This week, we’re joined by Kent Chevalier and Johnny Shelton, two remarkable men who serve as NFL team chaplains, providing spiritual guidance, encouragement, and support to players, coaches, and their families. Kent serves with the Pittsburgh Steelers, while Johnny works with the Baltimore Ravens. They each offer a glimpse into the challenges NFL athletes face both on and off the field, and the transformative power of compassion and understanding in high-pressure spaces.
Later in the episode we’ll hear from Earl McClellan, the founder and lead pastor of Shoreline City Church in Dallas, Texas. With a deep faith that began in his teens, Earl shares the story of discovering his spiritual heritage, battling negative self-talk, and learning to live fully in his true identity.
Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:
Past interview: Diane Chew
Upcoming interview: Johnny Van Zant and Donnie Van Zant
Jesus Calling commemorative edition
Fellowship of Christian Athletes
Interview Quotes:
“To be able to serve the team that we grew up rooting for in this capacity is absolutely incredible, and one of those God winks that He gives to us.” - Kent Chevalier
“We're ministering to the players and our coaches that God has called us to, but we need to minister to each other. We need each other because we are the only ones who know what the other chaplain is dealing with.” - Johnny Shelton
“We, as chaplains, are called to be in this space with [the players and their families] side by side, walking with them. It is definitely a privilege.” - Johnny Shelton
“Yes, the Ravens and the Steelers are rivals. But what I love is that moment after the game where we all come out—coaches, players, staff—and we come to that moment at the fifty after the game and we join hands and we kneel before God. And I love that players and coaches from both teams come together and recognize the unity of the brotherhood of faith in the NFL.” - Kent Chevalier
“If your foundation is in your job, in your paycheck, if your foundation is in relationships, all of those things are easily shoved when they're taken away or they start to crumble. The only foundation that we can encourage these men to have is God at the center and at the foundation of their life.” - Kent Chevalier
“When you're watching these players and coaches on Sundays during those games, at one point, would you just stop and would you pray for that player? Would you pray for their wife or their girlfriend? Would you pray for their families? Because let's remember that behind these players, these entertainers, these coaches, are incredible families that God loves deeply and He wants to reach them with His love.” - Kent Chevalier
“God has not given us a spirit of fear. He has given us a spirit of power, love, sound mind, self-discipline. That's the spirit that He's given us.” - Earl McClellan
“I was maybe accustomed to trying to win this thing on my own, like, ‘God, I'm sorry. I don't have it all together. Once I get it all together, then you'll really be pleased with me.’ And God's like, ‘Wait, where did you get that erroneous theology? I want to be in the fight with you. I'm actually the one that gives you the victory.’” - Earl McClellan
“If we can get to that place where we begin to put Christ at the center and our connection with Him at the center, I think a lot of other problems would be answered.” - Earl McClellan
“I love knowledge, I love growing, I want that to happen. But what I really need is that surrender and that connection and that intimacy with Christ. And then allowing my identity in everything I do to flow from that place, rather than it being an add on.” - Earl McClellan
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Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel!
Audio Episodes: https://bit.ly/3zvjbK7
Bonus Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3vfLlGw
Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer: https://bit.ly/3Sd0a6C
Peace for Everyday Life: https://bit.ly/3zzwFoj
Peace in Uncertain Times: https://bit.ly/3cHfB6u
What’s Good? https://bit.ly/3vc2cKj
Enneagram: https://bit.ly/3hzRCCY
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