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
For Felipe Olavarría, sports have always been an important part of life. As a young man, he found that basketball was a game where he could compete and a game that he really enjoyed. In addition to playing fútbol in his native Chile, where he was born and raised, basketball was a massive part of his story. In the midst of his semi-pro, traveling time with the team he got invited to church, it changed his life and it changed the place he gave sport in his life.
I came to faith in Jesus at a time in my life when I was a part of semi-professional basketball team in Chile. I spent my last two years with the team (2014-15) sharing the Gospel with my friends and teammates. Ever since then, my heart has longed for an opportunity like serving the Union Omaha.
Felipe on his love of the Gospel and his love of sports
Felipe, as he preaches on a Sunday at Millard Alliance
Felipe is currently an Associate Pastor at Millard Alliance. Felipe is responsible to help engage the church and link the community in unique ways. This opportunity with Union Omaha becomes an exciting extension of that pastoral heart and vision.
Soccer chaplaincy came more into Felipe’s awareness as he served as a ministry resident in Colorado Springs with Kurt Trempert. Kurt invited him to shadow with him as he served the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC as volunteer chaplain. Kurt’s mentorship led to Felipe being open to serving Union Omaha and joining Soccer Chaplains United.
It’s my conviction that as chaplains we are called to serve others by upholding human dignity and value. I saw this in my time with Kurt and I will look to carry this forward here in Omaha.
Felipe, on his connection to Soccer Chaplains United
Felipe and Taya dedicate daughter Josefina at a recent church service.
Union Omaha play in the United Soccer League – League One which is part of the third division of professional soccer in the US. Since Union’s inaugural season in 2020, they have had a championship match canceled because of COVID (2020), have won the league as champion (2021), had a 5th place finish (2022) and are currently closing in on a first place league finish this season. With the placement coming late in the 2023 season, Felipe will begin to be available for athletes, coaches, and staff but will look to provide more service in the upcoming season of 2024.
The star above the crest represents the Owls first championship in 2021
I recently met with the coach and some of this staff to talk about chaplaincy for the rest of this season and next. It is my vision for Union Omaha to see a team committed to the spiritual health of their players, only this sphere will take their holistic health to the next level and I am excited to be a part of helping with that.
Felipe, sharing about his hopes for the Union Omaha chaplaincy
Felipe and his wife do, currently, have an ultimate goal of returning to Chile to plant a church. Felipe’s move may mean a new chapter for Soccer Chaplains United in the South American country that a number of our chaplains have called home. Felipe now becomes the third chaplain to hail from Chile following on from former chaplain Elias Burgos (Colorado Rapids, 2008-2009) and chaplain Ricardo Orellana (2009-present).
Recently, Felipe introduced some church members to some finer Chilean culinary aspects
Felipe joining Soccer Chaplains United means that the organization now has 27 chaplains. He is the first ever volunteer chaplain in the history of Union Omaha. Felipe will be raising funding through Soccer Chaplains United. To support his work you can text “soccerchaplains” to 77977 or you can visit our donation page. To support Felipe select Omaha from the PushPay drop down fund or write Omaha in the memo line of your check.
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/2023/09/FelipeHeadshot21Crop.jpg240240Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2023-09-25 06:00:002024-07-08 23:47:51Olavarría Opening Up Chaplaincy Opportunities in Omaha
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
On the last day of 2013, there is occasion to pause for reflection. There is much debate around looking backward in order to move forward in our culture. Some criticism – that the only reason we look back is so that we can make more efficient our practice or modernize our mechanistic attitude. Some wisdom – that we ought to learn from mistakes and strive to not repeat them, to teach our children how to overcome them. Some practical application – goal-setting, resolutions, and the like. Some fantastical dreaming – see above.
In looking back and contemplating 2013, there are several poignant moments (notice I didn’t use the word highlights) for 2013 that have shaped and framed 2013 as its own unique year. Below are some of the stories that have had significant impact in my own life and ministry:
In addition to the stories above, there are countless stories that fill the backdrop – moments of prayer, counseling, training, growth, and much, much more. The temptation is to review some of these major events and turn them into a mere exercise of “improvement” – to be critical of ones self and miss perhaps what God has intended in the “between” spaces.
For example, days after the memorial service for Elysa, I found myself sleepless at night, wondering “Could I have said something different, or better?” “Could I have comforted family? Friends? The team? in a different way?” If I am honest, too, when Ben shared with me about his desire to leave CrossTraining I was left wondering, where did I fail in my leadership? in my collegiality? and it felt as though CrossTraining was going to fall apart before my very eyes. But God is faithful, He uses us in our weakness, our frailty, our not-quite-good-enough and imperfections.
While I do believe that there may be valuable lessons to learn from the past and this last year and season of ministry and life, there is the realization that moving forward has less to do with my own power, or skill, or education, or leadership, or success, or failure. It has much, much more (perhaps, entirely) to do with God moving something forward – that something maybe being me, CrossTraining, the chaplains under CrossTraining, those we serve.
And so, at the end of 2013, I find myself praying a simple prayer that is reminiscent of some words that Jesus said when he said, “I can only do what I see the Father doing.” Simply it is, “Lord, help me move forward (into 2014 and beyond) with you.” And, Lord willing, it will be. May it be for you as well.
Blessings,
Rev. Brad Kenney
/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.png00Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2013-12-31 16:38:012013-12-31 16:38:01From the Rev: Looking Back to Move Forward?
Last week, the news finally came, Hospice of Saint John would finally be closing its doors. The announcement to staff was not necessarily a surprise as this past July, the 2nd oldest hospice in the United States had to close its inpatient facility. The final close of doors is dependent on getting patients transferred to other hospice care and shutting down its operations, but there will no longer be a Hospice of Saint John.
The Hospice of Saint John will always have a close place in my heart – it is where I first began paid vocational ministry work after finishing seminary. I started as an 0n-call weekend chaplain before working for nearly three and a half years in that same inpatient facility that shut its doors in July. Hospice of Saint John is where I met Elias Burgos (CrossTraining’s first Spanish-speaking chaplain) and also where I met Ricardo Orellana (recently departed for New Jersey after serving 4 years as Spanish-speaking chaplain).
Taken in September 2008, I give a tour of the Hospice of Saint John Chapel.
The hospice was also for me a tensioning extreme – it was very clear to me that the work that I was doing with the professional athletes of the Colorado Rapids was in contrast to the people that I served in hospice care. And the stories…there are so many stories, so many special moments (like this one that was recorded). I have thought that I might one day try to write the stories of my experience, but for now they are embedded in my heart, mind, and soul.
The last four years, as I have been pastoring at Cherry Hills Community Church, I have still remained in touch with several at the Hospice of Saint John. And now, to hear that the hospice will finally close its doors, I can be thankful on two fronts. First, for the opportunity afforded to me. To grow in my ministerial experience. My hospice experience matured me pastorally in ways that are really inestimable – while I had a heart for ministry I grew in a short amount of time and for hospice and for God’s favor in it, I am thankful. Secondly, I am also thankful for God’s provision – for my family and for continuing ministry. I did not really have a vision to leave the hospice, but a very special lady – Helen Parton (a nurse at the hospice and church member of Cherry Hills) told me about the position in pastoral care with the church. She encouraged me to apply. Her job was one of the ones lost last week. Helen is a dear woman of God – always giving of herself (as this story will show you). Helen’s surgery to donate a kidney (see the previous link) was my first visit as a pastoral care pastor from Cherry Hills. Please pray that God provides for her and her family.
And as the Hospice of Saint John closes its chapter, I will be always grateful to God for the ways that I learned and grew as a chaplain there. To Him be the glory.
Blessings,
Rev. Brad Kenney
/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.png00Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2013-09-01 18:30:152018-06-22 09:06:09From the Rev: End of a Chapter
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On the last day of 2013, there is occasion to pause for reflection. There is much debate around looking backward in order to move forward in our culture. Some criticism – that the only reason we look back is so that we can make more efficient our practice or modernize our mechanistic attitude. Some wisdom – that we ought to learn from mistakes and strive to not repeat them, to teach our children how to overcome them. Some practical application – goal-setting, resolutions, and the like. Some fantastical dreaming – see above.
Last week, the news finally came, Hospice of Saint John would finally be closing its doors. The announcement to staff was not necessarily a surprise as this past July, the 2nd oldest hospice in the United States had to close its 
