What Is a Sports Chaplain? [& How to Become One]

As providers of spiritual support in secular settings, chaplains can work in a wide variety of sectors, including healthcare, law enforcement, the military, and even professional athletics. Sports chaplaincy is a unique and vital ministry that offers a crucial blend of emotional and spiritual care in a high-pressure environment. From the Olympics to collegiate teams, sports chaplains help individuals navigate not only the challenges of their sport but also personal struggles, injury recovery, and the pressures that come with being in the public eye.

What Is a Sports Chaplain?

A sports chaplain is a spiritual leader who provides pastoral and emotional support to athletes, coaches, staff members, and even families connected to a sports team or organization. Their role is unique because it blends faith with the competitive, performance-driven world of sports, offering non-denominational spiritual guidance that goes beyond traditional religious services (though that may be an important facet of their role). Depending on their faith tradition, both men and women can be sports chaplains.

Like other forms of chaplaincy, sports chaplaincy is rooted in what is often called the “ministry of presence”: They remain available to athletes during critical moments, whether on the road, at training camps, or after a major loss or victory. They provide a vital connection between faith and sport, emphasizing values such as integrity and humility while offering spiritual comfort during moments of uncertainty or frustration.

There are many organizations that train and certify sports chaplains, including the U.S. Council for Sports Chaplaincy (USCSC) and the Global Sports Chaplaincy Association (GSCA). Some organizations even focus on training and placing chaplains to work in a specific sport, such as the Soccer Chaplains United and Baseball Chapel.

Why Sports Chaplains Matter

In professional and collegiate sports, the pressures of competition and intense public scrutiny are near constants. This makes the support of a sports chaplain invaluable, since their presence offers athletes a safe space to process not only their physical performance but also their personal struggles, relationships, and challenges off the field.

Beyond offering prayers or conducting religious services, sports chaplains can serve as life coaches who help players navigate the complexities of their careers and personal lives. Athletes often face difficulties such as injuries, career transitions, or personal crises, and a chaplain’s counsel can provide the spiritual and emotional grounding needed to persevere through those events. Their presence is a reminder to athletes that they are not alone, and that someone is there to listen and offer guidance when it feels like an immense weight is on their shoulders.

Sports chaplains also contribute to the overall culture of a team or organization. They give meaning to and reinforce values such as integrity, teamwork, and compassion; their faith-based perspective can encourage athletes to not only excel in their sport but also lead with character and humility. In this way, chaplains help to create a supportive environment where athletes are encouraged to grow as individuals, not just as players.

Ultimately, sports chaplains matter because they help athletes and teams see the connection between their character and their professional endeavors.

Sports Chaplain Duties & Responsibilities

A sports chaplain’s primary responsibility is to provide emotional and spiritual support to athletes, coaches, team staff, and their families. Their role extends far beyond traditional religious duties to fostering the holistic well-being of these individuals. Their core duties may include the following:

• Emotional and spiritual counseling: Chaplains serve as confidential, non-judgmental counselors for athletes and team staff members. They offer guidance during personal or professional struggles, such as dealing with stress, performance anxiety, injuries, or family issues.
• Life coaching and mentorship: They assist athletes in navigating life beyond the sport, helping them with career transitions, relationships, and personal development.
• Leading religious services: Sports chaplains often lead prayer sessions and worship services. They provide a spiritual space for athletes to connect with their faith before games, after losses, or during other team gatherings.
• Providing pastoral care for life events: Chaplains offer support during significant life events such as baptisms, weddings, or funerals, helping athletes and their families celebrate or mourn in a way that aligns with their beliefs and values.
• Offering grief and crisis support: Whether it’s after a teammate’s injury or a difficult loss, chaplains provide comfort and guidance in times of struggle, offering spiritual encouragement and practical advice.
• Facilitating Bible studies and faith-based activities: In some cases, chaplains lead Bible study groups or spiritual retreats for athletes and their families that create opportunities for deeper faith exploration and community building.
• Being a constant, supportive presence: Through daily interactions and consistent involvement with the team, sports chaplains help build trust and relationships that allow athletes and staff to feel seen and cared for, regardless of the outcome of a game or season.

Above all, sports chaplains provide a steady source of spiritual and emotional support, ensuring that athletes have someone to turn to in times of victory and during the toughest and most vulnerable moments of their careers.

Where Do Sports Chaplains Work?

Sports chaplains can be found in a variety of settings throughout the sports world, from professional teams to educational institutions and large-scale events. One chaplain’s work may even span across different levels of competition and athletic engagement, offering support wherever athletes need it most.

• Professional sports teams: Many professional sports organizations hire chaplains to serve their athletes and staff, providing support both at home and on the road during away games and travel.
• College and university teams: Sports chaplains provide spiritual guidance to student-athletes navigating the pressures of academics, competition, and personal life. College sports chaplains may also assist in leading team-focused Bible studies or providing mentorship to student-athletes as they prepare for life after graduation.
• Olympic and international sporting events: At global events such as the Olympics or World Cup, sports chaplains play an essential role in supporting athletes from different countries, religions, and cultural backgrounds, offering a unifying spiritual presence in the midst of intense competition and a diverse cultural environment.
• Youth and amateur sports programs: Sports chaplains are also active in community-based sports programs, such as youth leagues and amateur organizations. These chaplains help young athletes develop not only their athletic skills but also their character and personal integrity through faith-based mentoring.
• Sports camps and training facilities: Chaplains often serve at sports camps, clinics, or training facilities, all prime opportunities for chaplains to foster spiritual growth in emerging athletes before they face the pressures of professional careers.
• Sports ministries and nonprofit organizations: Many chaplains work with sports ministries or nonprofit organizations that use sports as a tool for outreach and community building. These chaplains often mentor athletes in underserved communities, using sports as a bridge to foster life skills and faith development.

How to Become a Sports Chaplain

Like all chaplain specialities, becoming a sports chaplain requires a combination of education, faith-based training, and practical experience.

Education

Most sports chaplains begin by earning a bachelor’s degree in theology, religious studies, ministry, counseling, or a related field. This foundational education provides an understanding of scripture, pastoral care, and counseling techniques that are essential for guiding people of diverse backgrounds through their spiritual or personal journeys.

Many chaplains further their education with a Master of Divinity (MDiv), Master of Theological Studies (MTS), or a Master of Arts in theology or ministry. This advanced training offers more specialized knowledge and prepares candidates for deeper spiritual leadership.

Faith Affiliation and Spiritual Training

While sports chaplains can work in non-denominational settings, it’s important to have a strong spiritual foundation aligned with a particular faith. Chaplains often come from Christian backgrounds, but can also be affiliated with other religious organizations.

Regardless of their personal faith, it’s essential for chaplains to have a solid understanding of interfaith practices, as they must provide non-denominational support to athletes from various faith traditions. Many chaplaincy positions, especially in Christian-based sports environments, require chaplains to undergo spiritual training through seminary or other religious organizations.

Clinical Pastoral Education

Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) is a crucial part of chaplaincy training, especially for those interested in serving in high-pressure or emotionally charged environments like professional sports. CPE offers hands-on experience in spiritual care that helps chaplains develop critical skills in counseling, crisis intervention, and active listening. While CPE is often associated with healthcare settings, the training is highly valuable for chaplains working with athletes facing intense pressure and emotional turmoil.

Chaplaincy Certification

Certification demonstrates a readiness to serve as a spiritual leader in a professional sports environment. Many sports chaplains pursue certification through recognized chaplaincy organizations such as the Association of Professional Chaplains (APC) or the National Association of Catholic Chaplains (NACC). Certification requirements vary, but typically include proof of education, a set number of hours of clinical training or experience, and an interview.

Counseling and Interpersonal Skills

While formal education and certification are essential, counseling skills are at the core of sports chaplaincy. Effective chaplains are empathetic, active listeners with a strong ability to offer non-judgmental, faith-based advice, so developing these interpersonal skills through training and real-life experiences is key.

Hands-on Experience

Volunteering with sports teams, churches, or community organizations is a valuable way to learn the ropes of sports chaplaincy. Many chaplains begin by volunteering in smaller sports leagues or with community-based sports organizations before transitioning to professional or collegiate teams. Internships or field placements at a seminary or through a religious organization can also provide practical training in pastoral care.

Networking and Building Connections

Cultivating relationships within the sports community can open doors to chaplaincy opportunities. Chaplains at any stage of their careers should attend sports ministry conferences to meet other professionals and learn about potential job openings.

Although it is not always a requirement, having a passion for sports can make a significant difference in a chaplain’s ability to connect with athletes. Understanding sports culture, including the pressures athletes face and the unique dynamics of team sports, can help chaplains build authentic trust and rapport with the individuals they serve.

Sports Chaplain Salary & Career Outlook

The salary and career outlook for sports chaplains are generally similar to those of chaplains in other sectors, but there are some unique factors that can influence both.

On average, chaplains in the U.S. earn around $63,500 per year, but this can vary significantly depending on the type of organization and geographic location. For sports chaplains, those working with professional sports teams or large universities can earn higher salaries, while positions in smaller organizations or community-based teams may offer less compensation.

As is the case with chaplains overall, the demand for sports chaplains is growing, particularly as teams and organizations place more emphasis on mental health and athletes’ overall well-being. As a result, sports chaplains are increasingly being integrated into athlete support programs that focus on emotional and spiritual care. However, competition for these positions can be fierce, especially in high-profile sports, so aspiring sports chaplains may need to build experience through volunteer work or internships before securing full-time roles.

Notable Chaplains in U.S. Sports

Most of the time, sports chaplains remain out of the spotlight, far from the media and the public eye, as their work can be very personal and one-on-one. However, several chaplains have gained notoriety for their significant impact on teams and athletic institutions.

Dr. Ira Lee “Doc” Eshleman

Ira Eshleman was a pioneering figure in sports chaplaincy and ministry, best known for his long tenure as the Chaplain of the National Football League (NFL). He founded the pre-game chapel services that are now a staple for every professional football team. As the founder of Sports World Ministries, Dr. Eshleman helped professional athletes share their faith with millions of young people, addressing the challenges of substance abuse and encouraging positive life choices.

Madeline Manning Mims

Madeline Manning Mims made history at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, where she won the gold medal in the 800-meter race and became the first American woman to ever win the event. Following her competitive career, she dedicated her life to ministering to athletes, particularly through her role as a sports chaplain and advocate for faith-based programs within the sports community. She is the founder and president of the U.S. Council for Sports Chaplaincy (USCSC) and has served as a chaplain for multiple Olympic Games.

Joël Thibault

A former soccer player and certified coach, Joël Thibault is a French sports chaplain whose ministry rose to prominence when he began working with top-level athletes, including French soccer star Olivier Giroud. Joel founded Holistic Sport, the first chaplaincy organization for athletes in France.

Johnny Shelton

Johnny Shelton is a well-known NFL sports chaplain, mentor, life coach, and minister. Following a playing career with the Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, and Los Angeles Raiders, he was called to serve with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and later become the team chaplain for the Baltimore Ravens in 2013. In addition to his chaplaincy role, Johnny serves on the boards of the Baltimore City FCA and Uncommon Sports Group, both dedicated to developing Christ-centered leaders in the sports world.

Jack Easterby

Perhaps best known as the former Executive Vice President of Football Operations for the Houston Texans, Jack Easterby served as the team chaplain and “character coach” for the New England Patriots from 2013 to 2018. In his role as chaplain, he was not only responsible for leading faith-based initiatives and providing spiritual guidance for players, coaches, and staff, but also for fostering a culture of unity and support within the team.

Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt

A Roman Catholic nun and beloved chaplain of the Loyola University men’s basketball team, Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt became something of a cultural icon late in life. At 75, she took on a new role supporting student athletes as a chaplain, offering pregame prayers and becoming a fixture of the program. She shot to international fame in 2018 when the Ramblers made a remarkable Cinderella run to the NCAA Final Four, with Sister Jean — then 98 years old — capturing hearts around the world with her infectious enthusiasm and faith.

If you feel called to live out your faith in the world of sports, consider exploring a master’s program at the Franciscan School of Theology (FST). With an emphasis on spiritual formation, pastoral care, and the integration of faith in various professional settings, FST offers the education and training needed to become a successful chaplain in a wide range of secular settings. Learn more about the graduate programs at FST today, and take the next step in your journey of faith and service.

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