Ministry with Sports Professionals

Below is another installment from an interview with Walt Enoch, long-time sports chaplain to professional athletes and coaches in St. Louis, Missouri – USA. I pray that his insights are of value to your ministry.

Relationships –

• One should not expect a strong sense of community among professional sports teammates off the field of competition. Once out the locker room, it’s seldom that they spend a lot of time with their teammates.

• As one is building his relationship with players, it’s important to not be seen as a part of the club’s organization. If one is too closely tied to the management, it could compromise his trust among the players.

• I asked Walt about how to handle transitions for players and coaches (trades, free agency, waivers, firings, etc…) and he said that if your relationship is strong one should call the player or coach. Arrange to meet with the player or coach. Encourage, counsel, console and work to maintain the relationship if at all possible. Though it’s difficult, some relationships have been able to last for many years beyond the player’s career in sport.

• Walt made a point to not forget the players when their playing careers are over.

o He arranges a separate Bible study for former players. (It’s best not to mix current and former players. It’s awkward for both sets of people.)

• With professional sportspeople, serving their spouses and children is an important part of effective ministry. Many times it’s the most mundane tasks which win the chaplain favor and trust with the family and consequently, the player or coach.

o Driving family members to the airport to drop off or pick someone up.

o Helping families move into their new home or to move out when traded, fired or waived.

o Helping families find real estate agents, schools, day care, family doctors, churches, etc…

• Walt and his wife have found that holidays (Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and others) were outstanding opportunities to serve players’ and coaches’ families through hospitality. Having them in their home made a real impact with the players and their families.

• We discussed the high profile nature of many players and how to deal with those who fail publically, especially moral failure. How should the chaplain handle those situations?

o Love them.

o Seek them out.

o Don’t confront their behavior, rather be available to them and when they open the subject, be clear, loving and direct.