Character Coach / Sports Chaplain Blog

After an 11day trip to Ukraine and then a family vacation, I am back in the saddle. Below is a simple observation I have made related to small group dynamics after 35+ years of leading them in various settings and with various sorts of people. I hope it is of value to you and to those you serve. Small groups that have a greater depth of relationship require less structure. Groups that lack a depth of relationship require more structure. Relationship >                                                                                 < Structure As relational depth grows, less and less structure is required for the group's health and productivity. Structure includes: well defined parameters for day, time, frequency, duration, subject matter, number of times to meet together...

One of the most effective tools I regularly employ in my service of sportspeople is to simply ask questions. I ask questions to draw them into conversation, and then to probe more deeply toward their hearts. Sneaky, huh? I tend to ask three levels of questions: 1.    Questions that solicit facts . I ask the competitor’s name, home town, position, uniform number, etc… Mostly facts. Anyone will offer these details. 2.    Questions that solicit passion . I ask about the competitor’s sporting experiences and I’m looking for their love for the sport. I am leading them to tell me stories that awaken their passion for sport, team, competition, coaches, etc… 3.    Questions that solicit their hearts . I ask about the matters at the core of who they are: values, faith, relationships, events, and other matters that shape their lives from the center. Please consider this brief list as a place to start with those whom you serve. I hope they serve you ...

During the recent F.C.A. Sports Chaplain conference in Kansas City, Missouri (USA), a number of my colleagues who are rather new to their service asked a lot of questions about the process of beginning to serve. Certainly everyone’s place of service is different and the circumstances vary widely, but below is an attempt at a list of things one should do in his or her first thirty days of service. I hope it’s helpful. In your first 30 days of serving as a sports chaplain or character coach, I recommend that you: • Thank God daily for the opportunity and privilege you have. • Thank the coaches and/or ministry staff that opened the door to you. • Get an appointment with the head coach to discuss details for your service. (Preferences, timing, things to be sure to do, things to be sure to avoid...) • Attend practices, speaking to everyone who gives you eye contact. Introduce yourself, but don't use a title to describe your role. It will get around. • Memorize the te...