Consider making a difference that lasts forever - invest some of yourself in a local HS team!

Coaches/Chaplains:
Christian Adults who are willing to come alongside teenagers and gently guide and encourage them in life and in their Christian walk: "We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel but our lives as well." 1 Thessalonians 2:8

Why do we need Chaplains?
Teenagers are in the stage of life where they are pulling away from their parents and making many decisions on their own. We hope and pray that our mentors will listen and give perspective that a teen may ignore coming from their own parents.

Think of it as being a player's development coach. The coaches have already done much of the work. In coaching terms they have taught and modeled the fundamentals. Now, as players, the athletes are playing in the game and still need direction. Chaplains are coaches who shout encouragement and reinforce the fundamentals of the faith.

We are not looking for perfect people to be mentors, but people who are growing in Christ and are able to model Jesus and allow his unconditional love to shine through them in practical ways, like being:

Caring, forgiving, understanding, non-judgmental. Mentoring is more about supporting and listening then it is about giving out information. Be willing to learn to grow through the mentoring relationship. Have a set time for meetings every week, month, etc. and be consistent in showing up.

Open & Authentic- willing to share yourself and take risks when talking with a student. Be honest about your shortcomings and what you have learned from your own mistakes.

Encouraging- affirm the student for who he or she is, believe in them and demonstrate it. Keep discussions confidential. Confront lovingly and gently. Don’t tell parents or Youth Pastor. (The only exception is in situations with harmful potential such as suicide thoughts, abuse, pregnancy, alcohol, drugs. Then you tell them up front that you have to tell the Youth Pastor or parent).

Nurturing- always show acceptance, building a relationship of trust where the student feels valued. Be observant of verbal and non-verbal cues about what’s happening in their life and ask appropriate questions.

Praying- you won’t be in this alone. Hold your student and the relationship up to our all-powerful God and trust Him to guide and provide.
Listen to one of our coaches share about his faith and telling his team to know Jesus Christ. Coach Mac

If this sounds like a ministry for you, or to find out more, contact:

Call 703-278-3970 or email: va@fca.org

“Whether you coach them, encourage them, or correct them… remember in whose image each young person is created in.”