Over the last fifteen months, the men and women
of the Sports Chaplaincy Table of the In Sport Group, a network of sports
ministries around the globe, have been collaborating to produce a set of
recommendations for sports chaplaincy training agencies. We have sought to
determine what would be the global standard for such training. After much
correspondence, prayer, sharing of ideas, and editing, the recommendation below
is the document we will now begin to share with those agencies in various
nations. If you represent one such agency and would like to adopt these
standards, please email me and I’ll be pleased to add you to our list of
adherents to the standards.
There is soon to follow exciting news about a
new and powerful delivery system for basic, introductory sport chaplaincy
training that reflects these same standards.
A Recommendation from:
The Sports Chaplaincy
Table of the In Sport Group
International Sports
Coalition
The Chaplaincy Table respectfully submits the
following recommendation to all agencies that train, certify, and place sports
chaplains all across the globe.
We have collaborated with many of the leading
agencies and individuals who have decades of experience in training sports
chaplains and we believe the set of items below constitute the global standard
of comprehensive sports chaplaincy training.
We would be very pleased to see your
organization join with the others listed below in committing to sports
chaplaincy training which adheres to these standards. We will not presume to
dictate the methods for training, nor the cultural nuances of the sports
cultures in your nation.
Please prayerfully consider these training
standards and contact us if you would like to join us in adopting them. We will
refer inquiries about training that come through our network to the agencies
that adopt these standards and develop training that is in keeping with them.
We would also be privileged to collaborate with you in the design and
implementation of such training.
I.
An Introduction to Sports Chaplaincy
It is wise to define what sports chaplaincy is,
to state clearly what it is not, and to identify who and where sports chaplains
serve.
II.
A Biblical Foundation to Sports Chaplaincy
It is critical to Christ-honoring service of
sportspeople that the sports chaplain be well supported by scriptural
principles and biblical models. The sports chaplain’s service is built upon
Jesus’ Great Commandment and His Great Commission.
III.
A Profile of a Sportsperson
To serve well as a sport chaplain, one must
have a clear understanding of those being served. To perceive the unique
pressures, opportunities, challenges, and heart issues experienced in the world
of sport enables the sports chaplain to wisely apply the truth of scripture and
to care for the sportsperson.
IV.
A Profile of a Sports Chaplain
There is a particular set of character
qualities, gifts, and experiences that make for the most effective service as a
sports chaplain. This section of training would enlighten the trainee and
catalyze his or her development as a sports chaplain.
V.
A Code of Conduct for Sports Chaplains
Where
chaplaincy has been effectively modelled a tri-partite agreement between the
sporting organisation, chaplain and local chaplaincy organisation has
existed. This module would look in detail at the code of conduct, assessing
the roles of responsibilities not only of the chaplain, but of the sporting
club/organisation being served and how they should inter relate with a
chaplaincy body. In particular the module would look at the importance of
accountability in the execution of chaplaincy, guarding against the
seductiveness and influence of elite sport.
VI.
A Sports Chaplain’s Relationships
The nurture and development of relationships is
at the core of all ministry roles. To serve as a sports chaplain is no
different. Understanding the unique attitudes and the power of being present is
of tremendous value in sports chaplaincy. This element of training would inform
the trainee of the most strategic relationships in sports cultures and how best
to develop them.
VII.
Sports Chaplaincy Strategies
To serve effectively in the world of sport
requires an understanding of one’s audience and prayerful consideration of the
strategies and methods to be used. This section of training would inform the
trainee about the wide variety of strategies and methods that may be employed
and factors for wisely choosing them for his or her sporting environment.
VIII.
Resources for Sports Chaplains
The last several years have seen remarkable
growth in resources for the development of sports chaplains and their ministries.
Wise training would include resources for both the personal development of the
sports chaplain as well as resources for direct use with the men and women the
sports chaplain is serving. Resources could include books, periodicals,
websites, blogs, podcasts, videos, films, and more.
IX.
Sports Chaplaincy in Critical Incidents
and Crises
Depending upon one’s place of service, a
critical incident or crisis could be a player’s retirement, a coach’s being
fired, an injury, or even death. Excellent training for sport chaplains should
include some basics for how to serve well in such situations.
X.
A Process for Beginning to Serve as a
Sports Chaplain
Upon the completion of a training process, the
prospective new sports chaplain still needs guidance related to the process for
beginning to serve. Prescribing a step by step process is helpful to both the
sports chaplain and to those he or she will serve. The process will vary widely
depending upon the sport and culture being served, thus making this a most
important factor for the earliest days of a sports chaplain’s service.
Please reply with our questions, your concerns,
or with your desire to join us in committing to this standard of sports
chaplaincy training.
Respectfully submitted by:
Roger D. Lipe – Chaplaincy Table Chair
(Fellowship of Christian Athletes – USA)
Cameron Butler – (Sports Chaplaincy Australia)
Dr. Andrew Parker – (University of
Gloucestershire – United Kingdom)
Ross Georgiou – (Sports Chaplaincy New Zealand)
Richard Gamble – (Sports Chaplaincy United
Kingdom)
Paul Kobylarz - (The Gathering Place - USA)
Andreas Anderson – (Sport for Life – Sweden)
Ken Cross – (Sports Chaplains Network – USA)
Bill Houston – (Sports Chaplains Roundtable –
USA)
Hans-Günter Schmidts – (SRS Pro Sportler –
Germany)
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