Family. You can't choose them. But ancestry is important — and we have ancestral pieces to other parts of our lives, as well. For example, we have an ancestry to our vocational lives — whether as footballer, coach, or chaplain there are people who have helped shape and form who we are today. In a similar way we have a spiritual heritage, a spiritual ancestry that is important to consider. Who are the people who have had an impact on your faith journey? Who has impacted your view on God and this world? In today's From the Touchline episode, Rev Brad reflects on ancestry of these different types and encourages a practice of reflecting on the people (and even events)

Do you ever feel like the holiday season is just crazy-making? Do you dread the rush that seems to come earlier and easier every year? Rev Brad shares, in today's From the Touchline episode, about Celtic Advent. This intentional season begins every November 15 and is designed to help prepare people for the day (Dec 25) and the season of Christmas which has become so commercialized and commodified that, for many it leaves a bad taste in the mouth. Learn more about this ancient custom of preparing one's heart and life for the arrival (advent) of Jesus Christ. Books and Resources mentioned in today's podcast: Resource #1: Watch for the Light: Readings for Advent and Christmas Resource #2: God With

In today's special From the Touchline podcast episode, Rev Brad introduces a pretty important person — Saint Martin of Tours. From Martin's life and story originates our English words for "chapel" and "chaplain." And Brad reflects on the life and ministry of chaplains today and Christians everywhere. From the Touchline is a short-feature (10 min) podcast with Rev Brad Kenney and occasional guests touching on various issues around faith, family, and football. You can listen to From the Touchline in the Soccer Chaplains United app. If you don't have the app yet, you can download it from the Google and App Store. Search "SoccChaplain" and look for our logo (see photo below)!

The jersey exchange is one of the most unique and special rituals and moments to be found in the Beautiful Game of soccer. In this edition of From the Touchline Rev Brad reminisces about a couple of "swaps" in his time as a chaplain and reflects on several times in the Bible where a similar exchange was made. He concludes by reflecting on the ultimate exchange that ever happened in history and a prayer for those who might consider making such a swap, themselves.  From the Touchline is a short-feature (10 min) podcast with Rev Brad Kenney and occasional guests touching on various issues around faith, family, and football. Check out the Soccer Chaplains United App and go to the Media section.

Did you know that God actually issued the first "yellow card caution"? If you know the Bible, to whom do you think He issued the caution? In this edition of From the Touchline, Rev Brad springboards off the history of the yellow card caution for football and reflects on  the first yellow card caution issued by God. He encourages listeners to reflect on the different warning moments in life that we encounter — on the field and off of it.  Inquiries and feedback can be sent to podcast@soccerchaplainsunited.org. From the Touchline is a short-feature (10 min) podcast with Rev Brad Kenney and occasional guests touching on various issues around faith, family, and football. You can listen to podcasts in the Soccer Chaplains United App.