From The Touchline - Soccer Chaplains United: Recent Episodes
Rev Brad Kenney
From the Touchline is a short-feature (15-30 min) 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).
October is pastoral and chaplain appreciation month and for the remainder of the month, I’d like to interview several of Soccer Chaplains United’s very own chaplains. In the course of the next few weeks we can listen to and hear the work that they are doing with their teams and some of their origin story of how they came to be part of Soccer Chaplains United.
Today on the From the Touchline podcast, I am joined by Russell Branham. Russ is the volunteer chaplain for the Spokane Velocity, a team that had its inaugural season in the United Soccer League 1 and nearly won the championship. Russ shares about how he and his wife came to faith, some of the work he does as volunteer team chaplain, and we play a fun game of Crosses with Rev.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
Often times we can look at professional athletes and think that their life is glamorous and desirable, but we may not know how hard it is to get there and the many sacrifices made to play the Beautiful Game. Last week, Clint Irwin began with his origin story and gave us a look at the difficulty and determination needed to get to the top level of soccer in the US — Major League Soccer.
Today on the From the Touchline podcast, part 2 as Clint shares more about his time in MLS and his many memories and moments, high and low, of his long career. Clint also plays a game of Crosses with Rev and starts strong but in the end has a bit of a fumble. It’s all good fun. Thanks for listening!
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
There are countless stories of soccer players who couch surf and go wherever the game may take them in an attempt to live out their dream to play professional soccer. Some make, most don’t. There are fewer opportunities to make it to the top leagues these days without hard-work and a gritty determination. And there many, sadly, whose dreams fall short of the ultimate goal.
Today on the From the Touchline podcast, I am joined by special guest Clint Irwin, former goalkeeper in Major League Soccer. Here, in part 1, Clint shares his origin story and his journey to becoming a long-tenured (12 seasons) MLS goalkeeper and the hard-work, dedication, and determination that was needed to see that dream of becoming a pro come to fruition.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
The past few weeks have been troubling in the US, to say the least — stabbings, shootings, marches and more in a country that has been typically a peace-filled one. What can we do in such times? How do we respond in such moments? Can we experience true peace? How do we pray for true peace during such times?
Today on the From the Touchline podcast, I reflect on the life of David and his writing of Psalm 51 and also share Paul’s words to the Christians in Philippi and his instructions to them to pray and petition God (with thanksgiving) for God’s peace. I share the Christian practice of Lectio Divina and encourage some reflection and practice for people everywhere.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
Today, and today only, for From the Touchline podcast listeners The Soccer Psalms ebook is free on Amazon. All you need to do is go to Amazon, search up The Soccer Psalms and download the Kindle version. Don’t have Kindle? It’s okay, you only need the free Kindle app in order to get your free copy. I share a brief except today on the podcast and I would love it if you would write a review of the book for me.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
Today on the From the Touchline podcast, I share from my experience this past weekend as I was invited out to be present in an athlete retirement ceremony and celebration. Clint Irwin, former Colorado Rapids goalkeeper, who also played for Toronto FC and Minnesota United FC, had a moment for friends and family to gather. I’d shared with Clint the idea of having some sort of ceremony or ritual to mark the occasion. Often, athletes play their last professional game without really knowing that it was that — their last game. We need closure. We need ceremony. We need to celebrate, commemorate, and commission athletes into a new chapter of life and living. I talk a bit more about that on today’s podcast.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
Today on the From the Touchline podcast, I offer some final thoughts on the 4th Global Congress on Sport and Christianity in Waco, Texas which happened at the beginning of August. It was my fourth congress and I share some of my favorite highlights, a view toward where sports and soccer chaplaincy may be headed for the future, and my takeaway which has me circling the calendar for the next congress, being planned for October 2028 in Vancouver, BC.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
Today on the From the Touchline podcast, I am joined by our very own, Kim Beach, affectionately known as Miss Kim. Kim is chaplain to Victory Christian High School in Indiana and also to the newly developed Warehouse — a place where athletes can go and be trained and discipled.
Miss Kim attended the 4th Global Congress on Sport and Christianity in Waco, Texas a few weeks ago and it was her first time at such a global congress. I’ve invited her on to the podcast to update us on her ministry work and also to share her thoughts on the congress including some of her favorite sessions and key takeaways. Miss Kim and I also play a round of Crosses with Rev and climbs the leaderboard.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
Today on the From the Touchline podcast, I am joined by good friend and the long-time chaplain/character coach for Southern Illinois University Salukis, Roger Lipe. Roger recently received the Sport.Faith.Life lifetime achievement award at the 4th Global Congress on Sport and Christianity held in Waco, Texas. He is prolific author (16 books) and a long-time practitioner in the sports chaplaincy and sports ministry space. He has trained many around the world in sports chaplaincy.
Roger joins me today to reflect on the recent Congress and share some of his thoughts and insights as to the future of sports chaplaincy in the US and around the world. Roger also gets in a round of Crosses with Rev and has a good showing.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
The 4th Global Congress on Sport and Christianity held last week at Baylor University’s Truett Seminary was epic. A great time. Many old friendship revisited. Some new friendships formed. A lot of thoughtful presentations. I am still trying to process it all.
In today’s edition of From the Touchline, I share the audio recording from my presentation: Game Plans and Gospel: Translating the Scriptures for Sport. In my talk I shared the motivations for translating and then some of the biblical examples that I leaned into to validate the process. I also shared a few guardrails and then encouraged others to consider how they might make God’s Word more accessible and understandable for people in their sporting contexts.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
Psalm 126 is another song of ascent. It was a journey song — for those who were coming to worship at the temple. It recalls a time of deprivation and exile and the return of a peoples to their land and the worship of God praising His goodness to them. In many ways, it can feel […]
David in Psalm 12 is describing the trustworthy and true nature of God in spite of all the faithlessness and falseness around him. It’s the difference between flattery and flawlessness. People being liars and God being a protector of the vulnerable. I wrote Soccer Psalm 12 as an appeal to God as the Ultimate Referee. […]
Psalm 8 is a proud boast about God. He is majestic. The work that He has done that is visibly expressed in creation and the way that God considers mankind is mind-blowing to David the psalmist. Perhaps young David has written this while sleeping out underneath the stars and watching over his flocks of sheep. […]
Psalm 7 is a shiggaion, but what that truly is isn’t certain to scholars. Best we can say is that it might be a contextual note like “play with a bluesy feel…” We do know that David (the psalmist) has taken a pretty difficult accusation and it seems that it’s unfair or unjust and he’s […]
Psalm 3 is a cry, a plea to God for help. David wrote it as he flees his son Absalom who was overthrowing the throne. David feels surrounded — like there’s no way out. The Soccer Psalm 3 is also written from a similar perspective — a player who’s been severely criticized. The media pundits […]
It may be a little “late to the game,” but after listening to the ongoing dialogue and controversy surrounding the United States Men’s National Team, I am going to break some silence. I think the Bible has some wisdom and guidance to offer as we consider the question of whether some players ought to press […]
Israel’s first military test and battle coming on the heels of their escape from Egypt could have been disastrous, but God intervened. Exodus 17 records their first military test after a bit of a struggle for water in the desert. They won through the presence and power of God and the obedience of Moses in […]
Injuries are common place in sports, especially in professional soccer. I recently sat with an athlete before surgery and it got me thinking back to the various surgery centers, hospitals, and other clinics where I have been present with people before this often difficult moment in one’s career. Whether it’s the waiting room of a […]
Well, I recently moved office. It didn’t take long—two-three trips to move a couple miles away— but I was certainly in a funk. I don’t like change. Moving is hard (for me), even if it’s just a short ways away. It’s likely more to do with change or dealing with the unexpected. It begs the […]
This is the last in our series on mental health that we’ve been talking about through the month of May. How can one’s faith inform and help heal and sustain our mental health challenges and struggles? The story of Jesus encountering two disciples on the road to Emmaus, found in Luke 24:13-36, is a story […]
May is mental health awareness month. Mental health is an important issue in sports and especially elite level soccer. As a chaplain, I believe that Christian faith can help with mental health challenges and struggles, but I think sometimes we don’t understand or see the different stories and tools and resources that are needed or […]
May is usually carries an emphasis on mental health. Mental health is a massive issue in professional sports, especially soccer. So, as a chaplain, I have been asking, “how can we integrate more of our Christian faith so that it helps with our mental health?” I think certain texts in the Bible stand out to […]
I have podcasted before on The Emmaus Road as a biblical text that helps us to make sense of grief, but as Luke 24:13-35 is one of my favorite texts, it has grown on me a bit more with some new and different insights and I wanted to revisit it again during this month of […]
Psalm 137 is one of those parts of the Bible that can make someone cringe if we don’t look deeper into the text and historical context…known as an “imprecatory psalm” is calls about a curse for a particular city and its people. Can we do that as Christians? It’s a little bit longer of a […]
Psalm 134 is a song that would have been sung by worshippers as they were leaving the temple in Jerusalem and are blessing the Levite workers who remain there readying the temple for the next day. In the Soccer Psalm version from my recent book, I’ve imagined Psalm 134 to come out like a song […]
Today, on the podcast, we look at Psalm 22 in both the Bible and the Soccer Psalm from my recent book. Psalm 22 is the most-oft quoted psalm in the New Testament. All four Gospel writers talk of Jesus saying the opening lines from the cross. The psalm gives language to a person who feels […]
Today, on the podcast, we continue going through The Soccer Psalms. I read the 2nd Psalm and Soccer Psalm from my recent book, and offer a reflection and mediation on understanding that there is evil in the world. How do we reconcile that evil with a God who is supposedly “good”? And the fact that […]
Today, on the podcast, I read—Psalm 1 and Soccer Psalm 1—from my recent book, The Soccer Psalms. In the reflection and mediation questions, we consider what it looks like to live a life as a footballer and as a person that follows a road which seeks out the pathway of God. Psalm 1 is the […]
A few weeks ago, we hit a major milestone with the From the Touchline podcast: 300 episodes. This is episode #303 and in honor of living and working and being in the 303 area code (Denver), we’re going to take a look back on the past. All the while, I’ve been working to create a […]
Prayer is one of the pivotal practices that Christian people focus in on during the season of Lent and the lead up to Easter. Prayer is perhaps one of the most foundational aspects of Christian living because it is about a conversation with God and sometimes we struggle to know what to say or what […]
As we go through the season of Lent, there are three spiritual disciplines and practices that Christians often observe — prayer, fasting, and giving. Last week, we looked at generosity and giving. This week we look at the spiritual discipline of fasting and some of its parallels and connections to soccer. Today, on the podcast, […]
Ash Wednesday is today, and as the season of Lent begins, three spiritual disciplines come more sharply into focus: fasting, giving, and prayer. But not all spiritual disciplines are treated equally! Today, on the podcast, I want to give attention to what I have deemed “the least of these” practices and in a word hopefully […]
Ramadan begins this weekend — the annual fast for Muslims can be challenging for the professional player – especially in certain times of the year. At the start of a season, a player is trying to earn a spot. In the middle of summer, the heat and humidity can severely impact an athletes physiology. Ash […]
For many years, I struggled with some of the derision for the work and the environment of soccer where my work gets played out as a volunteer chaplain. I was the only one, either, as some athletes and coaches had friends and family who would comment — when will you grow up? when will you get […]
An introduction in any industry or business is critical and key — whether a 24-year veteran volunteer soccer chaplain or a first-year chaplain. An introduction to athletes, coaches, and staff at a football club usually come as a result of a trusted relationship or at the end of some sort of process that someone has […]
Usually the beginning of the Major League Soccer (MLS) season sees me reflecting back and looking forward for the season to come. I usually do a lot of praying because there is a lot change and movement — not only for the athletes, but pretty much everyone else involved in the game. This time of the […]
This past December, I released a new book, The Soccer Psalms, as a self-published work. (You can also find The Football Psalms-a British version-if you appreciate the different terms around the game). Both books are available globally on Amazon and contain 31 psalms that have been translated into “soccer psalms” — with words, language, and […]
This past December, I released a new book, The Soccer Psalms, as a self-published work on Amazon. (You can also find The Football Psalms-a British version-if you appreciate the different terms around the game). Both books are available globally on Amazon and contain 31 psalms that have been translated into “soccer psalms” — with words, […]
This past December, I released a new book, The Soccer Psalms, as a self-published. (You can also find The Football Psalms-a British version-if you appreciate the different terms around the game). Both books are available globally on Amazon and contain 31 psalms that have been translated into “soccer psalms” — with words, language, and metaphors […]
This past December, I released a new book, The Soccer Psalms, as a self-published work on Amazon. (You can also find The Football Psalms-a British version-if you appreciate the different terms around the game). Both books are available globally on Amazon and contain 31 psalms that have been translated into “soccer psalms” — with words, […]
This past December, I released a new book, The Soccer Psalms! You can also find The Football Psalms (a British version) if you appreciate the different terms around the game. Both books are available on Amazon and contain 31 psalms that have been translated into “soccer psalms” — with words, language, and metaphors that connect […]
Today, December 25, is Christmas Day. Billy Cerveny, a chaplain with Soccer Chaplains United, shares his musical gifts with a rendition of O Holy Night. Have a blessed Christmas and see you in the New Year of 2025! From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director […]
The Soccer Psalms! Just in time for Christmas, I am releasing a new book. You can also find The Football Psalms (an anglicized version) if you appreciate the different terms around the game. The books are available on Amazon and contains 31 psalms that have been translated into “soccer psalms.” I include some reflection on […]
The Soccer Psalms! Just in time for Christmas, I am releasing a new book. You can also find The Football Psalms (an anglicized version) if you appreciate the different terms around the game. The books are available on Amazon and contains 31 psalms that have been translated into “soccer psalms.” I include some reflection on […]
The Soccer Psalms! Just in time for Christmas, I am releasing a new book. You can also find The Football Psalms (an anglicized version) if you appreciate the different terms around the game. The books are available on Amazon and contains 31 psalms that have been translated into “soccer psalms.” I include some reflection on […]
Sometimes our story doesn’t quite go the way that we think it should. God often has plans for us (if we will see them) that go beyond our wildest dreams. My story and journey with soccer is very much like this — I would never have thought that I would be doing the work that I […]
People always think that a chaplain in soccer must have played at a high level of the game. This is a bad misnomer, but usually chaplains in soccer have some love and affinity and connection to the game. And the same holds true for myself, (Rev Brad). Today, on the podcast, we dip back into […]
Saint Martin of Tours’ Feast Day was November 11 — also known as Veteran’s Day (US) and Remembrance Day (UK). Advent (Celtic) begins November 15 — this season of 40 days preceding Christmas is a time of preparation and reflection. So what to talk about on the podcast that is sandwiched between the two?
Today, on the podcast, I talk about reflecting on the important people and important influences that have shaped our lives and helped us get to where we are, whether in our lives or our careers. But I also talk about the importance that different seasons have in our lives and how we ought to embrace what those seasons offer us in terms of spiritual, emotional, and physical preparations.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
Last month was Pastor/Chaplain Appreciation Month and we took time to feature some of our new chaplains with Soccer Chaplains United this year. Well, we’ve added so many new people that we thought we’d carry on that we couldn’t contain into just one month and we love our volunteer chaplains because they serve so willingly and so well without renumeration or much glory.
Today, on the podcast, it’s part two of my interview with Jason Rollins. Jason is volunteer chaplain to the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC since February of this year. He’s replaced long-time chaplain Kurt Trempert who had to resign last year to take a new church leadership role. In part two, Jason and I discuss more of his work in following on from friend Kurt and we also get into some girl-dad talk and play a game of Crosses with Rev. It’s a fun bit for the next 30 minutes that we hope you’ll enjoy.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
October is Pastor/Chaplain Appreciation Month. All month long we’re featuring some of our new chaplains on the podcast because we really appreciate our volunteer people who serve without renumeration or much glory.
Today, on the podcast, it’s part one of my interview with Jason Rollins. Jason has been serving as volunteer chaplain to Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC since February. And here, in part one, Jason shares a bit about growing up in Quito, Ecuador and how he got connected into doing the work with the Switchbacks. If you’ve got 30 minutes you’ll enjoy hearing the beginning of Jason’s story.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
During the month of October we are featuring some of our chaplains and the excellent work they provide to the soccer teams and clubs they serve. It’s Chaplain Appreciation Month and we really appreciate our chaplains who serve without renumeration or much glory.
Today, on the podcast, it’s part 2 of my interview with Geraud Brumfield. Geraud has been serving as volunteer chaplain to Central Valley Fuego FC since late May. He’s been giving a lot of time and attention to this local professional soccer team based in Fresno, CA. In addition to talking about his ministry to university students and some of his passion, we get in a game of Crosses with Rev. Give a listen to part two of our interview.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
October is Chaplain Appreciation Month. It’s a time when we at Soccer Chaplains United highlight and acknowledge the great people that work with us and serve particular soccer clubs and teams.
Today, on the podcast, special guest, Geraud Brumfield. Geraud serves as the volunteer chaplain to Central Valley Fuego FC. He began serving just a few months ago and has fallen in love with this local professional soccer team despite not knowing very much about soccer. You will find that he’s wise, winsome, and loves people and loves Jesus (he’s also single 😉). Give a listen to part one of our interview.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
This week is part 2 of an interview with Volunteer Chaplain Ben Pflederer. During the month of October in honor of Pastoral Appreciation/Chaplain Appreciation Month we will be interviewing and highlighting some of our newest and best and brightest people involved with Soccer Chaplains United.
Today, on the podcast, in part 2 with Ben we talk more about academy life and some of what faces the young men in soccer who Ben is serving. We also talk about one of Ben’s passions and get into a game of Crosses with Rev. It’s an episode you don’t want to miss!
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
October is Pastoral Appreciation Month and that means it is Chaplain Appreciation Month, too. It’s a time to acknowledge the work, the love, and the care provided by the best asset of Soccer Chaplains United, our people!
Today, on the podcast, I interview Chaplain Ben Pflederer. Ben serves as the volunteer chaplain to the Colorado Rapids Development Academy. He began serving earlier this year (2024) and he shares more of his life and story in this week’s (and next week’s) podcast. We talk soccer, Ben’s background, and more. Give a listen and meet Ben Pflederer!
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
Alex Hunter is a fictional character that is playable in several versions of EA Sports Fifa video game. As a character, his storyline and attempt to become a big time footballer is a bit of a “Choose Your Own Adventure” element to one of the most popular video game franchises of all time. What response or reaction will you choose as you try to ascend the heights of the Beautiful Game?
Today, on the podcast, I recast this earlier From the Touchline podcast as a way to lighten a bit of the administrative load that I’ve been under lately. Originally airing in March of 2018, the message is simple—how do we allow God to help us balance and temper our emotions and our responses to the things that life and the Beautiful Game throw our way?
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
Amma Syncletica is one of those women who paid a dear price to follow Christian faith. And she’s known for one of the most intriguing statements for her time. Those who are great athletes must contend against powerful enemies. These are powerful words for a 4th century Desert Mother, even more so for her day and age.
Today, on the podcast, I revisit an earlier From the Touchline podcast as a way to lighten a bit of the administrative load that I’ve been under lately. With the podcast being some 6 years old and one of the earliest ones, it’s unlikely that many have heard it. But her words are powerful and speak truth in a powerful way to us, especially in our day and age.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
Most Americans will remember where they were on September 11, 2001. It was a terrible day of tragedy and shock. 23 years later, the world looks very differently than it did before then. And 9/11 was one of those moments which stopped the global game of soccer the world ’round.
Today, on the podcast, I share my own memory from 9/11 and where I was with the start of my married life and going to seminary after leaving the Colorado Rapids. Also, we take a minute of silence, to pause and to remember. Thanks for listening today.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
There’s often a choice facing a coach prior to match day — do we play our game, or do we adapt and change because of the opponent we’re facing or the situation and circumstances? Most would say a team ought to play to their strengths and just be themselves. But how do we cope when that isn’t going to be best choice due to factors outside of our control?
Today, on the podcast, I reflect on Psalm 119:30-32 and about how we can run and live our lives with a freedom by following God’s commands and His ideals for our lives and our game. Running free means a choice and a commitment. Running free involves being open enough to have our minds enlightened and our understanding broadened — these things help to fill us with joy for the challenges and celebrations of life that lie ahead.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
I once had a coach say to me, “I guess chaplains are just there for when things go wrong…” I lament that my apologetic for soccer chaplaincy and our conversation had led him to that conclusion. It’s a common myth, though, that chaplains are only there for people when bad stuff happens. Of course, we think of the hospital or hospice moment when someone is sick, injured, or dying. Or, perhaps, we might think of soldiers going to battle and not knowing whether they will live to fight another day — we see the picture of the priest praying over the troops. It’s reasonable to believe that chaplains are there for difficult times, but is that the only place for them?
Today, on the podcast, I talk about the misnomer and mistruth that soccer chaplains are only there for the bad times — we’re there for the good, celebratory times, too. It might be the birth of a baby or officiating a wedding or hosting a trophy, but chaplains live out the biblical mandate that says “rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn.” It’s really a beautiful place and space where a chaplain dwells between the tensions of soccer with all of it’s highs and lows.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
Sometimes people ask me, “Rev, do you pray for wins?” What usually follows is, at least for me, an interesting conversation if we have the time to get into it. But a common myth or belief that chaplains (or, simply, Christian people who enjoy sports) can fall prey to, is believing that somehow one’s prayers or faith can impact and affect the outcome of a game.
Today, on the podcast, I address the questions and occasional belief that chaplains in sport, themselves, can fall into a temptation of thinking that somehow they (or their prayers) have some influence or impact on the winning (and losing) that goes on, on the field.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
Much of my work outside of being the lead volunteer chaplain to the Colorado Rapids is working to develop chaplaincy with other teams in North America. This involves educating teams on what chaplaincy is and what chaplaincy isn’t. As I have different conversations and interactions with coaches, executives, and owners around the various leagues, one common excuse or myth that I hear is, “If I have a Christian chaplain, then I have to have someone from all the religions…”
Today, on the podcast, I talk about this common belief that often gets put up between a soccer team and the opportunity of having chaplaincy service. I talk about what professional chaplaincy looks like, even toward people of other faith traditions.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
Sometimes when I introduce myself and share about the work that I do as volunteer chaplain to a professional soccer team, people don’t even stop to ask. Instead, they just say, “Oh, you must have played soccer at a high level…” Well, truth be told, I was never going to rise to such a level as an athlete.
Funny enough, though, there are some that believe former pro soccer players must make the best soccer chaplains. Today, on the podcast, I try to debunk one of the most common and frequent myths (and its may variations) that I’ve heard around the sport of soccer and chaplaincy.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
So much soccer is happening this summer, and much of it has an international flavor and a unique sense of competition — whether we’re talking about the Euros, Copa America, the Olympics, or Leagues Cup — the opportunity to watch the teams and athletes on these varied and different stages represents something different and unique from the typical league matches that happen week in and week out.
Today, on the podcast, in the amount of time that a coach gives a halftime team talk, I reflect on how these different competitions can shape and sharpen soccer. Whether it’s two elite athletes going toe to toe, or two head coaches working out tactics to win a match — when we face a worthy opponent and a difficult task, it can often raise the level within us and our own team. It’s what Solomon describes in Proverbs 27:17 as “iron sharpening iron” kind of moments.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
I shared. last week, a reflection from a recent family vacation to Yellowstone National Park. This week, another reflection from my time there and this time it has to do with the wildness that we encountered there. It might seem a far stretch to speak about wildness and connect it somehow into faith and football, but if you saw the scenes from the Copa America Final in Miami, maybe not so much so.
Today, on the podcast, in the amount of time that a coach gives a halftime team talk, I reflect on the wildness of Yellowstone and the proclivity of the human heart to chase after and a certain kind of wildness. We need to pay heed to the warnings and come back to the safety and protection that God offers us from the wildness of this world.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
A return from family vacation last week to Yellowstone National Park has been reflecting on a couple of things. Perhaps, the greatest takeaway is that I imagine that Yellowstone is something like Heaven — indescribable, unimaginable, and more. Even like certain elements of the Beautiful Game — there is just a limit to how much one can describe or explain, it is something that must be experienced!
Today, on the podcast, in the amount of time that a coach gives a halftime team talk, I reflect on the beautiful monstrosity that is Yellowstone and that only a glimpse of something that is too great and too wonderful to explain was had. I believe it to be a bit like heaven. Let me try to explain. Oh, wait, I don’t think I can.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
One of the headlines that is seemingly more and more fused with football is the issue of politics. A few weeks ago, high profile players came out and urged young people in their nation to get out and vote. Around the world, there has been a rise of the “activist super-player” who seemingly has more pull and sway than some politicians.
Today, on the podcast, in the amount of time that a coach might have for a halftime team talk, I reflect on the place of politics in soccer. I specially hone in on what a Christian person might consider in terms of the platforms that they possess and the politics (or other things) that they consciously weigh in the promotion or advocacy of certain things.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
The post Halftime: Platforms and Politics first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Currently, in the U.S., there are two days set aside for recognizing freedom: Juneteenth (June 19) and July 4th. One celebrates a freedom fought for and won from British colonialism, the other celebrates the eventual and final execution of a proclamation of freedom.
Today, on the podcast, in the time that a team might have for a halftime team talk, I discuss the differences between these two days and these two types of freedom that are represented. I give some food for thought as it relates to spiritual, physical, and emotional freedoms.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
The post Halftime: Differences in Freedom first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Today on the podcast, it is part 2 of my conversation with Jordan Medas. Jordan serves as a volunteer chaplain with Soccer Chaplains United and as the East Coast Chaplain Manager.
Jordan and I continue our reflections about the 2022 Men’s World Cup Devotional and the subsequent (2024) revision, The Light is Coming. Jordan and I both served as authors for this 8-week devotional which combines themes of faith and football (soccer).
We close out the conversation with a fun game of Crosses with Rev, one which requires a VAR review to see if he scored the last question before time was up!
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
The post June Soccer with Jordan – Part 2 first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Today on the podcast, I am joined by Jordan Medas. Jordan is a volunteer chaplain with Soccer Chaplains United and he serves as the East Coast Chaplain Manager. Jordan’s first time on the podcast, we take a little bit of time to get to know him better and understand his story of coming to serve with Soccer Chaplains United.
Jordan and I also take a look back at the 2022 Men’s World Cup Devotional and the subsequent (2024) revision, The Light is Coming. Jordan served as one of three authors. The revision as well s the original devotional (along with translations into Spanish and Portuguese) are still available on Amazon. With so much soccer going on in this month of June (Euros, international breaks, and Olympic call ups) we reflect back on one of the first writings and publications that we made around a major soccer event.
We continue the conversation in part 2 (next week) with a fun game of Crosses with Rev! You won’t want to miss it.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
The post June Soccer with Jordan – Part 1 first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Jubal McDaniel joins me today for part 2 of our June Soccer series. Jubal is the volunteer chaplain for the Tacoma Defiance and serves as the Soccer Chaplains United Pacific Coast Chaplain Manager and our conversation has centered around the two devotional books that we worked on — for the recent World Cups and the subsequent revisions.
June 2024 marks our release of the revision of last year’s Five Women You Meet in Faith and Football. With new artwork and a more timeless feel, Jubal and I look back on that devotional and the work done on both devos and how the art moved or spoke to us.
Jubal and I also play a fun game of Crosses with Rev! It’s debatable whether he attempted to slow the pace down…all good fun, though!
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
The post June Soccer with Jubal – Part 2 first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
June is the start of a very busy soccer season — international friendlies, the Euros, readying for the summer Olympics, as well as the various leagues throughout the U.S. Today on the podcast, I am joined by Jubal McDaniel. Jubal is the volunteer chaplain for the Tacoma Defiance and serves as the Soccer Chaplains United Pacific Coast Chaplain Manager.
Jubal and I take a look back at the devotional books that we worked on — one for the 2022 Men’s World Cup and one for the 2023 Women’s World Cup. With the revision of Five Women You Meet in Faith and Football coming out this month, we reflect back on the artwork and graphic design and layout help that Jubal provided for the two devotionals.
And in part 2 (next week), Jubal and I play a fun game of Crosses with Rev! You won’t want to miss it.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
The post June Soccer with Jubal – Part 1 first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Perhaps one of the most difficult, anxiety-producing spaces for us in life is trying to make decisions about the future — how do we know where to go, what to do, what choice to make? What is the will of God for our life? With the end of the month of May and this being “Mental Health Awareness” Month, we are in a series which is exploring how Christian faith addresses mental health.
Today we look at Romans 12:1-2 and the renewed mind which seeks to understand God’s will — His good, pleasing, and perfect will. There’s a bit of a two-step process in understanding what God’s will is and we look at this more in depth in this week’s podcast.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
The post Mental Health May 2024 – A Renewed Mind first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Today’s podcast is part 2 of an interview with the Founder and Director of the Rocky Mountain Sports Counseling Center, Brooke Ewert. Brooke formerly led Soccer Chaplains United’s counseling efforts, but has since turned her attention to growing RMSCC and her counseling team who serve athletes of all levels. The Rocky Mountain Sports Counseling Center is a place we often make referrals for athletes and families to get the support and health that they need.
Today we talk about that state of mental health awareness and support in sport, the top issues facing athletes, and Brooke joins in a fun little game of Crosses with Rev.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
The post Mental Health May 2024 – Brooke Ewert Interview, part 2 first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Founder and Director of the Rocky Mountain Sports Counseling Center, Brooke Ewert, is a guest on the podcast today. During the month of May, we’ve been examining faith as helping someone’s mental health. Brooke, formerly was part of Soccer Chaplains United and oversaw a number of counselors that were serving and supporting soccer teams and soccer athletes.
The Rocky Mountain Sports Counseling Center has been featured in several little commercials this past month and is a great place of referral for athletes and families of athletes to get the support and health that they need.
Today’s podcast is part 1 of 2 and we talk about Brooke’s background and experience and the work that she and her team do in addressing mental health needs in sport.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
The post Mental Health May 2024 – Brooke Ewert Interview first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
The month of May is “Mental Health Awareness” Month and we are in a series which is exploring how Christian faith addresses mental health.
Today’s podcast, Paul’s letter to Christian believers in Philippi gets our attention and we examine his exhortations to pray, to focus our minds, and to put things into practice. In the midst of these invitations to participate and effectively live out our faith, there are two promises of peace that happen for the Christian believer and they are the best antidote to combat anxiety, fear, and the other mental health issues that surround us.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
The post Mental Health May 2024 – Pray + Focus + Practice = Peace first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Today is May 1, “May Day.” Not only is it a day of political and religious significance, the phrase itself is a radio term designed to signal distress. If you don’t know, the month of May in the United States is known as “Mental Health Awareness” Month, so for the next few weeks we are going to take a look at the topic of mental health and, specifically, how Christian faith addresses mental health.
Today, we look at the words of the Hebrew prophet Isaiah (26:3). He writes that God will “keep in perfect peace the one whose mind is steadfast…” We look at aspects of steadfastness and trust and how these impact one’s mental health and resilience.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
The post Mental Health May 2024 – Perfect Peace first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Well, we’ve come to the end. The final podcast in our Lesson from Lasso series and we talk about how we can have comforting company in the midst of sadness.
In today’s Lesson From Lasso, we watch as Coach Ted Lasso comforts the team after the season-ending loss which will see AFC Richmond miss out on staying in the Premier League and will go down due to relegation rules. There is sadness — around the locker room, around the club, and around the town but, as Lasso points out, that no one in their sadness should feel alone. They’ve gone through this together. While the locker room might be tight, that can’t be said for everyone else; however, for the Christian we have a great companion in the midst of any sadness that we face — the Holy Spirit.
Ted Lasso, the immensely popular streaming TV show on Apple TV+ features the antics and quirky, Coach ‘Ted Lasso.’ Lasso first appeared a number of years ago as a comedic character as NBC purchased the broadcast rights to the English Premier League. Played by Jason Sudeikis, Lasso (as a coach) brings change to the difficult football (soccer) team that he has traveled overseas to coach.
In the ‘Lessons from Lasso’ series, I (Rev Brad) look at some of the different life learning points brought up in the show from a chaplain’s point of view.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (usually 10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
The post Lessons from Lasso — You’ll Never Walk Alone first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
In football, soccer, many fans whose favorite teams are in the throes of relegation and promotion or playoffs, have their hopes dashed and come crashing to the ground. When the team doesn’t have a good season, there are consequences for going down into an inferior tier of soccer. When a team doesn’t produce any winners or any trophies, there are consequences for everyone involved.
In today’s Lesson From Lasso, we watch as Coach Ted Lasso confronts this attitude and cliché phrase that “It’s the hope that kills you…” which is articulated by several AFC Richmond fans and even the footballers themselves. We look at the Christian concept of hope and what hope in Jesus means, especially for those who are used to being let down before.
Ted Lasso, the immensely popular streaming TV show on Apple TV+ features the antics and quirky, Coach ‘Ted Lasso.’ Lasso first appeared a number of years ago as a comedic character as NBC purchased the broadcast rights to the English Premier League. Played by Jason Sudeikis, Lasso (as a coach) brings change to the difficult football (soccer) team that he has traveled overseas to coach.
In the ‘Lessons from Lasso’ series, I (Rev Brad) look at some of the different life learning points brought up in the show from a chaplain’s point of view.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (usually 10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
The post Lessons from Lasso — It’s The Hope That Kills You first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
There’s actually a number of reasons for Roy Kent to struggle to love Coach Ted Lasso. And maybe this is even the case for some of us when it comes to loving God. There’s likely things that have happened to us in life. There are hard things that God asks us to do. These are challenges in our relationship with God and even with ourselves.
In today’s Lesson From Lasso, we look at the exchange between Coach Lasso and Captain Roy Kent in the opening scenes of episode 10, season 1. For me, there are some reminders to a tough love conversation that Jesus has to have with one of his best friends and disciples, Peter. We take a look at John 21:15-19 and some of the lessons that we can learn and some of the truths we can know out of Jesus’ dialogue with Peter.
Ted Lasso, the immensely popular streaming TV show on Apple TV+ features the antics and quirky, Coach ‘Ted Lasso.’ Lasso first appeared a number of years ago as a comedic character as NBC purchased the broadcast rights to the English Premier League. Played by Jason Sudeikis, Lasso (as a coach) brings change to the difficult football (soccer) team that he has traveled overseas to coach.
In the ‘Lessons from Lasso’ series, I (Rev Brad) look at some of the different life learning points brought up in the show from a chaplain’s point of view.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (usually 10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
The post Lessons from Lasso — Hard to Love You first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Ritual is rare in the Western culture and context and while there are things that are unique and specific to football, not even in the Beautiful Game are many times where rites of passage are happening, or are happening well.
In today’s Lesson From Lasso, we look at Nate ascending from kit-man or clubhouse attendant to the role of assistant coach. The ceremony and celebration and elevation of Nate get connected into a night when Jesus demonstrates and models for his best friends, a way of serving and a way of honoring one another. Jesus gets down and dirty as he washes his friends feet and then encourages them to do the same.
Ted Lasso, the immensely popular streaming TV show on Apple TV+ features the antics and quirky, Coach ‘Ted Lasso.’ Lasso first appeared a number of years ago as a comedic character as NBC purchased the broadcast rights to the English Premier League. Played by Jason Sudeikis, Lasso (as a coach) brings change to the difficult football (soccer) team that he has traveled overseas to coach.
In the ‘Lessons from Lasso’ series, I (Rev Brad) look at some of the different life learning points brought up in the show from a chaplain’s point of view.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (usually 10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
The post Lessons from Lasso — Rites of Passage first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
It’s Holy Week, and in years past I’ve spoken on the podcast about “Spy Wednesday” and the devious and dubious work of Judas to set up the betrayal of Jesus. But this year, I want to give a different view to the day/night and see what is happening to Jesus. In fact, this particular moment may have been the “last straw” for Judas and prompted him to sell out Jesus.
Today on the podcast, I take a look at Jesus being anointed during the evening meal the week before he goes to the cross. What does his anointing have to do with us in soccer a couple thousand years later? Well, we will get into that, as well.
We look at Matthew 26:6-13, if you want to follow along.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
The post Anointing Jesus first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Who doesn’t love a good victory parade? The music, the ticker tape, all of it — no matter the sport, fans and followers seem to enjoy celebrating alongside their sports heroes a good victory. In soccer, the same is true. But for Christians, as we approach this upcoming Sunday (Palm Sunday), it’s a victory celebration that doesn’t last long (at first glance).
Today on the podcast, I take a look at Jesus’ “triumphal” entry in to Jerusalem. As he enters into the city for what will be one of the last times of his earthly life, he draws the celebratory crowds. I offer some reflections that we might take away for ourselves — whether we’re marching or riding in a victory parade formation or not. All of this and more, From the Touchline.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
The post Triumphal Processions first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
This upcoming weekend, MLS Next Pro kicks off season three. Today, on the podcast, I am joined by special guests: Jubal McDaniel (chaplain to the Tacoma Defiance and Soccer Chaplains’ United’s very own Pacific Chaplain Manager) and Jonathan Hyde (chaplain to Chattanooga FC). Each of these guys is a volunteer chaplain with Soccer Chaplains United and serving a MLS NEXT Pro team. Today we’ll take a look at the 2024 season that lies ahead as well as some of the unique features and challenges for each of their teams.
And because it’s Jonathan’s first time on the pod, we will get in a fun game of Crosses with Rev.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
The post 2024 MLS Next Pro Season Preview first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Is the chaplain a team’s good-luck charm? Does the chaplain somehow have some “direct-line connection” to God? What happens when both teams have a chaplain? What happens when the other team doesn’t have a chaplain and they win? What does this say about the chaplain, the team, or about God?
We start off the pod with a short little audio clip from my away trip a couple of weeks ago. As I sat with the chaplains watching the game we exchanged some fun little banter and teasing (note: we don’t really believe that the Lord hears our prayers over or above anything that isn’t in His will or plan or purpose). Sometimes, though in sport, we can become extremely superstitious and especially if we connect anything tangible that we say or do to any outcome that is successful or counts as a win.
On today’s podcast, we take a look at the idea of superstition that can occur in sport and especially around religious or faith elements — like prayer or a chaplain — that may be present. What do we do with ideas of superstition? How are we to engage or not to engage? All of this and more is coming From the Touchline.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
The post Superstition first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Last week, Major League Soccer (MLS) kicked off — this week, most teams that were on the road are hosting their first home match for 2024. The same is true for the Colorado Rapids (my club) and in today’s podcast, I reflect a little bit on the theme and idea of home.
A few years ago, I read a wonderful little children’s story entitled, The Trip to Panama. In it, two characters, Little Bear and Little Tiger set out to find the “land of their dreams.” They end up making a round about circle and end up at home again, but it’s in the journey that they undertake that the learn a lot about themselves, about what the “land of their dreams” really looks like and also what their friendship means.
As you listen, today, I draw also on some biblical passages that illustrate and resonate with the lessons that Little Bear and Little Tiger learn. I hope you’ll give a few minutes to hear these reflections and to also hear an adapted blessing for home.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
The post The Blessing of Home first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
As a volunteer chaplain entering my 23rd season with the Colorado Rapids, I have come to find an important rhythm to start a season. You might find it strange, but Deuteronomy 20 has become, for me, an important reference point as I bless athletes, coaches, and others involved in the Beautiful Game.
If you’re not familiar with Deuteronomy 20, in the spring time, the nation of Israel has the priests come out and bless those who will be engaged in defending and fighting for the lands need to sustain the people. As untrained, non-professional soldiers, Israel needed to depend upon God in the face of more powerful opponents and overwhelming odds. They needed to be reminded that God is with them and He was fighting alongside of them.
In my many years as a chaplain (and I set this up in today’s podcast a bit), I have come to understand that Deuteronomy 20 has some application for the very people that I serve. So give a listen and hear my case for Deuteronomy 20 as a practical place and point of blessing for the MLS soccer season which is very quick to begin.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
The post A Season Blessing For A Season Opening first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
It’s a curious pairing that doesn’t happen very often, but this year Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day occur on the same day. For 2024, February 14th will commingle Christian themes of repentance of sin with expressions of love and this may not be as strange together as it might seem at first! If you don’t […]
The post Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
One of the biggest issues faced by elite footballers is the issue of identity. So much time and energy and investment — emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually — goes into the sport, that it can be difficult when our status or position in the game changes or comes to an end. In today’s Lesson From […]
The post Lessons from Lasso — Identity first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
There will always come a point when we need to have a tough conversation with someone. How do we have the “tough talks” and the “courageous conversations” with people? How do we enter into a place with people where we can bring our best even when they are faced with their worst? In today’s Lesson […]
The post Lessons from Lasso — Tough Talks first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Forgiveness. It’s massive when we receive forgiveness for something we’ve said or something that we’ve done. It can be like a massive weight comes off of our proverbial shoulders. But how many times should we forgive a person? Once, twice, seven times? In today’s Lesson From Lasso, we quickly examine a parable that Jesus told […]
The post Lessons from Lasso — Forgiveness first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Often times we confuse a simple apology with repentance. Repentance though is a process, a journey. It involves a “re-orienting” of one’s posture and position and going in the opposite (and right) direction. We see Rebecca make the long trek from her upstairs owner’s office to Ted’s coaching office to begin the process of apologizing […]
The post Lessons from Lasso — Repentance first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
In today’s Lesson from Lasso, we look at the work of Kili and Higgins to help Rebecca see that she needs to change. Higgins ends up quitting on the team and leaving his job. Kili, though, hard presses Rebecca to come clean to Ted Lasso. Kili’s posture and push of Rebecca is commendable and a […]
The post Lessons from Lasso — Turning Others Around first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
In today’s Lesson from Lasso, I take a look at the issue of revenge. Rebecca, owner of AFC Richmond, is continually seeking the demise of her ex-husbands’ beloved club. However, she never seems satisfied or fulfilled with all her attempts and it is eating away at her and destroying others. In this lesson, I take […]
The post Lessons from Lasso — Revenge first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Our final Advent antiphon and our last podcast for the year. O come, O come, Emmanuel — “God with us” is the title and name. First used by Isaiah as he attempts to encourage a king who was faced with pressure for all sides. Emmanuel is now a title that Christians associate with Jesus, as Messiah, […]
The post The Advent Antiphons — O come, O come, Emmanuel… first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Christmas is almost here, just a few days remain. Today, we listen and reflect on the sixth and next to last antiphon: O come, Desire of nations… This title for the Messiah, for Jesus, begs the question: is he really the Desire of the nations? We look at the words of Haggai the prophet to […]
The post The Advent Antiphons — O come, Desire of nations first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
This week, we can sense and feel that Christmas is drawing nearer. As listen and reflect on the fifth antiphon: O come, thou Daysprings, come and cheer… we look at this unique title that is given to Jesus through the words of Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist. On the podcast during this season […]
The post The Advent Antiphons — O come thou Dayspring, come and cheer… first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
We continue exploring the Advent Antiphons and the Western church has finally started the season of Advent with the second Sunday upcoming. This week, we look and listen to the fourth antiphon: O come, thou Key of David, come… On the podcast during this season of Advent we have been exploring themes within a particular […]
The post The Advent Antiphons — O come thou Key of David, come… first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
For the past few weeks, we’ve been exploring the Advent Antiphons. This week, we look and listen to the third antiphon: O come, thou Rod of Jesse, free… During this time of year (as we approach Christmas), for the podcast we will look at a particular ‘hymn’ that has helped worshippers prepare for Jesus’s arrival. […]
The post The Advent Antiphons — O come thou Rod of Jesse, free… first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
November 15 marks the beginning of Orthodox and Celtic Christian observances of the season of Advent. 40 days before Christmas — likely the sights and sounds of the season are already visible; however, the consumeristic nature of this time of year might have you seeing more than just holiday red. The truth is, we are […]
The post The Advent Antiphons — O come thou Lord of might,… first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
November 15 marks the beginning of Orthodox and Celtic Christian observances of the season of Advent. 40 days before Christmas — likely the sights and sounds of the season are already visible; however, the consumeristic nature of this time of year might have you seeing more than just holiday red. The truth is, we are […]
The post The Advent Antiphons — O come thou Wisdom from on high,… first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Every year around the middle of November, I talk about Saint Martin. Martin (as you hopefully know) is the patron saint of France and of chaplaincy and it’s from his life and story that we understand and see the origins of chaplaincy. In sports and especially in football (soccer), these days, there is more and […]
The post Saint Martin’s Ministry Tree first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
One year on from our first publication and we’ve revised and republished our first devotional. Last year, for the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup, Soccer Chaplains United published an 8-week devotional designed to cover Advent and Christmas and the World Cup, all at the same time. The original devotional which is still available on Amazon […]
The post The Light Is Coming first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
The 2023 Major League Soccer playoffs begin today with the 8th and 9th seed play-in games and even though Colorado Rapids and the Portland Timbers are out of the playoffs, there is plenty to talk about. Or, at least when you get Ben, Troy, and Brad together — there’s stuff to talk about. On today’s […]
The post 2023 MLS Season Review and Playoff Preview with special guests Ben Dudley and Troy Ready first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
The USL-Championship is the second division of professional soccer in the United States and, currently, Soccer Chaplains United’s largest contingent of chaplains (9 of 28) serving teams in this league. With the playoffs set to start this next weekend, I’ve invited the USL-C chaplains on the podcast today to give a quick look back at […]
The post 2023 USL Season Review and Playoff Preview with special guests Greg Aydt, Kurt Trempert, and Robert Briggs first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
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 post 2023 Soccer Chaplains United Chaplain Appreciation first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
In this new series entitled, The Technical Area, Rev Brad shares some specific applications for certain biblical passages that help apply faith to football in simple, practical ways. Today’s lesson, is on Mark 3:13-19. Here, Jesus is selecting, from amongst many people who are following him, a select twelve: the Apostles. These are going to […]
The post The Technical Area – Mark 3 – Selecting Your Starting 11 first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
The MLS Next Pro regular season has come to a close and today, on the podcast, I am joined by Jubal McDaniel (Tacoma Defiance) and Kevin Hasenack (Colorado Rapids 2). We take a look back at the 2023 season and look ahead to the playoffs. The chaplains share some of the highlights and challenges from […]
The post 2023 MLS Next Pro Playoff Preview with special guests Jubal McDaniel and Kevin Hasenack first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
In a new series entitled, The Technical Area, Rev Brad shares some specific applications for certain biblical passages that help apply faith to football in simple, practical ways. Today’s lesson, is on Luke 13:6-9. Here, Jesus shares a parable with his disciples and thousands of others crowded around. Contextually, he’s relating this into repentance and […]
The post The Technical Area – Luke 13 – Working on Flourishing first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
In this installment of our Lessons from Lasso series, we see Coach Lasso taking on Rupert Manion in a game of darts at the local pub. At stake? The ability to set the lineup if Manion wins or staying away from the owners box if Lasso wins. Just before his last throws and eventual win, […]
The post Lessons from Lasso — Be Curious, Not Judgmental? first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Season 1, Episode 8 and our 54th Lesson from Lasso, we examine our good friend, Danny Rojas. His positive, bubbly spirit is infectious and he has just shared with Kili that he wants to get into business giving away joy for free. Seem impossible? For some yes, but for those that follow Jesus, joy is part of our experience, even in times of difficulty.
Jesus promises his joy — a complete joy coming into the lives of his followers and friends as they stay rooted and connected into Jesus and his love. Joy is something, too, that God experiences. Listen to the podcast today, to learn more about getting into business with joy.
Ted Lasso, the immensely popular streaming TV show is about to being its third season on Apple TV+ features the antics and quirky, Coach ‘Ted Lasso.’ Lasso first appeared a number of years ago as a comedic character as NBC purchased the broadcast rights to the English Premier League. Played by Jason Sudeikis, Lasso (as a coach) brings change to the difficult football (soccer) team that he has traveled overseas to coach.
In the ‘Lessons from Lasso’ series, I (Rev Brad) look at some of the different life learning points brought up in the show from a chaplain’s point of view.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (usually 10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
The post Lessons from Lasso — Getting Into Business With Joy first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Today, Lesson #53, we take a brief look at John Wooden’s Pyramid of Success. What does it take to build a successful enterprise? Team? Person? The late John Wooden was a successful basketball coach who was also a life-long learner. He looked to build and develop the character and person of the athletes that he coached and this led him to building out a “Pyramid of Success.”
Whether you agree with Wooden’s attributes and their arrangement, it can be a helpful exercise to look into some of the different characteristics and to ask whether those are part of your make-up and character or whether they might be developed more fully in your life.
If you’re an executive or coach who is interested in learning more about the John Wooden Pyramid of Success, you can enroll in courses to learn more about utilizing the pyramid as a framework for leading your organization or team. Here is a link.
Ted Lasso, the immensely popular streaming TV show is about to being its third season on Apple TV+ features the antics and quirky, Coach ‘Ted Lasso.’ Lasso first appeared a number of years ago as a comedic character as NBC purchased the broadcast rights to the English Premier League. Played by Jason Sudeikis, Lasso (as a coach) brings change to the difficult football (soccer) team that he has traveled overseas to coach.
In the ‘Lessons from Lasso’ series, I (Rev Brad) look at some of the different life learning points brought up in the show from a chaplain’s point of view.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (usually 10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
The post Lessons from Lasso — The Pyramid of Success first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Unity is important in football. Whether in the locker room or the board room, a unified group is what is needed to achieve the goals and aspirations that lie before a football club. But more than just football, it’s important to have a group of people around us that can celebrate our wins and comfort […]
The post Lessons from Lasso — Diamond Dogs of Unity first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup is soon to wrap up. The From the Touchline podcast has felt a little different the past few weeks as we’ve been going through Soccer Chaplains United’s new devotional book, Five Women You Meet in Faith and Football with a look at the lives of five women who appear […]
The post Five Women You Meet in Faith and Football — Mary first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
As we celebrate the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the From the Touchline podcast feels a little different. We’ve been going through Soccer Chaplains United’s new devotional book, Five Women You Meet in Faith and Football. This five-week, daily devotional looks at the lives of five women who appear in Jesus’ lineage — Tamar, Rahab, […]
The post Five Women You Meet in Faith and Football — Bathsheba first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
As we celebrate the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup for the next few weeks, the From the Touchline podcast will feel a little different. It will feature a devotional reading from Soccer Chaplains United’s new devotional book, Five Women You Meet in Faith and Football. This five-week, daily devotional looks at the lives of five […]
The post Five Women You Meet in Faith and Football — Ruth first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
As we celebrate the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup that is being co-hosted by Australia and New Zeland for the next few weeks, the From the Touchline podcast will feel a little different. It will feature a devotional reading from Soccer Chaplains United’s new devotional book, Five Women You Meet in Faith and Football. This […]
The post Five Women You Meet in Faith and Football — Rahab first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup kicks off today! We wanted to share about the new Soccer Chaplains United devotional book, Five Women You Meet in Faith and Football. This five-week, daily devotional looks at the lives of five women who appear in Jesus’ lineage — Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary. We encourage you […]
The post Five Women You Meet in Faith and Football Promotion first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
We are celebrating the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup being co-hosted by Australia and New Zeland. For the next five weeks, the podcast will feature a devotional reading from Soccer Chaplains United’s new devotional book, Five Women You Meet in Faith and Football. This five-week, daily devotional looks at the lives of five women who […]
The post Five Women You Meet in Faith and Football — Tamar first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup kicks off in 1 week! We wanted to share about the new Soccer Chaplains United devotional book, Five Women You Meet in Faith and Football. This five-week, daily devotional looks at the lives of five women who appear in Jesus’ lineage — Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary. We […]
The post Five Women You Meet in Faith and Football Promotion first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
In today’s Lesson from Lasso we watch AFC Richmond Owner, Rebecca, comforting and consoling Coach Ted Lasso outside of the karaoke bar where he’s having a panic attack. We know Rebecca has her own relationship pain and its from this pain that she’s able to help Ted “bear up” under the hurt of divorce. Henri […]
The post Lessons from Lasso — Wounded Healers first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup kicks off in 2 weeks! We wanted to share about the new Soccer Chaplains United devotional book, Five Women You Meet in Faith and Football. This five-week, daily devotional looks at the lives of five women who appear in Jesus’ lineage — Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary. We […]
The post Five Women You Meet in Faith and Football Promotion first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Today’s Lesson from Lasso is a bit of a milestone, Lesson 50 and it might sound familiar — truth-telling. We talked about it way back in lesson 27 (originally airing April 6, 2022). But that kind of truth-telling was the soft, gentle, and compassionate type. You know the moments — letting someone know they have food […]
The post Lessons from Lasso — Courageous Truth-Telling first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Today, we get into Episode 7, Season 1 and Lesson 49 in our Lessons from Lasso series. The scene fixates on Coach Lasso as he downs a couple of whiskies from the mini-bar in an effort to anesthetize himself from the emotional pain of taking the final steps in signing divorce papers — an ultimate sign […]
The post Lessons from Lasso — Numbing the Dark, Numbs the Light first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Lesson 48 in our Lessons from Lasso series and we’re talking about Jamie Tartt getting canceled. Coach Lasso and Beard have done a lot of work to try to reform the prima donna striker and get him to buy into the concept of “team,” but just when it seems like they’ve gotten through to the […]
The post Lessons from Lasso — Jamie Tartt Gets Canceled first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Jared Watts played professional soccer for the Colorado Rapids and Houston Dynamo of Major League Soccer. His pathway of coming into pro soccer came through his time spent at IMG Academy and later at Wake Forest University. He had to endure a few injuries and needed to lean on the support of others doing key […]
The post IMG and Injury with special guest Jared Watts — Part 3 first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Jared Watts played professional soccer career for the Colorado Rapids and Houston Dynamo of Major League Soccer. His pathway of coming into pro soccer came through his time spent at IMG Academy and later at Wake Forest University. Today, on the Soccer Chaplains United podcast, From the Touchline, is part two of three in our […]
The post IMG and Injury with special guest Jared Watts — Part 2 first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Jared Watts, also known as “Wattsy,” is a corporate recruiter and he finished his professional soccer career a few years ago after playing for the Colorado Rapids and Houston Dynamo of Major League Soccer. In a three-part series, he reflects on some of his journey and we hear about his story which includes time spent […]
The post IMG and Injury with special guest Jared Watts — Part 1 first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Wells Thompson is the Founder and CEO of Soccer Resilience. A former professional midfielder, drafted fifth overall by the New England Revolution and played for the Colorado Rapids and Chicago Fire in Major League Soccer, Wells has an incredible testimony. Even though he won the MLS Cup Championship, his career isn’t all glitz and glam.
Today, on the Soccer Chaplains United podcast, From the Touchline, part three of three in our interview. Wells talks more about the night his parents intervened in a powerful way and what might have been. We also end the podcast on a fun and light note as Wells plays a game of Crosses with Rev.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
The post Union with God with special guest Wells Thompson — Part 3 first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Wells Thompson is the Founder and CEO of Soccer Resilience. A former professional midfielder who played in Major League Soccer, Wells has an amazing testimony. Much of his inspiration and work today comes out of the learning that he has had to do from his own lessons of life before, during, and after a professional soccer career..
Today, on the Soccer Chaplains United podcast, From the Touchline, part two of three in our conversation. Wells shares a deeply vulnerable piece about a retreat that he recently went on and some of the heart and soul work that he did around life and his identity that has been tied into soccer for so long.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
The post Union with God with special guest Wells Thompson — Part 2 first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Wells Thompson is the Founder and CEO of Soccer Resilience. A former professional midfielder who played in Major League Soccer, Wells has a story worth hearing. His work today comes from his own lessons of life that he has learned and continues to learn.
Today, on the Soccer Chaplains United podcast, From the Touchline, is part one of three in our conversation with Wells. We catch up a little bit and Wells shares more about the work that Soccer Resilience is doing with young athletes everywhere. Wells also starts to tell some of the parts of his own story.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
The post Union with God with special guest Wells Thompson — Part 1 first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Adam Smith is the Sporting Director of Central Valley Fuego FC. He is a former professional goalkeeper and is, today, a coach — perhaps his most well-known coaching stint back in 2019 leading USL-Championship side Fresno FC to a third place finish in the West.
Today, on the Soccer Chaplains United podcast, From the Touchline, in part four (the finale) of our series, Adam talks about his current role at Fuego and also reflects on what it is like to have a relationship with Jesus in the midst of the adversity and challenge that comes with the beautiful game. Adam also gets between the nets for a game of Crosses with Rev in a light-hearted way to end the podcast.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
The post Jesus Saves with special guest Adam Smith — Part 4 first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Adam Smith is the Sporting Director of Central Valley Fuego FC which plays in the United Soccer League (USL) League One – part of the third tier of professional soccer in the United States. Adam has an extensive playing and coaching career that extends all the way back to England where he grew up and his eventual transition to America.
Today, on the Soccer Chaplains United podcast, From the Touchline, in part three of our series, Adam talks about his time as manager for Fresno FC. Fresno, a since-shuttered USL-Championship team, was led by Adam to a near top of the table finish in 2019, but with 5 games to go in season, they were told that the team wouldn’t be around in 2020 and was ceasing operations over a stadium issue. Adam shares more on his experience from his time there.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
The post Jesus Saves with special guest Adam Smith — Part 3 first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Adam Smith is the Sporting Director of Central Valley Fuego FC which plays in the United Soccer League (USL) League One – part of the third tier of professional soccer in the United States. Adam has an extensive playing and coaching career that extends all the way back to England where he grew up and his eventual transition to America.
Today, on the Soccer Chaplains United podcast, From the Touchline, in part two, Adam talks about the trajectory of his coaching pathway as his playing days came to an end. He takes us all the way to the moment when, in 2019, he learned that his team Fresno FC, would be ceasing operations despite pushing for playoffs and being near the top of the table.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
The post Jesus Saves with special guest Adam Smith — Part 2 first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Adam Smith is the Sporting Director of Central Valley Fuego FC which plays in the United Soccer League (USL) League One – part of the third tier of professional soccer in the United States. Adam has an extensive playing and coaching career that extends all the way back to his boyhood days of playing with Everton’s academy as the son of former professional footballer, Graham Smith.
Today, on the Soccer Chaplains United podcast, From the Touchline, in part one, Adam talks about those early days playing and where all his travels took him but to an important realization in his life. You won’t want to miss the start of this amazing series with Adam Smith.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
The post Jesus Saves with special guest Adam Smith — Part 1 first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
This week is Holy Week. For Christians around the world, each day of the week considers the life and times of Jesus as we approach Easter. Tomorrow, is Thursday, also known as Maundy Thursday. It was on this day that Jesus had a meal with his best friends. He gave them a new command: to love was he loves. He exemplified this by getting up from the meal and taking on the task of being a servant. He took a basin and towel and cleaned the feet of his friends, and even the feet of his eventual betrayer, Judas.
In football, the feet are important. We run, kick, pass, shoot, leap — we do a lot with and to our feet. SO maybe there are some lessons that we can take away into how we ought to be with our teammates, our fellow coaches, staff, our family and our friends. What does it look like to wash their feet? What might be the meaning and significance that we ought to pursue when it comes to caring for others? For serving them? We explore this on this week’s From the Touchline podcast.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) podcast with me, Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer.
Myself and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen to the podcast in our app, SoccrChapUtd, which you can find in the Apple and Google store.
The post Foot Washing: A Maundy Thursday Reflection first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Major League Soccer Next Pro, now in its second season, is part of the third division pro soccer landscape in North America. These teams, tied into their MLS (division 1 counterparts) represent an added step in the professional player pathway for the beautiful game. As the season began this past weekend, we have two Soccer Chaplains United chaplains on who are currently serving MLS Next Pro teams.
Jubal McDaniel, in his 3rd year with Tacoma Defiance has seen the club go from USL – Championship to MLS Next Pro. Kevin Hasenack (Rev Kev) is part of the work with the Colorado Rapids 2 (R2) team. Both join me on the podcast today to talk about their teams and the league and a few other football and chaplaincy related things.
Also, during this episode of From the Touchline, Kevin and Jubal face off in a second, head to head competition of Crosses with Rev— the little game I like to play with podcast guests. So tune in and listen as we talk about MLS Next Pro today on the podcast.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
The post 2023 MLS Next Pro Preview with special guests Jubal McDaniel and Kevin Hasenack first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Standing around the trash bin, we watch AFC Richmond sharing and, in a team bonding moment, being vulnerable with one another as they tell the stories and people and places in life that have shaped them and shaped their experience. It is not easy for men, especially, to share and be vulnerable. This is especially true in the competitive environment of a football locker room where you are a team, but still competing for a place in that team.
Today, in this Lesson from Lasso, we take a minute to observe the work of sharing and being vulnerable and I talk about how we can bring the burdens that we have — the spiritual, emotional, and mental burdens to Jesus. Jesus offers us a way forward and a way for us to share burdens with him and other Christian believers.
Ted Lasso, the immensely popular streaming TV show is about to being its third season on Apple TV+ features the antics and quirky, Coach ‘Ted Lasso.’ Lasso first appeared a number of years ago as a comedic character as NBC purchased the broadcast rights to the English Premier League. Played by Jason Sudeikis, Lasso (as a coach) brings change to the difficult football (soccer) team that he has traveled overseas to coach.
In the ‘Lessons from Lasso’ series, I (Rev Brad) look at some of the different life learning points brought up in the show from a chaplain’s point of view.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (usually 10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
The post Lessons from Lasso — Sharing and Being Vulnerable first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Sometimes (often times) we simply cannot pull ourselves up by our bootstraps. The simple truth is that we need others. We need a “stretcher crew” to carry us when we cannot go on — spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically. Who is on your stretcher crew?
Today, in this Lesson from Lasso which also airs on the same day that the Ted Lasso show is premiering its 3rd season, I talk about the need for having others believe in us. We watch as AFC Richmond owner Rebecca changes her heart and mind when the warm and welcoming Sam invites her to participate in the team’s ritual cleansing ceremony to right the wrongs of the past. Sam sees and believes a truth about Rebecca that she has come to forget, herself. Sometimes we need others to see and believe what we no longer can.
Ted Lasso, the immensely popular streaming TV show is about to being its third season on Apple TV+ features the antics and quirky, Coach ‘Ted Lasso.’ Lasso first appeared a number of years ago as a comedic character as NBC purchased the broadcast rights to the English Premier League. Played by Jason Sudeikis, Lasso (as a coach) brings change to the difficult football (soccer) team that he has traveled overseas to coach.
In the ‘Lessons from Lasso’ series, I (Rev Brad) look at some of the different life learning points brought up in the show from a chaplain’s point of view.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (usually 10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
The post Lessons from Lasso — Sometimes We Need Others to Believe In Us first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
The United Soccer League (USL), notably has a number of different teams all throughout the soccer landscape of professional soccer. From representing the second division all the way into the 4th tier (USL 2) and is ever expanding to bring pro soccer to many smaller cities and communities.
With the USL-Championship set to start the league season this weekend we have a number of our Soccer Chaplains United chaplains on the podcast today to give a quick look back at last year and preview of the year to come.
Special to this episode of From the Touchline, today, we have our first ever head to head competition of Crosses with Revthe little game I like to play with podcast guests. So tune in and listen as we talk about USL soccer today on the podcast.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
The post 2023 USL Preview with special guests Greg Aydt, Kurt Trempert, Tate Madizma, and Josh Bailey first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Sacrifice is a major theme in team sport — the needs and desires of the individual athlete are always subject to the needs and strivings of the team. The best teams see individuals lay aside and “sacrifice” for the greater, common good. In this Lesson from Lasso, we watch as Coach Lasso tells the team his plan to rid the club of its ghosts. They must right the wrongs of the past by giving up something to honor the ultimate sacrifice that the young men did for going to war.
We talk this podcast about the sacrifice that God made on our behalf and how we can appropriately respond.
Ted Lasso, the immensely popular streaming TV show is about to being its third season on Apple TV+ features the antics and quirky, Coach ‘Ted Lasso.’ Lasso first appeared a number of years ago as a comedic character as NBC purchased the broadcast rights to the English Premier League. Played by Jason Sudeikis, Lasso (as a coach) brings change to the difficult football (soccer) team that he has traveled overseas to coach.
In the ‘Lessons from Lasso’ series, I (Rev Brad) look at some of the different life learning points brought up in the show from a chaplain’s point of view.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (usually 10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
The post Lessons from Lasso — Sacrifice to Honor Their Sacrifice first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Major League Soccer, is set to start the league season this weekend and what a year it’s likely shaping up to be — a new deal with Apple TV+, rumors of an expanded playoff format, a new competition happening mid-year with Leagues Cup against all of the Mexican teams in the top division (Liga MX), extra competitions with US Open Cup and Champions Cup, and it’s promising to be a busy year.
If you don’t know by now, I am Rev Brad and this is the Soccer Chaplains United podcast, From the Touchline. Today, I am joined by a couple special guests as Ben Dudley and Troy Ready, volunteer co-chaplains with the Portland Timbers and part of Soccer Chaplains United, jump on the pod to talk about their team — there might be some friendly banter and there will be a season preview of our teams and the league through our chaplain eyes.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
The post 2023 MLS Preview with special guests Troy Ready and Ben Dudley first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Today on the From the Touchline podcast, I am joined by special guest and friend, Dillon Powers. Dillon is a midfielder for Orange County Soccer Club which plays in the United Soccer League — Championship division in the US. The team, based in Orange County, California, won the USL championship back in 2021 and Dillon enters his third season with the club after stints in MLS, Scotland, and Ireland.
I’ve known Dillon ever since he broke into Major League Soccer and was named MLS Rookie of the Year in 2013. This cagy midfielder joins me today to give more insight into what preseason looks like for the professional elite footballer and shares ways to get through the preseason and season — not just on the pitch, but off of it as well.
We dive into Dillon’s playing career and history, some fun tidbits about his life, we talk preseason preparation, and we play a fun little game of “Crosses with Rev” as a fun way to wrap up the interview.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
The post Powering through the Preseason with Dillon Powers first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
In our last Lesson from Lasso, we touched on superstition and curse being overpowered by blessing. This week, we talk about how to handle and cope with devious deception that can happen in football.
There are many places in the Beautiful Game where there is the lure and temptation for something to be gained or achieved or received. What happens though when those promises fall short? What happens we get abused or hurt by the people in and around the game we’ve grown to love? Today on the podcast, I suggest that people in football consider the power of prayer, the place of faith and other resources that they may have to cope with dangerous deceptions around the game, and I encourage a steadfast trust. The words of God through the prophet Micah (6:8) are helpful reminders, too, for those of us in places and positions of influence and power.
Ted Lasso, the immensely popular streaming TV show in its second season on Apple TV+ features the antics and quirky, Coach ‘Ted Lasso.’ Lasso first appeared a number of years ago as a comedic character as NBC purchased the broadcast rights to the English Premier League. Played by Jason Sudeikis, Lasso (as a coach) brings change to the difficult football (soccer) team that he has traveled overseas to coach.
In the ‘Lessons from Lasso’ series, I (Rev Brad) look at some of the different life learning points brought up in the show from a chaplain’s point of view.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (usually 10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
The post Lessons from Lasso — Fast, Fit, Fans of Football first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Lesson 43 and we tackle the supposed curse that hovers over AFC Richmond — the treatment room has a dark history and is the source of a superstition effecting players and staff, alike. Our favorite new person, Danny Rojas, is in jeopardy as he has an injury and the team looks to ward off the evil spirits and ghosts that are plaguing the club.
Football (and most all sport for that matter) is filled with superstition. How do we combat the curses and fight off evil (whether from modern day or the past)? Today on the podcast, we look at the power of curse versus the power of blessing and we see from some examples in the history of the people of God, how we need not fear as we ask God to fight against the curses in life on our behalf. Truly, God is the only way to “reverse the curse.”
Ted Lasso, the immensely popular streaming TV show in its second season on Apple TV+ features the antics and quirky, Coach ‘Ted Lasso.’ Lasso first appeared a number of years ago as a comedic character as NBC purchased the broadcast rights to the English Premier League. Played by Jason Sudeikis, Lasso (as a coach) brings change to the difficult football (soccer) team that he has traveled overseas to coach.
In the ‘Lessons from Lasso’ series, I (Rev Brad) look at some of the different life learning points brought up in the show from a chaplain’s point of view.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (usually 10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
The post Lessons from Lasso — The Treatment Room is Cursed! first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Not long into episode six, we meet the affable and lovable, Danny Rojas. The joy-filled, Mexican footballer from Guadalajara helps swing the mood for Coach Ted Lasso and the rest of the AFC Richmond locker room as he runs out onto the field, declaring “Football is life!”
For many, many people in and around football — athletes, coaches, fans — football is life, and sometimes to a detrimental degree; however, there is One who declares to be life and not just the temporal, earthly kind but that and much more — the eternal version. It’s Jesus. Today on the podcast, we look at three different claims and statements that Jesus makes that tie him into life and then come to a final conclusion on how football can be life (or at least a big part of it).
Ted Lasso, the immensely popular streaming TV show in its second season on Apple TV+ features the antics and quirky, Coach ‘Ted Lasso.’ Lasso first appeared a number of years ago as a comedic character as NBC purchased the broadcast rights to the English Premier League. Played by Jason Sudeikis, Lasso (as a coach) brings change to the difficult football (soccer) team that he has traveled overseas to coach.
In the ‘Lessons from Lasso’ series, I (Rev Brad) look at some of the different life learning points brought up in the show from a chaplain’s point of view.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (usually 10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
The post Lessons from Lasso — Football is Life first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Episode six (season 1) opens with Coach Lasso dealing with the after shock of an official ‘separation’ for wife, Michelle. He finally takes off the wedding ring which has gained some camera prominence up until this point. The ensuing day is fraught with struggle for Lasso as he looks to cope. His response? He decides to ‘bury’ himself in his work. No, correct, that — bury is too morbid…’bathe’ is better.
What do we do when things aren’t going well at home, or at work? Men, especially tend to retreat and dive more fully into places where they believe they can experience achievement or success or receive praise to compensate for the hurt and loss. But does that form of coping really help? Today, I look at the ancient words of Isaiah as he gives God’s word to a people who were struggling with loss. They are words of exhortation and hope at the same time.
Ted Lasso, the immensely popular streaming TV show in its second season on Apple TV+ features the antics and quirky, Coach ‘Ted Lasso.’ Lasso first appeared a number of years ago as a comedic character as NBC purchased the broadcast rights to the English Premier League. Played by Jason Sudeikis, Lasso (as a coach) brings change to the difficult football (soccer) team that he has traveled overseas to coach.
In the ‘Lessons from Lasso’ series, I (Rev Brad) look at some of the different life learning points brought up in the show from a chaplain’s point of view.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (usually 10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
The post Lessons from Lasso — ‘Bury’ or ‘Bathe’ In Work first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Last summer, I was blessed to visit Cambridge, England for a Sports and Christianity Conference. While I was there, I was interested to learn a unique piece of football history. Apparently, the first known instance of codifying (or writing down) the rules of association football happened in Cambridge. In 1848, a group of Cambridge University students wrote out a set of 11 rules. They nailed these to the trees surrounding Parker’s Piece, a large grassy park in central Cambridge.
Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, I look at the final rule, Rule 11:
Every match shall be decided by a majority of goals.
Our final life and faith lesson from these Cambridge rules will take a look at what this means for a person of faith. Is the world adage true, the one who dies withe most toys wins? Or, is life about more and something different. Listen to today’s podcast to hear more about this Cambridge Rule of 1848 and a life lesson from it.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
The post Cambridge Rules of Football 1848 — Rule #11 first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
The 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup is over and the time for the Soccer Chaplains United devotional is winding down. This is the last week on the podcast and author Jordan Medas reads the final weekly devotional for the podcast. We pray that your New Year is off to great start and that you discover new ways to Worship God wholeheartedly this year!
We encourage you if you haven’t purchased the devotional, it’s available on Amazon in Spanish and English and Portuguese. The links below are for the US AmazonSmile website where your purchase also helps our organization (if you designate Soccer Chaplains United), but if you have Amazon in or near your country, you can purchase it through there as well.
- English
- Spanish
- Portuguese
Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, Rev Jordan Medas reads the Halftime reflection for Week 8, entitled: New Beginnings. As we get into the new year of 2023, there might be some new beginnings that you are needing to make — in life, in faith, family, or in football. What gifts do you have that you can bring? What things do you have that you can offer as an act of worship? Listen to learn more.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
The post 2022 World Cup Devotional — Worship first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
With the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup now behind us, the Soccer Chaplains United devotional transitions into the Christmas season. This week and next on the podcast, myself and author Jordan Medas wrap up the last two weeks of reading.
We encourage you if you haven’t purchased the devotional, it’s still available on Amazon in Spanish and English and Portuguese. The links below are for the US AmazonSmile website where your purchase also helps our organization (if you designate Soccer Chaplains United), but if you have Amazon in or near your country, you can purchase it through there as well.
- English
- Spanish
- Portuguese
Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, I read the Kickoff reflection for Week 7, entitled: Love, G.O.A.T. For the past few weeks, I have hinted that there is something that “comes in first.” It’s not faith. It’s not hope — and we finally get down to what it is with this week’s reading. Understanding why love is the greatest of all time is an important part of our lives.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
The post 2022 World Cup Devotional — Love first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
The 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup Final was just a few days ago and Christmas Day is approaching. We pray for peace in our world. Soccer Chaplains United produced a devotional with themes of Advent and Christmas combined with football to celebrate this season. For the next few weeks on the podcast, myself and author Jordan Medas will read one of the weekly devotionals for the podcast.
We encourage you if you haven’t purchased the devotional, it’s available on Amazon in Spanish and English and Portuguese. The links below are for the US AmazonSmile website where your purchase also helps our organization (if you designate Soccer Chaplains United), but if you have Amazon in or near your country, you can purchase it through there as well.
- English
- Spanish
- Portuguese
Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, Rev Jordan Medas reads the Halftime reflection for Week 6, entitled: Not a Forced Peace. There is “world peace” and then there is God’s peace — and the two are very different. World peace is often accomplished by military might and governmental oppression and we might wonder if it really is peace or more so imperialism. God’ peace is different and Rev Jordan shares more on today’s podcast.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) 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).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
The post 2022 World Cup Devotional — Peace first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
The 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup Final is less than a week away! Who are you rooting for? Soccer Chaplains United has produced a devotional with themes of Advent and Christmas combined with football. For the next few weeks on the podcast, myself and author Jordan Medas will read one of the weekly devotionals for […]
The post 2022 World Cup Devotional — Joy first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
The 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup is well underway away and Soccer Chaplains United has produced a devotional with themes of Advent and Christmas combined with football. For the next few weeks on the podcast, myself and author Jordan Medas will read one of the weekly devotionals for the podcast. We encourage you if you […]
The post 2022 World Cup Devotional — Faith first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
It’s week two, in the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup. How is your team doing? We hope your team is doing well! Soccer Chaplains United has produced a devotional with themes of Advent and Christmas combined with football. For the next few weeks on the podcast, myself and author Jordan Medas will read one of […]
The post 2022 World Cup Devotional — Hope first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
The 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup has begun! To commemorate this unique time, Soccer Chaplains United has produced a devotional with themes of Advent and Christmas combined with football. For the next few weeks on the podcast, myself and author Jordan Medas will read one of the weekly devotionals for the podcast. We encourage you […]
The post 2022 World Cup Devotional — Preparation first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
The 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup is less than a week away from beginning and Soccer Chaplains United has produced a devotional with themes of Advent and Christmas combined with football. For the next few weeks on the podcast, myself and author Jordan Medas will read one of the weekly devotionals for the podcast. We […]
The post 2022 World Cup Devotional — Silence and Waiting first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
I recently had occasion to visit Cambridge, England and while I was there, I was interested to learn a unique piece of football history. Apparently, the first known instance of codifying (or writing down) the rules of association football happened in Cambridge. In 1848, a group of Cambridge University students wrote out a set of […]
The post Cambridge Rules of Football 1848 — Rule #10 first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
I recently had occasion to visit Cambridge, England and while I was there, I was interested to learn a unique piece of football history. Apparently, the first known instance of codifying (or writing down) the rules of association football happened in Cambridge. In 1848, a group of Cambridge University students wrote out a set of […]
The post Cambridge Rules of Football 1848 — Rule #9 first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
I recently had occasion to visit Cambridge, England and while I was there, I was interested to learn a unique piece of football history. Apparently, the first known instance of codifying (or writing down) the rules of association football happened in Cambridge. In 1848, a group of Cambridge University students wrote out a set of […]
The post Cambridge Rules of Football 1848 — Rule #8 first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
I recently had occasion to visit Cambridge, England and while I was there, I was interested to learn a unique piece of football history. Apparently, the first known instance of codifying (or writing down) the rules of association football (or, what we Yanks call soccer) happened in Cambridge. In 1848, a group of Cambridge University […]
The post Cambridge Rules of Football 1848 — Rule #7 first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
I recently had occasion to visit Cambridge, England and while I was there, I was interested to learn a unique piece of football history. Apparently, the first known instance of codifying (or writing down) the rules of association football (or, what we Yanks call soccer) happened in Cambridge. In 1848, a group of Cambridge University […]
The post Cambridge Rules of Football 1848 — Rule #6 first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
I recently had occasion to visit Cambridge, England and while I was there, I was interested to learn a unique piece of football history. Apparently, the first known instance of codifying (or writing down) the rules of association football (or, what we Yanks call soccer) happened in Cambridge. In 1848, a group of Cambridge University […]
The post Cambridge Rules of Football 1848 — Rule #5 first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
I recently had occasion to visit Cambridge, England and while I was there, I was interested to learn a unique piece of football history. Apparently, the first known instance of codifying (or writing down) the rules of association football (or, what we Yanks call soccer) happened in Cambridge. In 1848, a group of Cambridge University […]
The post Cambridge Rules of Football 1848 — Rule #4 first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
I recently had occasion to visit Cambridge, England and while I was there, I was interested to learn a unique piece of football history. Apparently, the first known instance of codifying (or writing down) the rules of association football (or, what we Yanks call soccer) happened in Cambridge. In 1848, a group of Cambridge University […]
The post Cambridge Rules of Football 1848 — Rule #3 first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
I recently had occasion to visit Cambridge, England and while I was there, I was interested to learn a unique piece of football history. Apparently, the first known instance of codifying (or writing down) the rules of association football (or, what we Yanks call soccer) happened in Cambridge. In 1848, a group of Cambridge University […]
The post Cambridge Rules of Football 1848 — Rule #2 first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
I recently had occasion to visit Cambridge, England and while I was there, I was interested to learn a unique piece of football history. Apparently, the first known instance of codifying (or writing down) the rules of association football (or, what we Yanks call soccer) happened in Cambridge. In 1848, a group of Cambridge University […]
The post Cambridge Rules of Football 1848 — Rule #1 first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
My interview with Chattanooga FC Head Coach Rod Underwood comes to a close today in part 4 of 4. Today, we get to hear Rod sharing about his personal life mission statement and how that impacts the decisions he makes — as husband, father, coach, and man. Rod shares about how his life was impacted […]
The post Personal Life Mission with special guest Rod Underwood — Part 4 first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
As Head Coach of Chattanooga FC (NISA), Rod Underwood, has had quite a journey in coming to lead the team this past year. Last week’s podcast we learned about some of the ups and downs of being in football, including being out of the professional coaching side of the game from few years and really […]
The post Personal Life Mission with special guest Rod Underwood — Part 3 first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Rod Underwood, former professional soccer player and current head coach of Chattanooga FC (NISA) joins the podcast today to share more about his life in soccer and his development as a coach for the beautiful game. Today, on the Soccer Chaplains United podcast, From the Touchline, in part two of a four part series, Rod […]
The post Personal Life Mission with special guest Rod Underwood — Part 2 first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Rod Underwood is the head coach of Chattanooga FC which plays in the NISA (National Independent Soccer Association) – part of the third tier of professional soccer in the United States. Rod also serves on Soccer Chaplains United’s Board of Directors. A few weeks ago, as part of one of our board meetings, Rod shared […]
The post Personal Life Mission with special guest Rod Underwood — Part 1 first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
We reach the end of episode five and lesson number 40 in our Lessons from Lasso series. Coach Lasso is saying “goodbye” to Michelle, his wife, while the two are standing out in the rain. It’s a tearful moment, because Lasso is also saying goodbye in another sense — relationally and maritally. It’s at this point […]
The post Lessons from Lasso — I Promised Myself I Would Never Quit first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Our next Lessons from Lasso episode we see Coach Lasso and Coach Beard pontificate on the seeming “change” of tone, although not a change of the surly word that the fans are chanting post-game. Coach Lasso makes a time-reference — the 80’s, when words meant the opposite of what was being said. How ought one […]
The post Lessons from Lasso — Like the 80s When Bad Meant Good first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Lesson 38 in our Lessons from Lasso series and AFC Richmond is in an interesting place. It’s halftime. They’ve just come back from being down 2 goals to tie the game 2-2. However, Coach Lasso has benched their star striker, Jamie Tartt, not because of injury or strategy, but because of his arrogance and audacity […]
The post Lessons from Lasso — We Are Broken. We Need to Change. Change is Scary. first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Lesson 37 and we see Higgins rise to the top as he shares with Coach Lasso and Co. an insightful word about marriage and relationships — Being with the right person makes tough times easy. Lasso, in pain around what is happening with his wife, Michelle, and the impending trouble that their marriage is in, invites […]
The post Lessons from Lasso — Being With the Right Person Makes Tough Times Easy first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
It’s not long into episode five, and we gain more insight into Coach Lasso’s marriage to Michelle and the difficulties that the couple are facing. Lasso shares with the coaching staff that he’s taken this position (some 4,438 miles away) in order to “give a little space” in his marriage to his wife. Giving a […]
The post Lessons from Lasso — Giving A Little Space first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
We start episode five, season one and Coach Lasso makes the comment, “It feels good to laugh.” Lasso has just been opening up to Rebecca about his marital issues and some of the struggle its been to try and preserve the marriage. His joke about couple’s therapy breaks some of the tension he feels and […]
The post Lessons from Lasso — It Feels Good To Laugh first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Sorry — it could be due to travel, work, or other commitments, but we just couldn’t get the show produced for today. Don’t give up on us yet! Listen to a past podcast, or, better yet — write us a review on your favorite podcast distribution platform. Thanks for being a faithful listener and follower, we […]
The post Foul! No From the Touchline Podcast Today first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
We finally come to the end of episode four, season one and we see Coach Lasso and Coach Beard walking home after the gala. Beard is a mess — his girlfriend has dumped him. He put the “game” (of chess) before the dame, and it seems like this isn’t the first time. In today’s “Lessons […]
The post Lessons from Lasso — Putting the Game Before the Dame first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Keeley and Jamie are at the end. There’s been unfaithfulness in the relationship and Keeley comes to grips with Rebecca’s earlier words of wisdom to ask about the place of accountability in a relationship. “Being accountable matters” she tells Jamie before telling him their relationship is over. In today’s “Lessons from Lasso,” we talk about […]
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The villainous Rupert Manion seems like he’s gotten away with murder, yet again. The swaggering millionaire appears to be the hero as he pulls out a check for 1 million pounds to help the charity benefit achieve its goals — does anyone see him for who he truly is? Lasso, does. In today’s “Lessons from Lasso,” […]
The post Lessons from Lasso — Seeing People as They Really Are first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
What the heck is an NFT? What about an NIL? Do you know? Should we care? Well, today, on the From the Touchline podcast, we dive into a new world where many things seem to be spelled out in three letters or less! For those that don’t know, an NFT is a non-fungible token and […]
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What happens when we run into conflict? Do we avoid it? Or, face it head on? Well, Coach Lasso attempts to bridge the gap that continues to grow amongst the team by bringing together his two leaders — the youthful, Jamie Tartt and the veteran, Roy Kent for a little “parent trap” conversation. In today’s […]
The post Lessons from Lasso — Let’s Get it All Out There first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Ted Lasso goes looking for divorcée owner Rebecca to ask her a question during the fundraising gala — only to find that she’s alone in the back alley and on the verge of tears…Rupert Manion, her ex- has shown up unannounced and “stolen the show” with his arrogant bravado. His presence and words to Rebecca remind […]
The post Lessons from Lasso — I Don’t Want to Be Alone first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Rupert Manion rudely interrupts the fundraising benefit and in his mid-event introduction to Coach Lasso, he claims the love of his team that resides in his heart…you know, the lifelong love that we often have for our sports teams and clubs? Which team (or sport) has your lifetime fan-dom or passion? In today’s “Lessons from […]
The post Lessons from Lasso — Love of a Sports Team is a Lifetime Obsession first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Veteran Roy Kent is fuming. Pretty boy Jamie Tartt is antagonizing. The team is divided. And Coach Lasso is struggling to repair and restore team unity. Coach Lasso’s words of wisdom to Kent? “Don’t let the wisdom of age be wasted on you…” In today’s “Lessons from Lasso” on the From the Touchline podcast, we […]
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In a special, bonus episode podcast, my good friend, Reverend Dave Meserve, shares a devotional writing on this, Easter Sunday. Gerard Manley Hopkins originally crafted the idea of letting Jesus “easter” in us — using the word not as a noun, but as a verb. And today, on the From the Touchline podcast, my friend, Rev […]
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Today is Spy Wednesday. Coming in the middle of Holy Week, tonight is the night when Judas betrays Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. Judas the betrayer, the traitor. Judas has a different relationship with Jesus than most of the other disciples — and a telling distinction in the Gospel of Matthew gives us some insight […]
The post Spy Wednesday — The Difference of Relationship first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Telling the truth is difficult in our day and age and maybe nowhere more difficult than in the football world. Today, Coach Lasso takes a minute to speak some truth into young Nathan’s life as they head off for the team charity benefit gala. In today’s “Lessons from Lasso” on the From the Touchline podcast, […]
The post Lessons from Lasso — Truth Telling first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Perhaps you’ve heard the adage — a house divided cannot stand. These words, spoken by Jesus a couple thousand years ago, play out in the rift that we see between members of the AFC Richmond team and Coach Lasso and Coach Beard have got to come up with a solution before it all unravels. Today, […]
The post Lessons from Lasso — A Team Divided, A House Divided first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Tensions and fights happen in football — especially in the elite side of the game. There’s a lot at stake and a wide variety of sources and causes of division and struggle and more. What happens when the emotions and passion boil over and threaten to destroy the camaraderie and unity of a locker room? Today, […]
The post Lessons from Lasso — What’s the First Rule of my Fight Club? first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
The National Women’s Soccer League, the top league for women’s soccer in the US, begins their season with the Challenge Cup tournament this Friday as the Portland Thorns take on the OL Reign. Today, on the Soccer Chaplains United podcast, From the Touchline I am joined by special guests — Lori Krueger, volunteer chaplain with […]
The post 2022 NWSL Preview with special guests Lori Krueger and Christina Garber first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
What do you love? Who are you and how has God made you? Do you know those things? It’s a question that our friend Coach Ted Lasso asks of Reporter Trent Crimm in our latest and last look at episode three from season 1 of the Ted Lasso TV show. Today, on the From the […]
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Today is Ash Wednesday and the time that the church and Christians around the world mark the beginning of the season of Lent and the 40+ days leading up to Easter. Today, on the Soccer Chaplains United podcast, From the Touchline, we share the audio for our English Ash Wednesday video which you can find […]
The post 2022 Ash Wednesday – Psalm 90 (English) first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Hoy es Miércoles de Ceniza y el momento en que la iglesia y los cristianos de todo el mundo marcan el comienzo de la temporada de Cuaresma y los más de 40 días previos a la Pascua. Hoy, en el podcast de Soccer Chaplains United, From the Touchline, compartimos el audio de nuestro video del […]
The post 2022 Miércoles de Ceniza – Salmos 51 (Español) first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Major League Soccer, the top flight for US football, kicks off the league season this weekend and while it’s super early compared to other years, we can blame it on the World Cup. Today, on the Soccer Chaplains United podcast, From the Touchline I am joined by a couple of special guests — Rev Billy […]
The post 2022 MLS Preview with special guests Billy Cerveny and Troy Ready first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
It is a rare thing in football that a good idea originating from an unlikely source would ever get praise or appropriate credit. Usually, it’s a dog-eat-dog world with managers, executives, and even footballers fighting for every advantage in the elite circles — so when a new play comes from the mind of AFC Richmond’s kit […]
The post Lessons from Lasso — Credit Where Credit is Due first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Can a football manager or a football player really be unconcerned with wins and losses? Teams rise and fall with wins and losses. Contracts are offered or extended based on performances. Scholarships and other opportunities come as the result of the results. Who would dare be unconcerned with wins and losses at the elite levels […]
The post Lessons from Lasso — Unconcerned with Wins and Losses first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
The January transfer window just closed on Monday, and with it a host of player movement around the world. Hundreds of trades and loans were executed and millions of dollars exchanging hands. And with every deal done, a new beginning with a host of hopes and dreams and expectations to go along with it. What […]
The post New Beginnings first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
How does a coach get his team to have buy-in to what he is trying to do, what he is trying to achieve? Much of it begins at the heart level — at least when it comes to talking about long-lasting change. Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, in our Lessons From Lasso series […]
The post Lessons from Lasso — First Dominos: Heart Issues first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Have you been bullied? As a child? Because of a physical attribute? Or, for something else or some other reason? Bullying is an issue that has gone on for a long time and for a number of different reasons. Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, we pick up with Lesson 20 in our Lessons […]
The post Lessons from Lasso — Dealing with Bullies first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Preseason. It’s here. For many teams in the US professional soccer, they will begin reporting to their particular teams in the next few days and weeks. It’s the preseason, and with the World Cup happening in November and December, it’s coming fast and furious for many professional footballers. Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, […]
The post Preseason 2022 first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Devastating fires rocked the northwestern suburbs of Denver along the Denver/Boulder corridor. 1000 homes damaged and many people displaced from their homes as the start of 2022 comes. It has been a difficult couple of years — COVID, effects of the pandemic, social unrest, injustices left and right — and yet, with the start of every […]
The post A Blessing for 2022 first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Maybe you’re the kind of person that has a hard time believing in yourself. Perhaps in life or in football or in relationships you’ve been beat down, oppressed, disregarded or otherwise so maligned that you no longer have a voice or lack any sort of confidence. Or, maybe you’re in a different position — maybe you’re […]
The post Lessons from Lasso — Believe in Others first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
How do we see ourselves? Special? Unique? Genius? World-talent? Many times, our selfishness takes over and we forget that we are part of a team, we forget that we are part of something bigger than ourself — it might be that we are part of a football team, a family, or another larger body. Today, […]
The post Lessons from Lasso — 1 in A Million, But Really Just 1 of 11 first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Have you ever had a test that lasted just 90 minutes? Maybe it was a job interview or it was a first date impression. Did you get it right? Or, did you bomb it a miserably fail? In professional sport, the elite athlete, the coach has a certain time frame to prove themselves — to get […]
The post Lessons from Lasso — 90 Minutes (To Prove Them Wrong) first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
I can commiserate with Coach Lasso — not everyone comes from your same background and at times, in an honest attempt to support people, we can sometimes fail miserably. In today’s Lesson from Lasso, we are reminded of the sensitivity that we must often approach people with because “not everyone is fond of the American military” […]
The post Lessons from Lasso — Sensitivity (Not fond of the American Military) first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
This Friday, December 3, is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. With this in mind, we take a look at disability sport — it’s origins, some of the challenges, and the story of someone who is firmly entrenched in serving the disability sporting world as a chaplain. Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, […]
The post Disability Sport with Rev Steve Jones first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
A few weeks ago, my friends, Dr Chad Carlson of Hope College and Dr Brian Bolt of Calvin University on their podcast Sport.Faith.Life ask the question, Would Jesus Play…Soccer? It’s part of a new series whereby they are looking at some of the different sports that Jesus would have participated in back in his day […]
The post Would Jesus Play…Soccer? A Reaction to Sport.Faith.Life first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Birthdays are a time to celebrate and honor people. Although, in football, some may dread their birthday because It is a reminder of aging in an industry that favors those who are young, fit, and powerful. But taking the time to honor people is key to the success of the individual athlete and the team […]
The post Lessons from Lasso — Honor People first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
All around the world, one thing that is perhaps as common as the love of the Beautiful Game is a desire for peace; a desire for safety and security — and sometimes football affords us a sense of this in the confines of the game. But in the elite levels and the business practices in […]
The post Lessons from Lasso — Army Men to Keep You Safe first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Personalities play a massive role amongst a football team — whether the elite athlete or the magnanimous manager. And the football locker room isn’t necessarily a friendly place for the timid or meek of the earth. So what kind of personality do you bring to football? Have you ever done a deep dive into how […]
The post Lessons from Lasso — Lion? Or, panda? Personalities in Football. first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
How well do you receive forgiveness? How easy is it for you to move on from a mistake or critical error as a footballer or coach? Have you developed any particular memory habits or routines and rhythms to help you overcome and achieve? Well, today we consider Coach Lasso’s words to defender Sam Obisanya — […]
The post Lessons from Lasso — Be a Goldfish first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
New things often have a different language, different words, and other little nuances that may or may not be easily know or readily understood — what are the vernacular differences that you’ve experienced? Even American English isn’t the same as British English! And in the game of football, there are many different words and phrases and […]
The post Lessons from Lasso — Know the Vernacular first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
What do you do to build relationships in your life? At home? At work? Do you enjoy food? A game or some type of event? In today’s, Lessons From Lasso, we are going to take a look at the rhythm and routine that Lasso forces on to AFC Richmond Owner Rebecca in an attempt to […]
The post Lessons from Lasso — Biscuits with the Boss (Build Relationships) first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Today’s Lesson from Lasso is about watching where you step. Sometimes when we go a new venture it can be a dangerous thing to step outside the door, if we aren’t careful we can get run over — by a car or some thing or some one or worse. If we don’t pay attention to […]
The post Lessons from Lasso — Look Right first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Mental health is a rising concern amongst athletes in the beautiful game from professional, elite levels all the way down to the youth. With the various pressures (internal and external) how can athletes today cope with everything they see and feel, especially amidst a global pandemic that has been very isolating? Today, on the From […]
The post Soccer Resilience with Dr Brad Miller first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to Manchester United has started with a bang! Three goals in two games, a social and journalistic media frenzy, an all-time record for number of shirts bearing his name and number being sold and Untied fans around the world excited to see his return. Homecoming stories are some of the best stories […]
The post Homecoming first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
The death of Afghan teenager, Zaki Anwari, as he fell from a plane while trying to escape the Taliban takeover in Kabul was saddening news as the world looked on to the despairing events of a few weeks ago. Zaki, described as a strong center back and bright student — had high hopes and aspirations […]
The post Zaki Anwari – Hope first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Life in football — whether in the professional or the amateur side — can feel quite lonely at times. For the one just dismissed or moving to a team half way around the globe. For the player who just can’t seem to catch a break. For the one in hospital or on the sidelines languishing in […]
The post You Are Not Alone first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Probably there are few people who don’t know who Lionel Messi is — he’s world renowned as a footballer. Well, his loyalty and life are so intimately tied to Spanish club Barcelona FC that the news a few weeks ago came as a shock to football fans, as well as to Messi and his family — […]
The post The Messi Mess first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Finally! We move on to Episode 2 of Season One of Ted Lasso. Do you remember how you felt on the first day of school? Or, maybe it was the first day at your new club, your new team? Excited? Nervous? Both. Coach Lasso and Coach Beard share their feelings and help each other with […]
The post Lessons from Lasso — First Day of School Feelings first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
There’s no hiding the facts — divorce rates in professional sport, including football, are immensely high. The life on the road, time spent away from spouse and children, the glory, the fans, the chasing of dreams and so many more reasons bring cracks and pressures to marital and family life that are unique. In truth, […]
The post Lessons from Lasso — Football Takes a Toll on the Family first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Do you travel much? Have you ever been away from home and living out of a suitcase? Are you the kind of traveler that leaves everything in your suitcase or do you unpack your bags and use the drawers? In this week’s Lesson from Lasso, Rev Brad unpacks the bags a bit and looks at […]
The post Lessons from Lasso — Unpack Your Bags first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Not long into the show, we understand that not many love Coach Ted Lasso coming to AFC Richmond. The fans, the players, the media — even the club owner who has brought Lasso in had an ulterior motive. While it might be a stretch to call her an enemy of Ted Lasso, it certainly isn’t […]
The post Lessons from Lasso — Love Your Enemies first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
A recent Men in Blazers podcast had a line from show host Davo (Michael Davies) which got me thinking. When speaking to some of the racist abuse that came as a result of the Euro 2020 final, Davo said, “I have no solution, so I feel it’s pointless to talk about.” It’s not likely that […]
The post Something Worth Talking About first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Heartbreak in England. Celebration in Italy. The 2020 European Championship (played in 2021 due to COVID) has ended the month-long campaign and crowned a winner. It was a football-fest filled with amazing storylines — adversity overcome, unique times and ways for footballer and fan to re-engage with the game with the after-effects of a global […]
The post Euro 2020 — What headline grabbed you? first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
A few months ago, The Athletic featured a story on Norwegian footballer, Pal Enger. Enger, known more for his heist of Edvard Munch’s famous Scream painting than for his football, is the subject of today’s From the Touchline podcast. Enger’s story around football and his life of crime outside of it, got me thinking — […]
The post The Scream Thief first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
As we continue with our Lessons from Lasso series, one of the first changes Coach Lasso brings to the fictitious AFC Richmond, is a slight modification to the locker room decor. If you have never been in a locker room for a professional team (I have been invited in, as a guest at times) — […]
The post Lessons from Lasso — Belief is the 1st Change first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
We all need a companion, partner in life. For Coach Ted Lasso and his new coaching adventure in English football (soccer) at AFC Richmond, that person is Coach ‘Beard.’ In an early moment of solidarity we see Coach Lasso and Coach Beard push their desks together before beginning the work of coaching the team. Whom […]
The post Lessons from Lasso — Faithful Companion first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
History matters and the importance of history quickly comes to the forefront in the fictitious life and world of Coach Ted Lasso as he begins his soccer managerial career with AFC Richmond. Ted Lasso, the new and immensely popular streaming TV show on Apple TV+ features the antics and quirky, ‘Ted Lasso’ character brought to […]
The post Lessons from Lasso — History is Important first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Ted Lasso, the new and immensely popular streaming TV show on Apple TV+ features the antics and quirky, ‘Ted Lasso’ character brought to life in his own TV show series. Lasso first appeared a number of years ago as a comedic character as NBC purchased the broadcast rights to the English Premier League. Played by […]
The post Lessons from Lasso — Names are Important first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Greg Aydt enters into his third season serving as volunteer chaplain for Memphis 901 FC and as part of Soccer Chaplains United. 901 FC, a team that plays second division soccer in the the USL-Championship here in the U.S, is located in Memphis and Greg always has an interesting historical story that he ties into […]
The post Freeze Pops with Greg Aydt first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Clint Moore is one of the newer chaplains for Soccer Chaplains United. He volunteers with New Mexico United, playing in the the USL-Championship — the second division of professional soccer in the U.S. United are just a hop-skip and a jump down I-25 (a major interstate in the US) and this fast-paced and exciting team […]
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Pastor Kurt Trempert is one of the longest standing volunteer chaplains for Soccer Chaplains United and he serves the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, a team that plays in the the USL-Championship, the second division of professional soccer in the U.S. The Switchbacks are an affiliate for the Colorado Rapids and so there is often a […]
The post There’s No Place Like Home with Kurt Trempert first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Jubal McDaniel serves as volunteer chaplain for the Tacoma Defiance, a team that plays in the second division of professional soccer in the U.S., the USL-Championship. This year, Jubal enters into his first full season as chaplain. He joins Rev Brad Kenney on the From the Touchline podcast today ahead of the team’s home opener […]
The post Defiance with Jubal McDaniel first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Sunday, April 18, 2021 — just a year on from the outset of the global pandemic, 12 elite, European football (soccer) clubs announce intentions to break ranks with UEFA and form their own Super League, as founding members. The announcement sent shockwaves throughout the football world and with great calamity and unforeseen ramifications. From media journalists, […]
The post How the Bible Explains the Failed Super League first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
As the United Soccer League (USL) starts to ramp up its season this weekend, soccer across North America will finally be in full-swing. The USL manages the lower divisions of professional soccer in the U.S. and Canada and has many teams in smaller cities and markets. USL-Championship is the top tier of soccer below Major […]
The post USL with Robert, Kurt, Jubal, Greg and Erick first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
As the Major League Soccer (MLS) season gets underway, former defender, Jared Watts (Colorado Rapids and Houston Dynamo) joins the podcast today to talk about own goals. An own goal in soccer can be one of the most devastating things for a player to have to go through in the course of a game — especially […]
The post The Own Goal with Former MLS Defender, Jared Watts first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Last week, the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) sprang back into action with the kickoff of the second annual Challenge Cup series. Major League Soccer (MLS) begins league play this weekend with its teams set to kick off across the US. With both leagues preparing to begin their respective seasons with what will, hopefully, be […]
The post NWSL AND MLS with Ben and Christina first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Next week, the Swedish leagues (Allsvenskan, Superettan, etc.) kick off next week with the women’s league (Damallsvenskan) beginning the week after. With the global nature of the game of football (soccer) there have been many athletes and coaches who have played both in the United States and Sweden — and in honor of the season […]
The post Allsvenskan with Mattias Ottestig first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Today is known as Spy Wednesday. Coming in the middle of Holy Week, we are just days away from Easter, but tonight is the night when, according to the biblical account, Judas agreed to betray Jesus and disclose the disciple’s location so that the religious leaders could arrest Jesus. 30 pieces of silver. That was […]
The post Spy Wednesday — Betrayal first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
In the wake of the shootings which occurred in Boulder, Colorado on Monday, March 22, 2021 one of the most difficult and penetrating questions that people ask is, “Where is God?” Where is God in the midst of suffering? Where is God in the midst of a shooting where ten people lose their lives? Today’s […]
The post Shared Hells — Readings in Response to Boulder first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
With the start of the season only a few days away, Christ Presbyterian Academy (Nashville) Chaplain Ryan Doyle joins to talk about his faith and family journey and what’s ahead for the CPA Lions. Rev Ryan Doyle, a long time soccer coach with CPA, now serves the team voluntarily as chaplain, a role that he […]
The post Ryan Doyle, Christ Prebyterian Academy Chaplain Joins the Podcast first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Valor Christian High School Boy Soccer starts their season next Monday night. Soccer Chaplains United Chaplain, Greg Navitsky, who serves the team voluntarily, joins the podcast today for part two — sharing his soccer and life journey as well as his hopes and prayers for the Valor Eagles team. Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, […]
The post Former Liverpool Academy and Valor Christian Chaplain Greg Navitsky, Part Two first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Boys high school soccer in Colorado is just about to kickoff from a delayed started going back to last fall. Valor Christian High School chaplain, Greg Navitsky, joins the podcast today to share about his soccer and life story in this, part one of a two-episode podcast. The From the Touchline podcast hosted by Rev […]
The post Greg Navitsky, Chaplain and Former Liverpool Academy Trialist Joins Pod first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
2020 and 2021 have been difficult for college sports teams — seasons postponed, games canceled, college recruiting stopped, scholarships extended, and more. During such times, as coaches and athletes alike struggle with the every shifting, ever adapting changes it can be a vital space for a chaplain to step into and serve, and love, and […]
The post Chaplain ‘Miss Kim’ from Trinity International University Joins the Podcast first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Today is Ash Wednesday and the time that the church and Christians around the world mark the beginning of the season of Lent and the 40 days or so leading up to Easter Sunday. Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, instead of doing a separate podcast, I have simply taken the audio (both English […]
The post Soccer Chaplains United Ash Wednesday Virtual Service (English Audio) first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Hoy es Miércoles de Ceniza y el momento en que la iglesia y los cristianos de todo el mundo marcan el comienzo de la temporada de Cuaresma y los 40 días previos al Domingo de Pascua. Hoy, en el podcast From the Touchline, en lugar de hacer un podcast separado, simplemente tomé el audio (tanto […]
The post Soccer Chaplains United Servicio Virtual Miércoles de Ceniza (audio en español) first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Caedmon had an interesting start to life — his desire and passion didn’t match his skill and ability. He wanted to sing. He wanted to recite poetry. He wanted to share in the communal musical and lyrical moments of his day. But he couldn’t. Couldn’t sing, he was off key. He couldn’t play the harp. To […]
The post Caedmon’s Call first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
In many places around the world, football season has already begun, but here in the U.S. and in a few other nations, the new season is yet to begin. Just last week Major League Soccer joined the other professional leagues in the U.S., announcing a tentative start date for the 2021 season. For years, prior […]
The post Season’s Blessings first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
The consequences of sin are some times the thing we fear most — no it’s not the confrontation or the confession — sometimes when that happens we feel lifted, lighter. It’s almost a relief when the truth comes to life. However, when we have the short and long-term consequences of sin that we have to face — […]
The post The Abuse of Power and The Grace of God, Part 4 — Featuring Fraser Keay first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
We all need truth-tellers in our lives — you know, a person who isn’t afraid to tell you like it is, ready to call you out when you start to go astray. And this can be hard — to be confronted with the truth. What is your response when that happens? Do you get defensive? […]
The post The Abuse of Power and The Grace of God, Part 3 — Featuring Fraser Keay first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Have you ever sinned, or messed up really bad, and then you tried to “cover it up”? How did that go? How long until it was discovered or you were found out? How far down the rabbit hole did you go trying to cover up one lie or sin with another and another? My best […]
The post The Abuse of Power and The Grace of God, Part 2 — Featuring Fraser Keay first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
At what point do you and I become apathetic? Whether it has to do with our football, our family and relationships, or even our faith — we all face times in our lives when we lose sight and lose hope and become lazy and indifferent toward these crucial things in our lives. My best mate, Fraser […]
The post The Abuse of Power and The Grace of God, Part 1 — Featuring Fraser Keay first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Have you ever thought to put Jesus’ disciples into a starting 11? What formation would you use? Would you put Simon Peter as a 6 or as a 9? Well, that’s just a little bit of the fun that we have with our special guest, Coach Brian Shultz on the From the Touchline podcast. Brian […]
The post Spiritual Formation with Coach Brian Shultz first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
I said it last week — “There’s a lot of talent amongst our chaplains.” Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, Billy Cerveny sings and plays the classic Christmas carol, O Holy Night. Billy is volunteer chaplain with Nashville SC and the founder of Redbird in Nashville. Billy has been part of the Nashville music […]
The post O Holy Night — Featuring Billy Cerveny first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
There is a lot of talent amongst the folks that comprise the chaplain corps of Soccer Chaplains United. Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, I feature an original song composed and recorded by Benjamin Dudley, volunteer co-chaplain with the Portland Timbers of Major League Soccer. Ben is the longest tenured chaplain with Soccer Chaplains […]
The post Everything is All Right With Me — Featuring Benjamin Dudley first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
This weekend, the Seattle Sounders and Columbus Crew face off in the 2020 Major League Soccer Cup Final. Well, it was 10 years ago, that I had the privilege to accompany the team where I serve as volunteer chaplain, the Colorado Rapids, to Toronto, Canada for the 2010 championship match against FC Dallas. Today, on […]
The post Major League Soccer Cup Final Memories — 10 years Ago first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
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 […]
The post Who is Like Diego Armando Maradona? first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
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 […]
The post How to Thanksgiving first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
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 […]
The post Why We Need To Observe Celtic Advent (2020) first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
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. […]
The post Saint Martin, Giving His Shirt Away (Again) first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Today is a pivotal time in the history of the United States, with a polarized and divisive time politically and socially, there are different attitudes and approaches toward governmental and other types of authority. Even in the sport of football, submitting to authority can be a struggle — whether as an athlete submitting to a […]
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For the Christian athlete, sometimes questions can arise around the morals and ethics that we find in the midst of the Beautiful Game and in sport, in general. Is competition good? Is it healthy? Is it right? There is a historic tension at times felt and perceived between one’s faith and the competitive nature that […]
The post The Spirit of Competition first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Have you ever felt alone in the midst of the Beautiful Game? Alone in your faith? Alone in a different country, where you don’t speak the same language? Where it is difficult to find community or ways to live out your faith? Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, I am joined by American Goalkeeper, […]
The post A Footballer’s Faith with John Hollinger first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
In the midst of uncertain and difficult time, we may find ourselves flat on our back and needing help to stand back up. We need a good, trusted friend — someone who gets us, someone who understands us to help us back up after we’ve been knocked down. Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, […]
The post Give Me Your Hand first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
We are well into the fall season now — leaves are changing, there is a chill in the night air — and the football season here in the U.S. is soon to come to a close with end-of-year tournaments before the cold of winter sets in. Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, I reflect […]
The post Harvest first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
In the Kenney household, the fifth week of the month is something special — because mom and dad are on for doing the typical household chores. Yes, each of my four girls, absolutely love when a month has a 5th week — they are jubilant and overjoyed with being able to get a “break” from […]
The post Fifth Week first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Special guest and friend, Steve Guppy, who currently serves as the Nashville SC Assistant Coach and is a former winger for English Premier club Leicester City, joins me for part two of a recorded interview. I take a look at a few verses found in Isaiah 40 and ask Steve some further questions about what […]
The post On The Wings with Steve Guppy (part 2) first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Special guest and former England National Team and Leicester City, winger, Steve Guppy joins me today to share more about how he got into the game of football (soccer) and what it really takes to work, play hard and have success on the wings. Steve shares about his own journey including not touching a ball […]
The post On The Wings with Steve Guppy (part 1) first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Everyone in the game of football has likely been on the cusp at some point — whether as a substitute or a trialist, whether as an assistant coach or staffer or working somewhere within in the the football industry, it’s likely that you have been in that position where greatness, achievement or success was just within […]
The post On The Cusp first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Have you ever chased after a floating bubble, only to have it disappear on you? Have you opened up your mouth to catch a falling snowflake, only to wonder if you ever really caught it because it just didn’t seem to last? Or, have you ever on a chilly evening got a glimpse of your […]
The post Hebel first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Brooke Ewert, Director of Counseling for Soccer Chaplains United, joins me on the From the Touchline podcast, today to talk about the different ways that she is helping athletes, coaches, and others in soccer cope in the midst of the pandemic influenced sports season. The current global pandemic has seen a rise in the numbers […]
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The Portland Timbers won the MLS is Back Tournament and co-chaplains Ben Dudley and Troy Ready join me on today’s episode of From the Touchline to talk about the team, the tourney and what the remainder of the season might look like. It’s Troy’s first time on the podcast so we will get to know […]
The post Timbers Champs! first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Amidst the tumult of scheduling changes, season cancellations, bubble tournaments, playing in empty stadiums, social distancing, and contact tracing, how can a footballer stay at peace? Well, the words of the prophet Isaiah, many, many years ago can help us to realize how we can keep (or, more accurately, be kept in) perfect peace — heart, […]
The post Keeping Perfect Peace first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
The Portland Timbers are set to try and advance in tonight’s matchup against the Philadelphia Union in the MLS is Back Tournament. On today’s From the Touchline podcast, we speak with Ben Dudley, volunteer co-chaplain with the Timbers and a Soccer Chaplains United original. Ben shares about what chaplaincy to the Timbers organization looks like, […]
The post Timbers! first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
In such uncertain times, there are certainly many difficult spaces for football/soccer athletes, coaches, and teams to navigate. Whether issues stemming from COVID-19 and lockdown, to sequestering for a month-long tournament to get back to soccer, or the racial tensions and strife that are rippling throughout US cities and around the world — just a […]
The post Thorns and Thistles first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
In a football, there are a lot of people running — and not only are they running for a ball — many times its much more than that; they are often running away from a past. In truth, we all have a past — things that we are ashamed of, things that happened in the past that […]
The post Running from the Past first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
And who is my neighbor? This age-old question has been bandied about a lot with varying responses, but perhaps it has never been more critical for Christians and especially for Christian footballers to wrestle with the question and understanding, who is my neighbor? Sometimes in football/soccer, because of the global nature of the game and […]
The post Neighbors first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
The murder of George Floyd has sparked global outcry. And Floyd’s death has touched professional footballers and many other people of color who have felt or experienced, themself, the oppressive spirit and injustice when others held power or sway. In today’s From the Touchline episode, I share a personal story and experience with racial reconciliation […]
The post George Floyd first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Right now, if you’re like me, you’re probably tired of all things Coronavirus — it can feel consuming, depressing, and more. Even as things in the U.S. begin to re-open and start to phase a return, there are likely still a lot of questions that are in your heart and mind — will school happen in […]
The post 12 Years Quarantine first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
In the midst of Coronavirus, there is a rising divide that is becoming more and more apparent. Sides are being taken on how one ought to respond to restrictions and the pace of re-opening local, national, and global societies and economies. The divide seems to be widening as people pick sides — Democrats against Republicans, mask […]
The post More than Keepers first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Part of the uniqueness of the beautiful game is the game is in constant motion. There is little stopping of play and there is a fluidity to the athletes and official that are on the field. Especially for the midfield position, there is a lot of running that goes on. Data analytics have tracked averages […]
The post Running with Wells Thompson first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
In football, there are many places where one’s career may take them — across international borders and all around the world. The shoes that we wear as we travel that journey in football (soccer) can become muddied and grimy with the difficult situations and circumstances that we walk through. It might be a failed tryout, […]
The post White Shoes with Greg Dalby first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Last week, our From the Touchline podcast, special guest, Rev Billy Cerveny, Nashville SC Chaplain and I started to look at the new Nashville SC anthem, Never Give Up On You, by Judah and the Lion. We continue the conversation today and take a look at the rest of the song. One of the key […]
The post Never Give Up On You with Billy Cerveny (pt. 2) first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Nashville SC is a new, expansion franchise in Major League Soccer for 2020 and they have written a new supporter anthem. The anthem, entitled, Never Give Up On You, is written and performed by Judah and the Lion, an alternative band out of Nashville and ardent supporters of the Nashville SC team. In today’s From […]
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As the COVID-19 global pandemic continues on, the challenges of lockdown and quarantine confront all of us. Whether you are an introvert or extrovert, a person of faith or a person of no faith — these are challenging times to live through. In today’s From the Touchline episode, I look at three different S’s that are […]
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Today we are in the midst of Holy Week — Palm Sunday is a fading memory and Easter is soon to come. But this year, around the world will look and feel very different from past Easter celebrations given the global pandemic that we are facing with Coronavirus. Many will have to remain at home. […]
The post From Captivity first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
The Coronavirus pandemic has thrown much of life into an uproar — amongst the many things that are no longer normal, school and education around the world looks very different. Children are now full-time at home with their families. Learning and education that once happened in traditional school settings is now taking place online and at […]
The post Special Edition: Football Homeschool first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
The first of April is usually a day wrought with jokes and pranks around the world. But during these times of global pandemic, there likely won’t be a lot of practical jokes going on and, in fact, some have made comments about the “foolishness” of certain things like sports and football, or soccer. Times like […]
The post Foolish Things first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Defender is a descriptor used at several different points throughout the Bible to describe God. He is there for the weak, the vulnerable, the oppressed — for His people — as the ultimate refuge, as a shelter, as shield, as protector. During these difficult times, when the world is struggling with fear from the coronavirus […]
The post God as Defender with Jared Watts first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
One of my favorite days and favorite historical persons is Saint Patrick and his feast day is March 17. I feel that I connect with Patrick on many levels — from the way he lived life, to some of the ways that he, by faith, came to understand and know and believe in God. My […]
The post Saint Patrick first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
The Coronavirus is making headlines locally and around the world. The virus is having an even greater impact on economies and supply chains and is even effecting the beautiful game in a negative way. The virus is certainly on the radar as football (soccer) governing bodies are discussing suspending league play in certain countries to […]
The post Coronavirus first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Defend Memphis, the motto of United Soccer League – Championship team, Memphis 901 FC, has an interesting history behind it. That motto not only helps characterize the city of Memphis, it can give inspiration to others, as well. In today’s From the Touchline episode, Rev Brad hosts special guest Rev Greg Aydt, chaplain for Memphis […]
The post Defend Memphis, Defend USL first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Today marks the beginning of the season of Lent. For the next 40 days (excluding Sundays) Christians around the world will “practice Lent” in this time leading up to Easter. Perhaps Lent is a familiar space for you – one in which you have grown up in. Or, maybe, Ash Wednesday is that one day […]
The post Intro to Lent first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
To what team do you ascribe allegiance to? What team/sport do you avidly follow or you might even say you, “bleed these colors?” Our allegiances to sports teams are not something that are lightly considered — and a plethora of reasons exist for the way that we follow and cheer on our sports teams. Maybe […]
The post Allegiances first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Recently, Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and the volunteer chaplain for the Colorado Rapids returned from a month-long sabbatical. His time away during the month of January was filled with rest and learning to shut-down and say ‘no’ to several things. In today’s From the Touchline episode, Rev Brad […]
The post Reflections on Sabbatical first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
February 1 is Saint Brigid’s feast day (the day when the church recognizes and celebrates her life). Brigid (also known as Brigid of Kildare) was an Irish woman who lived from 450 – 523 AD. She was well-known and well-endeared to people for her generous and hospitable spirit. In today’s From the Touchline episode, Rev […]
The post Saint Brigid first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Mephibosheth’s life is about to change — he’s leaving the old behind for something new. He’ll have to say goodbye, but he will be welcomed in, adopted, made as a son into a new family. Have you ever had this happen to you? Football, in many ways, feels like family. The world of football is […]
The post King’s Table, Part 4 first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Have you ever been about to walk into a meeting that might be your last? Maybe it was a review as an employee, an end-of-season meeting as an athlete, or the chairman’s office — what went through your mind as you were about to walk through the doors? Did the hammer fall? Or, was it […]
The post King’s Table, Part 3 first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
It can be difficult to watch others go on to glory while we wait in the wings, injured or out of the starting lineup. When last we saw our friend Mephibosheth, he was reflecting on the successes of King David — and his own family and life was in shambles. When we see and experience […]
The post King’s Table, Part 2 first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Have you been “crippled” by football? We don’t often use the word nowadays because it is politically incorrect and insensitive to name or call a person crippled; however, a person may have crippling injuries — physical, mental, and spiritual from football. During the next few weeks, we will journey with a special person from the […]
The post King’s Table, Part 1 first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
When was the last time that you really rested? When did you last “get off the grid” or completely and totally “shut-down”? The ideas and concepts of sabbath, sabbatical and rest may seem like foreign concepts to you and me or something that we absolutely can’t do in our current place in the journey or […]
The post Sabbath first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
December for footballers in the US is often the time to have that off-season surgery that has been put off. It’s also a time when other folks, too, are looking to get that surgery now that the insurance deductible for the year has been met. It can be a difficult time filled with uncertainty and […]
The post Surgery first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
They say dogs are man’s best friend and today’s podcast touches on a best friend who has traveled with the Kenney family for the past seven years. For many people in and around football pets have an important place — they are helpful companions on the journey. Pets, especially dogs, can lift an athlete who […]
The post Reverend: Family Dog first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Sport, especially the sport of soccer, is increasingly filled with more and more pressure. Pressure to perform, pressure to leave family, pressure to succeed, and more. Part of the work of Soccer Chaplains United is to look to care for the entire person that is involved in the game — whether an athlete, a coach, […]
The post Chaplaincy and Counseling first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Being thankful has a tremendous impact on our own spiritual and mental health and well-being. No matter one’s circumstances, there is always something that we can give thanks for, something that we can be grateful for. And when that focus is off of one’s self it can help foster greater sense of gratitude and even […]
The post Gratitude first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
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 […]
The post Ancestry first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
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 […]
The post Celtic Advent first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
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 […]
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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 […]
The post The Jersey Exchange first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
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. […]
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How do you do under pressure? Do you perform better? Or, do you struggle? This latest From the Touchline podcast is about the pressure that often comes from playoffs, promotion/relegation and other points in and around the beautiful game. In this edition, Rev Brad leads listeners through an exercise to identify other stories where the pressure was […]
The post Playoff Pressure first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
What does seasonal change look like where you live? Or, better yet, what change are you currently going through? In this edition of From the Touchline, Rev Brad reflects on his younger days and how God brought about change in his heart — from wanting to attend West Point Military Academy to becoming a pastor — […]
The post Seasons of Change first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
The latest From the Touchline podcast is out. This week, we look at the powerful song, You’ll Never Walk Alone. If you don’t know much about this hallowed soccer song we invite you to listen and learn more. Rev Brad reflects on Scripture that illuminates this powerful pre-match song. From the Touchline is a short-feature (10 min) podcast […]
The post You’ll Never Walk Alone first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Today we produced and uploaded the latest Soccer Chaplains United podcast, From the Touchline! This week, we’re talking about dislocation — the emotional and spiritual feelings that often come as a part of the travel and transience of football. From the Touchline is a short-feature (10 min) podcast with Rev Brad Kenney and occasional guests […]
The post Dislocation first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Yesterday, we released a special edition podcast, Emmaus – Coping with Grief. In the light of a couple of recent deaths of former footballer’s, this special edition podcast under From the Touchline is designed to give some coping skills to those who are perhaps faced with a sudden and shocking loss or death. In my experience as […]
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Today, we released Spiritual Fitness Exercises as a podcast episode under From the Touchline. In this episode, I suggest some helpful starts to get your spiritual fitness journey underway. I have always had trouble with some of the devotional and spiritual discipline parts of my walk with Jesus and I share a few suggestions to […]
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How spiritually fit are you? In this edition of From the Touchline, Rev Brad recalls the cross-training movement of the early 2000’s and applies the principle of being cross-trained for one’s spiritual fitness as well as one’s physical and mental fitness. Inquiries and feedback can be sent to podcast@soccerchaplainsunited.org. From the Touchline is a short-feature (10 min) podcast […]
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Do you pray? Struggle with words? Don’t know what to say? Rev Brad shares a couple of stories of a simple prayer that he has learned to pray over the years. Check out our new section in the podcast area entitled “Prayers.” Inquiries and feedback can be sent to podcast@soccerchaplainsunited.org. From the Touchline is a short-feature […]
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Rev Brad Kenney looks briefly at the life of Saint Brendan the Navigator. Brendan’s life was one spent exploring the world that God was sending he and others out into, but Brendan begins his journey on top of a mountain praying, to discern if God is really calling him into this amazing journey. Maybe God is calling […]
The post Brendan – Vision For Life first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Where are you? Rev Brad reflects on the first question ever asked by God, when he called out to man. Genesis 3:9 records this powerful and important moment. And God is still calling out today, to you and to me, and the question is the same. How would you answer that question? Inquiries and feedback can […]
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What’s your preferred platform? In this edition of From the Touchline, Rev Brad looks into the area of social media. He reflects on some of the ways that social media seems to speak to us and whom ought to be an example when trying to develop good habits and practices around social media and it’s usage. Inquiries and […]
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Rev Brad, in this edition of From the Touchline, shares about how God called him to be a chaplain to soccer. After leaving the Colorado Rapids for seminary, God opened a door to go back and serve the team in a volunteer capacity as chaplain. Photo: Oakland Christian High School, Lancers Varsity Soccer Team, Junior Year (1992) Inquiries […]
The post Soccer Saint – Part 2 first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Rev Brad, in this edition of From the Touchline, shares about the extent to which he grew up with soccer in this, the first part of his story. From his first team, the North Phoenix Baptist Saints to his last ever training session with the Moody Bible Institute Archers, Rev Brad talks about how great he wasn’t […]
The post Soccer Saint – Part 1 first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Today is Spy Wednesday, a curious name for this special day in the middle of Holy Week. Rev Brad reflects on the background of Spy Wednesday and how it can be a realization of hope — even for those of us who feel as though we have no hope. Inquiries and feedback can be sent […]
The post Spy Wednesday – There is Hope first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
It’s a great question: are you fiery or are you cool? How do you typically respond under pressure? Are you a cool cat or a hothead? Rev Brad takes a look at different ways that we can respond to life’s situations. A couple of special “guests” help illustrate with a dramatic vinnette. Inquiries and feedback can be sent […]
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Rev Brad reflects on the news of the NASL shutting down for the 2018 season and how displaced people are often found in soccer, the world, and in the Bible. 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 […]
The post Displaced People first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Rev Brad shares a reflection on a powerful quote from one of the Christian, Desert Mothers. Great athletes have to contend with powerful enemies. What enemy do you contend with? 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 […]
The post Syncletica – Great Athletes, Powerful Enemies first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Rev Brad checks in on how Lent is going, shares some reflections from last year’s journey through changing to a vegan diet, and confesses his own inability to play “Barbie” Dolls. 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 […]
The post Lent – Check In first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Rev Brad Kenney, shares some insight into the life of Saint Colmán of Lindisfarne and reflections on the nature of lifes “breakups.” Included is a reading of the Colman liturgy or prayer that might be said or prayed (or listened to) when faced with a job dismissal or a relationship breakup or ending. Inquiries and […]
The post Colman – The Breakup first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
In this episode of From the Touchline, Colorado Rapids Chaplain Rev Brad Kenney shares about Ash Wednesday. 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. Check out the Soccer Chaplains United App and […]
The post Ash Wednesday first appeared on Soccer Chaplains United.
Rev Brad Kenney, Volunteer Chaplain of the Colorado Rapids and Director of Soccer Chaplains United, shares about the purpose and intent behind the podcast, From the Touchline. 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, […]
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