is volunteer chaplain with the Toros in McAllen, Texas. Here are some ways to “adopt” him: – help provide for his 2020 Soccer Chaplains United membership – pray for Isidro, his wife, Blanca, two adult children and one grandson – pray for Isidro’s pastoral work with El Buen Pastor UMC – pray for his ministry to the RGV Toros FC organization
Kim Beach is our newest member with Soccer Chaplains United. She is the volunteer chaplain with Trinity International University Men’s Soccer. Here are some ways to “adopt” her: – help provide for her 2020 Soccer Chaplains United membership – pray for Kim, her husband, David, and two adult children – pray for her ministry to Trinity International University’s Men’s Team
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/59350568_10155797700987574_2791563721166553088_n.jpg480640Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2019-10-01 10:00:432019-10-03 13:03:32Adopt A Chaplain for October
For Kimberly Beach, the pathway to becoming chaplain for Trinity International University’s (TIU) Men’s Soccer Program is, to say the least, an unusual one. But, then again, God’s planning and work to bring about something amazing in us and something powerful for His kingdom is usually born out of things that would confound the wise of the world.
Chaplain Beach, known affectionately to players and coaches as Miss Kim, started serving TIU in 2017. At first it began as a female soccer player and friend of her son (a student athlete at TIU with the men’s soccer team) asked if Kimberly could meet with and mentor her. Pretty soon, Kimberly was giving pre-season devotionals at the women’s team workouts. But the ministry didn’t stop there — her home routinely open to the athletes on her son’s team, meeting with the female athletes, and providing what she has come to term as “intentionally unintentional discipleship,” Kimberly’s ministry started to grow and expand beyond the typical “team mom” duties.
The growth of ministry, coupled with Kimberly’s own calling and story beginning back in 2000 led her to look for information on soccer chaplaincy. She landed on the recently rebranded Soccer Chaplains United webpage.
With the role of Team Chaplain at TIU, I was looking for an organization that would provide community. I found that in Soccer Chaplains United.
Chaplain Kim Beach
Chaplaincy wasn’t necessarily a new concept for Kimberly — in the early 2000’s through the medical issues her young daughter had faced, Kimberly had felt an initial call to pediatric chaplaincy. She desired to show love and care to those parent’s going through dark and difficult times as she and her husband, David, had but the time wasn’t right.
Ten years later, she again felt the tug toward chaplaincy. Within the span of a week, from sitting in an emergency room for their own child and then attending a number of sporting events and watching the ambulance pull up and take injured athletes away, Kimberly told her husband,
We need a chaplain here that can help these families…even if it is only sitting with them in dark times.
Kimberly Beach, 2010
David agreed and encouraged his wife to pursue training and licensure for chaplaincy. Her initial start came with Chaplain Fellowship Ministries and she began to visit local emergency rooms, church members and friends in the hospital, to speak with families while they were at the regional children’s hospital, and to facilitate online support groups.
In 2016, God called the Beach family to move — this time to northern Illinois for better treatment options for their daughter. With her son on scholarship with the TIU soccer team, the way forward was being led by God. It wasn’t long after that Miss Kim began serving the soccer teams at TIU.
Miss Kim’s approach, hospitality, and ministry soon came across the radar of then assistant coach men’s coach Josiah Larson. Promoted to head coach in December of 2017, Coach Larson asked if Kimberly would consider being chaplain for the men’s team.
With a full season of experience, Miss Kim has served the full gamut — from the highs and lows of the season, to the weddings, parents of athletes struggling with health issues, and other moments of pastoral care and counseling. Heading into the 2019 season, Soccer Chaplains United will look to bolster Miss Kim’s ministry as she continues to serve the athletes, coaches, and families of TIU’s Men’s Soccer.
I had the privilege of meeting Kimberly and David last summer, as they were leaving Denver, where David works, to return to Illinois. I was able to share about the mission and vision of Soccer Chaplains United — so much of which resonated with Kimberly’s background, calling, passion, and equipping. The pastoral care emphasis that Kimberly had already discovered and begun to cultivate was one of the key values for our work of chaplaincy amongst soccer. And I am really pleased to see the conversation which began last summer, cultivate in Miss Kim joining Soccer Chaplains United as chaplain.
Please join me in welcoming Kimberly Beach and the Trinity International University Trojan’s Men’s Soccer Team to the family here of Soccer Chaplains United!
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/DSC_3616-e1563817120804.jpg230300Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2019-07-22 06:00:392019-07-22 11:39:07From Team Mom to Team Chaplain
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