Video Introduction
We have a few introduction videos for Soccer Chaplains United.
• General Introduction (3 min)
• Coach Testimonial (4.5 min)
• Player Testimonial (4 min)
What is a chaplain?
Sometimes the first question that needs answering is, what is a chaplain? Chaplaincy has a long history dating back to the 4th century and uses in military and hospital — with these institutions realizing that people had spiritual needs requiring care and attention. Below is a short summary to answer the question:
- Chaplains are usually trained ministers that work outside of a religious setting (like a church) and inside a secular institution (like a hospital or a corporation)
- Chaplains provide spiritual, social and emotional support to people from different faith (or no faith) traditions and for many different life situations
- Chaplains serve as advocates for the people they serve — whether on issues of religion and faith or ethics and self-care
What isn’t a chaplain?
- Chaplains do not proselytize (i.e., coerce one to change their faith)
- Chaplains are not therapists or counselors, but provide pastoral counsel as needed and appropriate referrals when needed
- Chaplains are not representative of all faith traditions, but support all individuals regardless of their faith (or non-faith) tradition through advocacy, encouragement and support
Some other key characteristics for soccer chaplains:
- Provide pastoral counseling (i.e., pre-marital, marital, vocational, and grief)
- Provide a listening and supportive presence for those in emotional and spiritual distress
- Pray with and for people’s specific needs or circumstances
- Operate with strict confidentiality and sensitivity to personal and private issues
- Might lead group discussions on religious/faith issues, grief recovery, leadership, education, and character
- Connect people to the local community and resources (ESL classes, etc.)
- Connect people to local faith communities and other spiritual support resources
- Be present with people during difficult times (surgeries, a loss, transitions, etc.)
- Officiate weddings, funerals, and other appropriate services
- Help reconcile a broken relationship between people within the organization
- Help a person/family transition to a new club or team
- Work throughout the whole organization — athletes, coaches, staff, alumni, academy players, families, and even fans.
- Know and understand soccer/performance
- Have bilingual and other skills to help with language and cultural needs
- Typically serve in a volunteer capacity
