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Adopt A Soccer Chaplain for October

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adoptachaplain

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 

Ryan’s Bio
Colorado Rapids
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

Brad’s Bio
Colorado Rapids Development Academy
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

Rubén’s Bio
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
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

Kurt’s Bio
El Paso Locomotive
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 

Erick’s Bio
Memphis 901 FC
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

Greg’s Bio
Nashville SC 
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

Billy’s Bio
New Jersey
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 

Ricardo’s Bio
Portland Thorns FC 
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

Christina’s Bio
Portland Timbers
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

Ben’s Bio
Portland Timbers
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

Troy’s Bio
Rio Grande Valley Toros FC
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

Isidro’s Bio
San Antonio Area
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

Cesar’s Bio
Tacoma Defiance
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

Jubal’s Bio
Trinity International University Men’s Soccer
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 

Kim’s Bio
Valor Christian High School Boys Soccer 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

Greg’s Bio
adoptachaplain

Moody Chaplain Resigns

Moody Bible Institute Men’s Soccer Chaplains Pete Distler resigned last week from Soccer Chaplains United after resigning from the team earlier. Pete shared that for the past few weeks he had been in prayer about his work and role with the team. He felt as though God was calling for him to step down from his position. Pete shared with me,

After much prayer and discerning of God’s will, I am taking this step of obedience. It has been a great pleasure to spend time with you and receive your mentoring in this fascinating ministry field.  Many blessings to you, fellow chaplains and the board.

Pete Distler, former chaplain to Moody Men’s Soccer

Pete was the first chaplain to serve the Moody Men’s Soccer team in school history. A search will begin in cooperation with the men’s coach Jon Forsythe for a chaplain replacement to serve in the future at Moody.

We pray that God’s will and plan be plain to Pete in the coming time and thank him for his service to Moody Bible Institute Men’s Soccer and Soccer Chaplains United.

Adopt A Chaplain for October

adoptachaplain

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 

Ryan’s Bio
Colorado Rapids
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

Brad’s Bio
Colorado Rapids Development Academy
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

Rubén’s Bio
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
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

Kurt’s Bio
Laredo Area
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 

Cesar’s Bio
Memphis 901 FC
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

Greg’s Bio
Moody Bible Institute Men’s Soccer
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 

Pete’s Bio
Nashville SC 
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

Billy’s Bio
New Jersey
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 

Ricardo’s Bio
Portland Thorns FC 
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

Christina’s Bio
Portland Timbers
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

Ben’s Bio
Portland Timbers
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

Troy’s Bio
Rio Grande Valley Toros FC
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

Isidro’s Bio
Trinity International University Men’s Soccer
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 

Kim’s Bio

Moody Soccer Soon to Move

The Moody Bible Institute recently announced that there will be a sale of particular parts of its urban campus in downtown Chicago. Amongst the buildings and parts of land that have been offered up for sale is the Moody soccer field. A recent article on Crain’s Chicago Business website, details more of the proposed sale and the hiring of a firm to sell “non-critical” parts of the campus. The sale of land will help to fund and fuel Moody’s growth initiatives for 2030.

Jon Forsythe, a graduate of Moody and the current, Moody’s Men’s Soccer Head Coach, recently gave an update to alumni of the soccer program,

Please join us in praying for the future of the school and the soccer program in this time of transition – the facilities may look different in a few years, but the purpose of the school and the program remain the same: training and equipping students to be ministers of the Gospel.

Forsythe also shared that the Men’s Soccer Program will continue and that the remainder of the 2019 season will be unaffected by the field being put up for sale. But future iterations of the soccer program will look different. Coach Forsythe and the school have mentioned that, following the sale of the land, the soccer program will continue, using an off-campus field for training and matches. The location of which is yet to be determined.

Moody’s soccer field, famous for its location and known to slow down ‘L’ drivers curious to watch a game, will soon be sold by the school and developed.

In what may be a forever goodbye for a place special in many student’s hearts and memories, Moody Men’s Soccer will host its annual alumni game on Saturday, October 12. Coach Forsythe hopes to see the field full of generations of Moody Soccer players. But for alumni unable to attend, an open invitation exists for alumni to come by for any remaining home games or training sessions.

Please pray for Soccer Chaplains United chaplain Pete Distler as he works with the men’s soccer program — both for the current students and athletes and the alumni, as well. And pray for Moody as they continue to orient the school and students and education in a difficult time for Christian higher education.

Moody Chaplain Pete Preps For Return

As the summer season moves closer to fall, many college and high school students are starting to get back into the swing of fall soccer pre-season preparations. We check in with Moody Bible Institute Men’s Soccer Chaplain Pete Distler to see what steps he and the team are taking ahead of a mid-August campus report date.

The student athletes at Moody Bible Institute are busy ‘sweating’ a summer regimen of personal training routines designed by Coach Jon.  Inherent competition and accountability is seen in published key performance metrics that keep team chat channels buzzing. Freshman players are already preparing to make the cut are showing impressive numbers and looking to push MBI veterans to elevate their game.

Chaplain Pete, on the athlete preseason preparations

Different from years of old, college athletes are rarely far from being ready for the season come fall. There’s not much “offseason” or moments when soccer team members don’t have an eye toward the season goals and coming into a pre-season with as much athletic fitness as possible. But the athletes aren’t the only ones readying themselves as Pete shared with me,

For myself as chaplain, spiritual preparations include praying for the team roster, healing prayers for several injured players and wisdom for developing meaningful devotionals to lead the team through for the season. Once we begin pre-season training in mid-August, discipleship will evolve to transitional needs for freshman players and a variety of concerns from returning players. 

Chaplain Pete, on the chaplain pre-season preparations

Of course, a new season means implementing some new practices for the team’s ongoing spiritual, emotional, and mental development. Mixing in with some standard practices that have been built into the Moody Soccer culture — Pete will continue to find the balance in serving the needs of the athletes and the coaches, alike. And, as a new rotation of students athletes come into the fold the ongoing development of leadership and the mainstay goals will continue,

Representing Jesus on and off the field with excellence will be a predominant focus during our season. In sports it can be really difficult to see the truth that winning games really only represents short term fruit. Winning must be superseded by understanding the eternal value of ministering the Gospel, and this many times through our on-field Christian character behavior. 

Chaplain Pete, on the season goals looking ahead to 2019-2020

We invite you to pray for Chaplain Pete and the Moody Men’s Soccer Team. And we encourage you to join us, not only as a prayer partner, but also as a financial partner.

Soccer Chaplains United is non-profit, 501(c)3. Our chaplains all volutneer with the teams and communities that they serve. We are dependent upon the financial support of our partners to carry out our work of developing chaplaincy, counseling, and community service across all levels of soccer.

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.

Chaplaincy In Chicago

I just returned from a 10-day business trip. Chicago was the first stop on the tour. It was great to visit with our chaplain Pete Distler who serves the Moody Bible Institute Men’s Soccer Team. Moody, in recent days, has undergone a number of changes, one of which is the appointment of a new head coach for the soccer team. We had a chance to spend time with the new head coach and assistant to better understand how Pete, as chaplain, can help serve the team.

Among some of the opportunities that exist, the chaplain will be able to help the coaching staff better develop a spiritual plan for the team and offer a continued stable presence for the young players who often find themselves in the difficult space of balancing school and home life.

I had a really great time sharing, over a Chicago-style pizza with these men, about how the chaplaincy to the team can really be a service for the year. I am excited to see Pete continue in his role and offer a sense of continuity and place where players and coaches alike can come and confide in him.

In addition to meeting with Moody, Pete and I met with the Executive Director for the U.S. Adult Soccer Association, Duncan Riddle. A key moment in our conversation came as I asked, “How can Soccer Chaplains United support you and the teams that you oversee?” The USASA essentially oversees and sanctions soccer at the adult level. The teams served are too many to count; however, the vision to see a chaplain available to serve is a worthy task to undertake. While not an official meeting in any sense, I felt that some “idea” seeds have been sown. Please pray that something takes root, if it’s part of God’s plan.

Moody Men’s Soccer Season Comes to Close

In its first season, the soccer chaplain role at Moody Bible Institute for the Men’s Soccer Program may be deemed a success. The chaplain role, structured to expand the ministry provided by the head coach and assistant coaches, permitted Chaplain Pete Distler to speak into the lives of a very young team consisting of primarily freshman and sophomore student athletes, with nearly  80% of the roster underclassmen.

Coach Chris McHugh in his 6th season with Moody

Coach Chris McHugh, developed a job description that would see Moody take on its first-ever chaplain for the Men’s Soccer Team. Soccer Chaplains United was able to help Coach McHugh, also an Assistant Professor, in Lifetime Fitness and Sports Ministry at Moody, develop the job description which eventually led to finding Pete. Coach McHugh has successfully guided the Moody Archers soccer program for the past 6 years with a key value of integrating faith and sport at the collegiate level.

For Chaplain Distler, the first year of soccer chaplaincy at Moody provided many significant ministry moments as the season progressed from pre-season right up through the last game at regionals.  Distler commented on the character of the student athletes,

Moody soccer student athletes have a very strong Biblical foundation, identity in our Lord Jesus, and are very motivated to play for the King in training and games.

Building off the character of the players and coaches, Chaplain Distler also noted that individual and group activities incorporated their commitment to Christian character and a work ethic required at the college soccer level. Team culture reflected an openness and receptivity of players to adopt specific skill building and biblical principles communicated by the coaching staff and chaplain.

Team captains consistently led prayer in team huddles and reflected team values. This built a strong sense of team and family, and opened the door for Coach McHugh and myself to minister when more challenging situations transpired.

The season itself was a challenge from a win/loss perspective.  Moody’s regular season record was 3 wins, 10 losses, and 1 tie. And while the athletes’ personal motivations and team dynamics were challenged, the scriptural admonition to persevere (James 1:25) was a powerful lesson learned by all.  Coaches persisted in their communication to inspire hope, designed practices to improve skills/field tactics and encouraged athletes to accept ongoing peer correction. On the chaplain side, Distler was able to share his approach,

I really tried to focus on encouraging players in what they were doing well, which complemented their own observations (and often self-chastisement) of what they should be doing better.  The opportunity for me to spend extensive time at practices and games helped build relationships that evolved into meaningful moments with each player.

In addition to supporting the athletes practice and fames, off the field, several players sought out chaplain Distler.

Counseling, prayer for health, academics, family, relations and life direction — these were all part of what players would seek me out for.  There were also several critical issues to help international students work through.  Weighing down a few athletes were family members in the path of natural disasters in Florida and Texas. Another was faced with the prospective threat of war as a reserve in the South Korean army. He had to be ready to respond to the North Korean missile testing crisis, if called home.

A number of athletes also experienced moderate to severe injuries.  Prayer for patience to heal or remain patient for next season helped overcome each situation.  Many players not cleared to play attended practices to encourage team members.  This allowed Chaplain Distler the opportunity to build relationships whilst on the sidelines.

The season finished with a very disappointing loss at regionals (leading 2-1 with a few minutes in regulation) to a very good team, Chaplain Distler was on hand to console and comfort a team that had come so far and been through so much in just a few short weeks.

Chaplain Pete Distler (pictured left) poses with the 2017 Moody Men’s Soccer Players and Coaches

Moody Soccer Served by Soccer Chaplains United

Soccer Chaplains United is pleased to announce that Moody Bible Institute Men’s Soccer is being served by the newest chaplain to join Soccer Chaplains United. Chaplain Pete Distler has a long history of working in soccer and recently joined Soccer Chaplains United as the organization’s first collegiate chaplain. Distler, who works at Moody as Director of Digital Marketing, spoke about the chaplaincy,

The new chaplain role…has been rewarding for all. It is a blessing… [especially for] the partnership between the chaplain and coaches for each unique mentoring opportunity that arises.

From my trip last December, I was able to meet with Coach Chris McHugh and help offer some feedback on writing the job description for Moody’s first chaplain to serve the soccer team. Coach McHugh and Distler met and started to formulate a plan for serving the team. It has been tremendously exciting to see my alma mater become the first college where we can have a chaplain serving.

Through Soccer Chaplains United, Pete will receive support and encouragement and additional training along the lines of creating a sustainable chaplaincy that hopefully lasts a long time at Moody.

Moody Soccer plays and competes as a member of the NCCAA Division II and competes against a challenging schedule comprised of NAIA, NCAA III, NCCAA I and NCCAA II opponents. Moody Soccer won the NCCAA Division II National Championship in 1994, 2001, 2011, 2012 and 2013. You can read more about the team and program on Moody Soccer’s athletics page. You can follow Moody Soccer by getting onto their Facebook page which carries many of the games live.

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