Major League Soccer, is set to start the league season this weekend and what a year it’s likely shaping up to be — a new deal with Apple TV+, rumors of an expanded playoff format, a new competition happening mid-year with Leagues Cup against all of the Mexican teams in the top division (Liga MX), extra competitions with US Open Cup and Champions Cup, and it’s promising to be a busy year.
If you don’t know by now, I am Rev Brad and this is the Soccer Chaplains United podcast, From the Touchline. Today, I am joined by a couple special guests as Ben Dudley and Troy Ready, volunteer co-chaplains with the Portland Timbers and part of Soccer Chaplains United, jump on the pod to talk about their team — there might be some friendly banter and there will be a season preview of our teams and the league through our chaplain eyes.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (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/2019/11/From-the-Touchline-Cover-Art.jpg15001500Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2023-02-22 00:00:002024-07-08 23:50:192023 MLS Preview with special guests Troy Ready and Ben Dudley
TBH, when Billy Cerveny called and told me that he was going to need to move to Jacksonville, FL I was discouraged. It takes a tremendous amount of time, energy, and relational capital to discover, develop, and deploy a chaplain and the higher the level (especially within the elite, professional ranks) the more that seems to be at stake and the more things that could go wrong.
So, fighting back the tears and fears (yes, I believe God is sovereign), Billy and I began searching earlier this year for candidates that might be able to be a fit with Nashville SC. A short list of names cropped up.
“What about _______?” I asked.
“No, I don’t think that person will work because _________,” Billy might remark.
It seemed like our short list was no list after a few weeks of prayer and searching and researching. It’s helpful to have the longevity of a chaplain like Billy. It’s even more helpful to have depth of relationship with some of the people with Nashville SC as an organization, because we have a greater sense of personalities and needs around the club that someone on the outside may not have. But let me tell you, it felt a little dire when we had run through the initial list of names.
Then, Billy remembered a name: Greg Joiner.
“Let me reach out this guy, first,” he asked. “Before we get into a list of secondary folks that we don’t know as well.”
After months of conversations and interviews and parallel processes — it’s my pleasure to announce that Greg Joiner will serve as the next chaplain for Nashville SC of Major League Soccer. Becoming the second chaplain in the club’s history to do so.
Beyond being able to rock a bow tie, Greg played soccer at probably the highest level of our current chaplain corps. As a midfielder for the University of Mobile Rams Greg played during his college years, completing a degree in Human Performance and Exercise Science. His post-collegiate work was with Centrifuge Camps where he was a Director and Program Specialist for a number of years before feeling called into pastoral ministry.
He went on to serve at Fellowship Bible Church in the areas of Young Adults and Student ministry for some 13 years before transitioning to his current work with Search: Nashville. Search: Nashville is about looking for meaningful stories and about creating space to having conversations about life and faith. There are many things about his work with Search that make Greg a good fit for consideration as chaplain.
I love my role with SEARCH because it gives me the opportunity to show up for people in our Nashville business community and help them navigate the spiritual journey. The relational and conversational approach fits so well with the role of chaplain. I cannot wait to start coming along side players, staff, and coaches with the team.
Greg, on his role with Search and how it synthesizes with the work of a chaplain
Greg will begin his tenure as the volunteer chaplain with Nashville SC as the 2023 MLS seasons gets underway. With the MLS Cup Final happening this past Saturday (LAFC won 3-1), the season really begins now as there will be roster transitions and other moves with an eye toward next year. The teams get set to report back at the earliest time ever in the history of MLS (January 6/7 for most clubs).
2023 will be a year of building trust. I am praying that God would allow me the opportunity to serve this club out of that foundation for many years to come!
Greg, on his hopes for serving Nashville SC in 2023 and beyond
Please Greg in your prayers as he learns the new rhythms and ways of serving and caring for the people that make up Nashville SC — from the athletes, coaches, staff, and executives as well as their families. Pray, too, as Greg begins to find community and support amongst Soccer Chaplains United — both leaning into the other chaplains and also contributing back into the larger group.
Greg and his family take grab a pre-match photo a few months ago
The addition of Greg to Soccer Chaplains United brings our chaplain group now to 20 strong. And he becomes the third “Greg” currently with the team. We will have to figure out a way to tell them all apart.
Remember, that chaplains with Soccer Chaplains United are ultimately guests and volunteers with the clubs and teams that we serve. Please pray for our work and consider supporting us in our efforts to grow and expand chaplaincy in the North American leagues and beyond.
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 chaplaincy service across all levels of soccer. Check out our donation page for different giving options and opportunities. Your gifts go to help discover, develop, and deploy chaplains like Greg and to also aid in our community outreach initiatives through our Community Projects program.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/image0.jpeg8001200Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2022-11-11 00:00:002024-07-08 23:56:24Joiner Joins for 2023 to Serve Nashville SC
Billy Cerveny recently announced this will be his final season serving as the Chaplain for Nashville SC. Billy has served NSC since the fall of 2017, prior to their inaugural season, so this will be a big change for the club and for him. During this time he has cared for players, coaches, staff, families. He has lead Bible studies and chapels, prayed with players, officiated wedding, visited hospitals, welcomed new players and helped others say goodbye. We are thankful for his time with the team and know the Lord is in the midst of this transition.
It’s hard to overstate the blessing it has been to be a part of Nashville SC. The players, coaches, and staff are people I love deeply. I’m excited to finish out this season and to see what the Lord does next with the Chaplain role at NSC.
Billy, on his time as chaplain with Nashville SC
Billy and I have been working closely together in recent months meeting with potential candidates to fill this chaplaincy role. We believe God has brought us the right person and we are currently working through the process of onboarding, but will announce the new chaplain for the 2023-24 season, soon. In the meantime, Billy will focus on finishing strong this season as he prepares the way for the next chaplain.
Transition is never easy, but it is a reality of the Christian journey; especially if you are a chaplain. We are stewards of our roles and we must be ready to pass the baton of ministry, care, and leadership to others when the Lord leads us forward. This is where we are now and we are excited for what’s ahead.
As a chaplain, you see a lot of people come and go in professional sports. Now it’s my turn and it’s sad; but I’m thankful for the tears. It shows the time spent with Nashville SC has been meaningful and worthwhile.
Billy, on the emotion of leaving the team
Billy is moving to Jacksonville, Florida to be closer to his parents to help offer care and support. He will continue his work with Redbird, the non-profit pastoral outreach and counseling ministry he founded in 2018. Billy will also continue working with Soccer Chaplains United and I am looking forward to utilizing him in a development role as we look to make more chaplaincy placements throughout the US in the years to come.
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 chaplains and our work. Check out our Donate page for different giving options.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/IMG_8391-scaled.jpg14401920Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2022-08-30 00:00:002024-07-08 23:58:21Cerveny to see out 2022 and handoff chaplaincy
Last week saw more of the Major League Soccer (MLS) 2021 playoff picture come into focus. Ben Dudley and Troy Ready’s Portland Timbers took down my own Colorado Rapids on Thanksgiving Day. It was a heartbreaking loss as Colorado fans packed out the stadium in hopes of seeing the #1 seed in the West advance. But it wasn’t to be with a 90th minute scramble in the box and a Timbers team that displayed the urgency to come away with the win. Billy Cerveny’s Nashville SC took down Orlando City FC but fell in penalty kicks (2-0) on Sunday to the Philadelphia Union after a 1-1 draw.
Beyond following Portland, most teams will now scatter for the season. Some players and coaches may continue to stay in their respective cities, while many will return home to be with family across the U.S. and around the world. Front office staff will have lighter weeks but begin to promote next season which will start early due to World Cup and other soccer considerations. The MLS Next Academy teams will be playing in a number of tournaments throughout December and have a few weeks break before beginning again in January.
Please take a moment to pray for our chaplains as they continue to serve the athletes, coaches, and staff in the what remains of the season and into the offseason. Pray for rest and rejuvenation for the ministry to continuing serving these teams.
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.
Portland advance to the Western Conference Finals
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Portland-Timbers-cutting-wood-chainsaw-soccer-1377774962d.gif180320Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2021-11-30 10:36:072021-11-30 10:36:09And Then, There Was One…
Less than a month ago, a hefty majority of Soccer Chaplains United chaplains found that their teams were headed for playoffs in their perspective leagues. Hopes were high, but several teams stumbled in spite of achieving this pivotal milestone for a long season of soccer.
Of the teams that remain in the playoff hunt, Major League Soccer (MLS), Ben Dudley and Troy Ready’s Portland Timbers won against Minnesota United FC, 3-1. They will face my own Colorado Rapids this Thursday, on Thanksgiving Day in an MLS first — a national, televised match on Thanksgiving. Billy Cerveny’s Nashville SC play a home game this Tuesday night at 4:00 pm Eastern against Orlando City FC in a game televised on FS1 and Fox Deportes.
Below are the results of the other Soccer Chaplains United teams:
National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Portland Thorns lost in a semifinal against Chicago Red Stars, 2-0.
United Soccer League – Championship (USL-C)
El Paso Locomotive quarterfinal loss to Oakland Roots, 1-0.
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC quarterfinal loss to Orange County Blues, 1-0.
Rio Grande Valley Toros FC upset #1 Phoenix Rising in penalty kicks 4-3 in their quarterfinal match, but then lost in the semifinals to San Antonio, 3-1.
Memphis 901 FC quarterfinal loss to Charlotte Independence, 3-1.
In Colorado High School Soccer, Valor Christian lost in the second round to Denver East, 1-0.
Please take a moment to pray for our chaplains as they serve the athletes, coaches, and staff in the what remains of the season and into the offseason. Pray for rest and rejuvenation for the ministry to continuing serving these teams.
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/2021/11/r-xkiemql34.jpg10671600Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2021-11-22 08:00:002021-11-22 08:15:23Soccer Chaplains United Team’s Playoff Update
I said it last week — “There’s a lot of talent amongst our chaplains.” Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, Billy Cerveny sings and plays the classic Christmas carol, O Holy Night.
Billy is volunteer chaplain with Nashville SC and the founder of Redbird in Nashville. Billy has been part of the Nashville music scene for many years before going into the pastorate and into chaplain work. His music is self-described as,
If you hated country music and only had one country record it would probably be mine…
Billy Cerveny, on his music style
As Billy sings, O Holy Night, I hope that it helps you — where ever you are to ready your heart for Christmas. I think that many of us are waiting, this year especially, for Good News and a breaking through of the Light.
At the end of the podcast, I share a prayer, usually prayed as Christmas eve turns to Christmas morn. You can find the prayer in one of my favorite books, Celtic Daily Prayer, pages 236-237.
Also, I want to share with you some of Billy’s sharing to his Redbird followers and friends:
Fact: O Holy Night is the greatest Christmas carol of all time.Am I wrong? It never gets old and I still get goosebumps after 10,000 listens. O Holy Night’s message of waiting, hope and deliverance has always been powerful, but it rings especially true this Christmas.
“Long lay the world in sin and error pining” 2020 not only showed the fragility of the things in which we put so much trust, it showed how broken and out of control our world really is. We all felt and feel our hearts pining for peace, resolution and God’s presence. Our hearts pine for those things because they were made to.
When you consider the pining of your heart this Christmas, consider what it tells us about the one who made our hearts. It tells us He is a God of peace, resolution and is not only pining with you, He is pining for you.
“Till he appeared and the soul felt its worth” The value of something is determined by the price someone is willing to pay for it. Have you ever considered the price Jesus paid on Christmas? The infinite God left the majesty of heaven to “empty Himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men” (Phil 2:7). He chose life on Christmas so He could choose death and resurrection on Easter. When you see baby Jesus lying in a manger this Christmas, consider the incalculable price He paid in order to be with you and let your soul feel it’s worth.
“A thrill of hope the weary soul rejoices. For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!” Weary souls rejoice on Christmas because God not only made good on His promise to make all things new, He revealed how and through whom He would continue to keep that promise. This new and glorious morn points to an even newer and more glorious morn when Jesus will come again to wipe away every tear. We can trust this promise because of Christmas. We can trust this promise because He later wrote it in His own blood. So, “Let all within us praise His holy name. Christ is the Lord!”
Merry Christmas, my friends. 2020 has been a long year, but it is not the end of the story. I pray you take heart knowing that Jesus has come, He is with you now and He will come again.
Peace to you,
Billy Cerveny
Billy to his Redbird Nashville Followers
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/2020/12/BillyCFTTartwork.jpg9781476Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2020-12-23 00:00:002021-03-08 14:41:57O Holy Night — Featuring Billy Cerveny
Of the three Major League Soccer (MLS) teams which have Soccer Chaplains United chaplains serving and supporting the organizations, only one team has pulled through the first round of the 2020 MLS playoffs. Nashville SC, a new, expansion team for 2020 won their first round playoff match last night to advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Columbus Crew.
Colorado Rapids the #5 seed in the Western Conference, on Sunday, lost 3-0 in an away trip against #4 seed, Minnesota United. The team started brightly, and looks dominate in many parts of the game, but ultimately injuries and lineup changes led to a few inconsistencies and unfinished chances and the Rapids quickly exited after having last been in the MLS playoffs in 2016. As volunteer chaplain for the Rapids, I shared with someone recently about the loss,
It really feels devastating in a number of ways — after watching the team face challenge after challenge this year — months away from families, starts and stops to the season, a COVID-19 outbreak amongst the team…and then there are a lot of unmet and unrealized hopes and expectations. To come this far and to achieve (for the team) a spot in the playoffs has been a tremendous feat, but I know to a person — from front office to the footballers to the equipment staff — everyone had hoped for so much more. I am super proud of each and everyone who gave their all and I pray that as we rest and get ready for next year there will be a looking back on a solid foundation laid for the future.
The Portland Timbers faced similar challenges this year, albeit a win in the MLS is Back bubble tournament earlier in the year might soften the early exit for the #3 seed in the West. Portland had a home match against #6 FC Dallas, and nearly advanced, but top man Diego Valeri’s chip-shot effort glanced the outside of the far-post. The teams, drawn, finally went to penalty kicks and FC Dallas came out on top. Timber co-chaplain, Ben Dudley, commented on the loss,
Ben Dudley, co-chaplain Portland Timbers posing during the team’s inaugural season
Always tough to lose a match, especially, on PK’s. Proud of the team and their resilience this season. 2020 MLS is Back Champs is something that we will uniquely claim! 2021 here we come!
Ben Dudley, volunteer co-chaplain Portland Timbers
For Nashville SC, 2020 is also a year and season full of trial and adversity. Beginning with the spring tornados which trashed East Nashville, the team being suspended from the MLS is Back bubble tournament in Orlando because of a COVID-19 outbreak, to even a “minor” early-season switch from the Western Conference to Eastern Conference, Nashville SC has also had its own challenges to face.
So when Nashville SC handily beat expansion-side Inter Miami FC 3-0 in the play-in game for the Eastern Conference Playoffs, that was one thing. But last night’s 1-0 win in extra time against perennial playoff contender and former MLS Cup winners (2017), the #2 seed in the East, Toronto FC meant a new level for this new Nashville team. Soccer Chaplains United volunteer chaplain, Rev Billy Cerveny expressed his emotions with me in a text exchange, last night:
Rev Billy stands with Nashville SC players helping cleanup after the early 2020 tornados which ripped through Nashville
For the teams that have finished, end-of-season meetings will inform players about team plans for next season. Some will end up moving on from their teams, some will stay. Some will have contract negotiations, offers from other teams. Some are preparing to welcome a new child to the family. Some will be getting married. The busyness of life will resume (briefly) until the pre-season begins again.
For Nashville SC and the other remaining MLS playoff teams, December 12 is what they are all striving for — the MLS Cup trophy match. There’s still football to be played!
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/MLS-Playoff-Update.jpeg19201733Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2020-11-25 10:00:232020-11-25 10:31:21Colorado Crashes Out; Portland Ponders What Might Have Been; Nashville Never Gives Up
Last week, our From the Touchline podcast, special guest, Rev Billy Cerveny, Nashville SC Chaplain and I started to look at the new Nashville SC anthem, Never Give Up On You, by Judah and the Lion. We continue the conversation today and take a look at the rest of the song.
One of the key themes in scripture that we see from God, from the very beginning is that He never gives up on us, on His people. It’s an important message to hear today — as football (soccer) clubs and programs across the country and the world face economic uncertainty, layoffs, furloughs, closures, and dissolving — whether an athlete or front office staffer or part-time stadium personnel, you might have felt that your employer has “given up on you” but God will not give up on you!
Below are links to the anthem, the scripture references and a few other links to get to know Billy and his work with Redbird:
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,available in the Apple and Google store.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/20190413_Memphis-4_large.jpg6831024Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2020-04-29 00:01:002021-03-08 14:26:10Never Give Up On You with Billy Cerveny (pt. 2)
Nashville SC is a new, expansion franchise in Major League Soccer for 2020 and they have written a new supporter anthem. The anthem, entitled, Never Give Up On You, is written and performed by Judah and the Lion, an alternative band out of Nashville and ardent supporters of the Nashville SC team.
In today’s From the Touchline episode, I am joined by special guest, Nashville SC Chaplain, Rev Billy Cerveny. Over the next couple of episodes we are going to take a look at the Nashville anthem from a chaplain’s point of view — commenting on different parts of the song and the parallels we see in scripture and how we see a fingerprint message from God to His people. The message? I’ll Never Give Up On You. Billy also shares insight into Nashville culture and how this anthem might resonate amongst Nashvillians.
Below are links to the anthem, the scripture references and a few other links to get to know Billy and his work with Redbird:
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,available in the Apple and Google store.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/20190413_Memphis-4_large.jpg6831024Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2020-04-22 00:01:192021-03-08 14:25:40Never Give Up On You with Billy Cerveny
It’s rare — and as chaplains, we much prefer to be behind the scenes and supporting the cast. But this recent article gives a little insight into the work that a chaplain does with a soccer team. Billy Cerveny has been serving Nashville SC for a little over a year and this article only gives a glimpse of some of his work.
If you would like to personally support Billy and his chaplaincy and pastoral work, check out Redbird.
To support the Soccer Chaplains United’s chaplaincy work and development in Nashville and other parts of Tennessee, select the Chaplaincyfund from PushPay. Your donations help to offset the coaching and development work for chaplains across the various levels of soccer.
Soccer Chaplains United is non-profit, 501(c)3 and we depend upon the financial support of our partners to carry out our work of developing chaplaincy, counseling, and community service across all levels of soccer. Your support allows us to offer to serve without reservation. Please consider making a contribution today to help us continue growing our work. Click the PushPay logo below or text soccerchaplains to 77977 to make a secure electronic donation. You can also mail a donation to Soccer Chaplains United, PO Box 102081 Denver, CO 80250.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/20190413_Memphis-4_large.jpg6831024Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2019-04-19 13:00:542019-04-19 13:02:38Nashville SC Highlights Chaplain Work
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