IAIN WALKER
Chaplain at St Austell Running Club
“It was clear that this was where God was leading me.”
How did this come about?
In July 2023 I was commissioned by Holy Trinity church as chaplain at St Austell Running Club (often known as that chap-lain). The journey started the year before when Queen Elizabeth died. I saw the Archbishop of Canterbury being a ‘chaplain’ to the queues outside Westminster Hall to “listen to people’s stories.”
After typing ‘running’ and ‘chaplain’ into Google (as you do), Sports Chaplaincy UK (SCUK), came up, who provide chaplains for professional football clubs. After praying,asking the club, the church and SCUK, it was clear that this was where God was leading me.
What do I do?
The role of a sports chaplain is to be servant hearted, striving to be pastorally proactive and spiritually reactive. I often say that I am there to be Jesus for people of faith or no faith, providing holistic well-being for all involved in the community of sport.
Being at the club is a big commitment of 2-4 evenings or days a week at the club or events. Excellence in what we say and do is important as we look to the interests of others with compassion. Confidentiality and being trusted as a safe port of call is vital. It is all about Jesus and not my ego.
How can you help?
As with all aspects of mission, prayer is vital.
Pray for the community of sport, that they may be more aware of God near them in His creation, and prayers for all Christians in sport that they may bring Jesus’ presence into their community. We all pray that opportunities to introduce people to Jesus may arise and that we will respond appropriately.
What next?
I often say that I am there to be, not preach, Jesus. But I want to have opportunities to talk about my faith in Jesus. As I run, I feel the presence of God, and that I am part of God’s creation in His creation. To this end I belong to Christian Runners.
Do you run? Are you a Christian?
Then the leaflet below may be just for you.
I love running and will gladly talk (for as long as possible) about running and how this impacts my faith. Beware!
