I got the privilege to interview Brad Williams, the sports chaplain of Providence Christian Academy in Lilburn, Georgia, via zoom. He stated that his primary role is to provide pastoral care to the students engaging in sporting activities at the institution. The qualification of one to become a sports chaplain is to have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in theology or the training qualifications stated by the institution. The qualities of a good chaplain are having excellent interpersonal skills, good listening skills, decision-making skills, and motivating the sportsmen.
Williams stated to be the school’s athletic director since 2016. He has played a lead role in ensuring the school excels in sporting activities. He has vast experience in sports since, at his young age, in school, he was an athlete, and later in university, he participated in sports as he studied theology. Providence Christian Academy team was his first team, beginning as an assistant sports chaplain until he was given the role of sports chaplain in 2016.
He makes sure that he is always available with the sports students during training. Always open to listening to the students’ issues and consultation on spiritual and sporting matters. He has prepared a well-outlined program to guide him in activities and plans to lead the team. He has well-set goals that they need to achieve as a team. Williams ensures he engages the sporting students in the preparation of the budget to cater to their sporting activities. He is accountable for the funds that are assigned to the sports department.
He makes sure that everyone participates in all the sporting events. He promotes teamwork and unity among the sports students. Ensuring there is the engagement of other students in sporting activities by incorporating them as a cheering team. He creates an excellent environment to foster good relationships among the sports students, coaches, the school institution, and other stakeholders. The incorporation of everyone in the sporting events has made it possible for the teams to excel in the competitions they participate.
In his messages, he majors mainly on discipleship when advising the students. He ensures there is spiritual growth among the sporting students. There is a promotion of commitment to Christianity by believers and acceptance of God by non-believers. The sports chaplains provide welfare support and guidance to the sportsmen (Oliver & Parker, 2019). Beyond chapel service, he organizes evangelical missions to spread the word of God. He also organizes charity activities to promote the extension of the ministry. The ministry is not connected to the local church since the school institution majorly sponsors their activities. He stated that he is a paid staff of the institution to lead the sporting students spiritually and in physical training at the field. Therefore, he should deliver his services to the best level for the school’s success in sporting events.
In the interview, he gave tips and advice to prospective chaplains. “The sports chaplains need to have a more critical understanding of sports and its relational dynamics” (Jones et al., 2020). The aspiring chaplains need not worry or fear getting started with a local team since, with experience, they will be able to propel the team to greater heights. They ought to prepare themselves well education-wise to ensure they have adequate knowledge of theology and sports training. Good understanding of the bible for then to be able to communicate the biblical messages effectively. Adequate preparedness and self-belief will make one a good sports chaplain.
Through the interview, it is clear that there needs to be self-motivated and disciplined to succeed in sports chaplaincy. More research is continually being done in order to improve sporting activities and the spiritual well-being of the students through the sports chaplains. Experienced sports chaplains need to mentor the upcoming ones for them to get the best tips and advice. Incorporation of all people in the learning institutions leads to good performance in sporting events.
References
Jones, L., Parker, A., & Daniels, G. (2020). Sports chaplaincy, theology and social theory disrupting performance-based identity in elite sporting contexts. Religions, 11(12), 660. Web.
Oliver, M., & Parker, A. (2019). Safeguarding, chaplaincy and English professional football. Religions, 10(10), 543. Web.