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Chaplain and Pastor, Kurt Trempert, is “hanging up the boots” of soccer chaplaincy after serving the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC for the last nine seasons. Kurt, pastor of HarvestDowntown, is a leader in the Christian and Missionary Alliance denomination. This move comes as he accepts a bigger role in helping lead the church in the local district. The MidAmerica District of the C&MA covers a geographical region of five states, including Colorado. Kurt will take on a new role of Assistant to the District Superintendent, where he will work to help as a “3D (Discover, Develop, Deploy) Catalyst for Ministry Leadership.” I asked Kurt what he will miss most about leaving the Switchbacks chaplaincy,

I will miss the opportunity to be in the locker room with the lads as one who can be trusted with the highs and lows of sport and life. I have become close friends with the club president and will miss our conversations together. As a whole, this has been an incredible ministry experience that has given me influence in places like Ghanaian Footballers for Christ, players in Turkey, Cameroon, Canada, El Salvador, and all across the U.S. Along the way, I have been invited into difficult conversations and joyful ones.

Kurt, on leaving Switchbacks

Kurt began working with the Switchbacks in 2015. He was the first chaplain placement outside of Ben Dudley (Timbers) and the team working with the Colorado Rapids. Kurt joined while we were still known as CrossTraining Ministries. He was also our first chaplain placed in what, today, is known as the United Soccer League — Championship. USL-C represents the second division of professional soccer in the United States.

What a privilege it has been to journey with players into retirement (both forced and desired), as well meaningful conversations about marriage, abortion, and suicide. I have grown in compassion, kindness, and mercy with each relationship . Thanks Brad for inviting me into this incredible ministry, and I pray that the next chaplain with the Switchbacks will have even greater impact and experiences demonstrating and declaring the love of Jesus.

Kurt, on the privilege of serving the past 9 years

Kurt’s move to the MidAmerica District offices in Omaha, NE will leave a vacancy that Soccer Chaplains United is already looking to fill. While it will be tremendously difficult to find someone of Kurt’s personality and character, we look forward to the challenge.

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.