The term chaplain comes from the French word chapele that means the church. That is what a chaplain is…the representative of God. The chaplain is the presence of God wherever he is. How awesome it is that over time this word has come to mean God’s presence in the midst of college athletes — people who represent Him.

Chaplains have an important role. Some people cannot get to a church building. Some people don’t want to go to a church building. Competitions and traveling take place on Sunday. The chaplain gets to bring the presence of God to athletes and coaches at a time when they can’t get to a local church. Chaplains also play an important role because at times an athlete will share something with a chaplain that he would not share with a coach, giving the chaplain a chance to help the coach and athlete. Other times athletics bring about crisis situations that provide opportunities for chaplains to serve. Circumstances such as a tragedy, death of a loved one, or consequences for bad decisions lead to counseling and ministry opportunities with troubled athletes. As the chaplain builds relationships with coaches and athletes that lead to trust, they are able to use God’s Word to speak truth and encouragement, model Christ-like behavior, and pray for them. In his letter to Timothy, Paul said, “Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is much more important, for it promises a reward in both this life and the next.” 1 Tim. 4:8 (NLT)

Athletics has many rewards, but the chaplain gets to share about a prize that will last long after a season or one’s eligibility has run out. A chaplain has the opportunity to make an eternal impact in the lives of coaches and athletes.

When talking about the importance of a chaplain, Tommy Nelson, Pastor of Denton Bible Church and chaplain to numerous teams over the years said, “There is a certain aspect of a chaplain that wants to relate, (always being there, always wanting to be seen, always wanting to be available, meeting with the athletes personally, sharing God’s Word at chapel) there is a certain aspect of a chaplain that wants to be above.We are the chapele.We are the presence of God in an organization, and we are unlike anyone else there.We bring an element that nothing else brings. We are the ambassador of God! That is who we are.”

The chaplain is God’s presence in the arena of athletics. What an awesome opportunity and responsibility!

1) Pray and seek wisdom re: serving in this role.

2) Complete a Ministry Leader Application on-line at www.fca.org/mla.

3) Complete Online Training.

4) Consult with the area FCA staff to consider area teams and/or individuals for serving.

5) Identify the first to approach and pray for favor.  Learn all you can about the team, coaching staff and key players.

6) Get an appointment to meet with the head coach or the individual.  If necessary, take your supervisor or someone else with whom the coach or player already has a relationship.

7) Meet with him/her to offer your service.

8) Discuss and develop your role's parameters, goals and expectations with him/her.

9) Begin your service and serve faithfully. Continually pray, serve, evaluate and adjust to be most faithful and effective.  Stay connected with FCA Chaplain Ministry through this website.

10) Meet with area FCA staff pre-season and post-season (minimally) to plan, pray, network, resource and evaluate.