Heart of a Chaplain - Richard Gamble

During the days of 13 and 14 May, I was privileged and honored to be a part of some Sport Chaplaincy training that occurred in Hong Kong, China. I joined Ross Georgiou from Sports Chaplaincy New Zealand, Andrew Parker from the University of Gloucestershire, Cameron Butler from Sports Chaplaincy Australia, and Richard Gamble from Sports Chaplaincy United Kingdom as we led a couple of days and one evening of training for over sixty people. One part of that training was a presentation by Richard Gamble of Sports Chaplaincy United Kingdom titled, Heart of a Chaplain. My notes from Richard’s excellent and insightful presentation are below. I hope they are of value to you.

Sport Culture

• ·        Performance is Everything.
• ·        Sportspeople form their own morality.
• ·        They see no consequences.
• ·        They often are controlling and manipulative.

The Chaplain’s Place in Sport Culture

• ·        The bottom of the ladder (no importance)
• ·        In the world, not of it.
• ·        Valuing people over performance

A Servant’s Heart

• ·        Waiting
• ·        Listening
• ·        Not doing

A Pastor’s Heart

• ·        Compassion with no agenda
• ·        Communicating without moving your lips

Presence

• ·        Consistent
• ·        Continuous
• ·        Relationship building

Humility

• ·        We are “always a guest.”
• ·        Never asking for anything.
• ·        Never self-promoting.

Confidentiality

• ·        Trust is essential.
• ·        Absolute silence is required.

Discernment

• ·        What is Jesus already doing in the club?
• ·        He may be at work independently of my service.