Last week, the devastating news broke, Diego Maradona, one of the greatest football legends in the game, died while resting at his home in Buenos Aires, Argentina. For Argentinians, Maradona was a national hero and, for some, a god. For a cadre of football stars around the world, Maradona was some to be emulated for his on the field skills and abilities and accomplishments. Yet, for many controversy stirred around the person of Diego Armando Maradona and his life — with his almost Jekyll and Hyde personality. The comments of Diego's personal trainer, Fernando Signorini, were an inspiration and springboard for today's episode. In the 2019 documentary, Diego Maradona, by Asif Kapadia, Signorini is quoted as saying: “For Diego, I

2020, unlike any other year in recent memory may prove to be the most difficult one yet to find much to give thanks for. But as we get ready to celebrate Thanksgiving in the U.S., we all might just need a little extra encouragement and help in just how to give thanks and some ideas of what to give thanks for. Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, I share three practices that can help shape our understanding and orient us toward a better posture of giving thanks — even when we are facing scarcity. Scripture references from today's episode include: I Thessalonians 5:16-18Psalm 136Mark 6:30-44 From the Touchline is a short-feature (usually 10-15 min) podcast with Rev Brad Kenney,

I had the privilege last week to speak with students at Denver Seminary, my alma mater, and share about my work in sport chaplaincy. The course, Many Faces of Chaplaincy, is part of the core curriculum base for those studying chaplaincy — whether in the Master of Divinity track or the seminary's Chaplaincy Certificate Program. For me, sometimes the class can be a great opportunity to see the growth of chaplaincy and some have even been curious enough to look more into serving as a chaplain in sport, and even with Soccer Chaplains United. Most students are looking into military or hospital/healthcare chaplaincy opportunities. Myself, and three other presenters, joined Prof Dr. Jan McCormack (top left) and about 18 students

It's my favorite time of year, again. Advent. This season and the lessons that we can learn and the hope that we can build has perhaps never been so important especially in the difficulties that we've undergone with COVID-19. I have shared before about Celtic Advent (listen to last year's podcast). This season of the church which begins November 15 is a critical time for preparing our hearts and lives for the coming of Jesus. Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, I share the three different ways that Celtic Christians understood and celebrated the season of Advent and I talk about three things that are critical for getting us through the waiting seasons and moments of life. Today, I

Last year, on Saint Martin's Feast Day (November 11), I created a special podcast (listen to it here) and shared Saint Martin's story — the one where he famously cuts his Roman cloak in half and covers a beggar shivering from the cold. That famous story is the origin of our English word for chaplain. Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, I share another story of Saint Martin, on this, the day when we celebrate his life and faith. This time, Martin is now a Bishop in the church. He is a leader and has a certain place and power that has been given to him (although he is reportedly reluctant to receive it). Again, Martin covers someone who