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The Role of a Chaplain

The people of sport have tremendous influence. Many are called to be Christ’s ambassadors to the sporting community and are given a unique opportunity to publicly display the parallel between biblical principles and athletic fundamentals. But too often, the people of sport are the most misunderstood and spiritually neglected. They are also some of the most exploited and overexposed within the Christian community.

That’s why the sports chaplain is among the most strategic points of ministry for our complex world.

While the uninformed may consider chaplaincy a one-dimensional ministry, it is truly multi-faceted, demanding and challenging. Sports chaplains impact a wide variety of people such as athletes, coaches, family members, administrators, athletic trainers and support staff. They serve various sectors of the sports public including campuses, teams and tours.

What does it take to be a Chaplain?

FCA wants to provide teams with the best trained, most effective Chaplains that they can, so we have created a process:

  1. Completion of the on-line Chaplains Training (FCAChaplains.org). Which includes an application process called the Ministry Leader Application.
  2. Initiation of a relationship with a FCA staff member in your area for further training, encouragement, facilitation and accountability
  3. Communication with the FCA staff prior to the season for planning, prayer, resources, etc.
  4. Communication with the FCA staff during the season for encouragement, problem solving and further direction.
  5. Communication at the end of the season for evaluation, reporting of results, etc.
  6. Connection with the Chaplains Network for ongoing training, encouragement, resources, information on regional training opportunities and more from those who are actively engaged as Sport Chaplains.  The details of this will be covered in the training.

Who are Chaplains?

A wide variety of people can serve the people of sport as Chaplains.  One need not be a sport ministry professional to faithfully serve and to significantly impact the lives of this under served people group.  Among those who could serve in these roles are:

  • Parents of players in youth sports (school based teams or club sports)
  • Coaches of youth sports teams, school based teams or coaches at higher levels of sport.
  • Community leaders with interest in ministry through sport.
  • Athletic trainers or other support personnel with sports teams.
  • Pastors or other ministry professionals.

How do I get started?

Getting started is easy.  Simply contact your local FCA staff person.  If you don’t know who that is enter your zip code into our "Find Local Staff" tool on FCA.org