Because I’ve had several Sport Ministry people and sport chaplains ask me about my team talk, I decided to post it here in this blog. Use it however you please!!
When you hear the word "chaplain" I wonder what comes to mind? Maybe an old guy wearing a clerical church collar... of course if you know me at all, a sports chaplain, you know you're more likely to see me wearing Gore-Tex or Lycra!
The concept of a chaplain has been around for hundreds of years. It began as a military service and really came into prominence during World War I. Actually in World War II the chaplaincy unit sustained the second highest casualty rate second only to infantry. The reason for the high casualty rate, even though for the most part chaplains are unarmed non-combatants, is because chaplains are where the needs are. Whether that is in the foxholes, trenches, etc. The reason why we have military chaplains in the first place is because soldiers have unique needs and unique lifestyles. Athletes are very similar, they have unique needs and unique lifestyles, and that is why you’ll see sport chaplains trailside, trackside, in locker rooms and wherever the athletes and coaches are.
Let me share four ways a sport chaplain can be a resource to you:
1) A NEUTRAL LISTENING EAR
We all have a need at times to be heard...to have someone simply listen to us. It’s a bonus when that listening ear doesn’t have a stake in whether or not you make a team, competition trip or a starting line up. When you feel truly listened to it can feel awesome to know someone is simply a witness to the struggle and situation you’re dealing with. Plus, verbalizing what you’re going through can aid your own perspective of the situation.
2) HELP IN TIMES OF TRAGEDY
While we certainly hope that the worst of situations won’t happen to us or our teammates, life does happen and it can sometimes be very painful and tragic. Usually these times are not on our radar and can catch us off guard. Personally, I’ve been a part of the RCMP’s Victim Services Unit for well over ten years. We’re the ones that come alongside a police officer and help the loved one or victim deal with a personal tragedy. This can include practical helps (making sure immediate physical needs are met), helping someone take the next step (especially if they’re frozen in grief), or helping a grieving person deal with their pain, shock and unanswered questions. It’s important to know that everyone grieves in their own unique way. A chaplain can help facilitate and affirm one’s own grief process.
3) SPIRITUAL FORMATION
Everyone has a belief system, or you could call it a faith system..something that helps us understand and cope with life. Because athletes have these unique needs and unique lifestyles it’s difficult to have spiritual needs met in traditional ways. A chaplain can be a personal mentor, small group facilitator or prayer partner. A chaplain would never force their own personal belief system upon anyone but would provide a safe place for you to explore yours.
4) LIFE SKILLS FOR YOUR LIFE SKILLS TOOLBOX
It never hurts to have another voice guiding and advising when life throws a roadblock your way. Teamwork challenges, relational challenges, financial issues, the list goes on and on. Sometimes it’s nice to have someone share their perspective of your life and the current challenge you are facing to help you see clearly and deal with it successfully.
So there you have it, the four resources a sport chaplain can provide. For sure there are more, but undergirding all of these is the desire to be an emotional support for you. If you feel a need to have someone who is truly “in your corner” we want to be there for you to help you achieve personally and athletically to your full potential!
