Challenge

Being a Sport Chaplain or Sport Mentor may be some of the most strategic points of ministry for our changing world. The people of sport are often the most misunderstood and neglected (spiritually), while also being the most exploited and overexposed (spiritually) of any people group on the planet.

The Evangelist Chaplain must be cautious to not become utilitarian toward sport, simply using it as a platform for the proclamation of his/her message. Many people in sport have this as their profession, even their calling for life. To minimize the importance and centrality of sport to their lives is disrespectful and leads to a dualistic and disconnected view of life.

The Pastoral Chaplain must be cautious to not communicate that one’s spiritual dimension is all that is really important in life. To separate the competitor’s spiritual life from his/her physical, social and intellectual dimensions does him/her a terrible disservice and leads to confusion and frustration.

The Sport Mentor must be cautious to maintain his/her distinctiveness through a dynamic life in communion with Christ. If the Sport Mentor is not characterized by faithfulness he/she will not be effective in the transformational process of living out one’s faith in step with the people of sport.

As their Sport Chaplain or Sport Mentor, it is your sacred duty and high privilege to love and to lead the people in your charge. It is yours to pray for, to serve, to challenge and to extravagantly love them. You can do no more and the Lord Jesus expects no less. Please accept my challenge, if you’re willing to pay the price, and begin a journey of faith that will be most fulfilling for you and for those whom you serve.