Episode 489: Special Episode: Interview with an NFL Chaplain: Kent Chevalier - Pittsburgh Steelers

This is a summary of a special episode of the Gospel Addict Podcast, hosted by Greg Bryan and Jim Reske, featuring Kent Chevalier, the chaplain for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Greg Bryan, a self-proclaimed diehard Steelers fan who was born in Pittsburgh, expressed his excitement about learning more about Chevalier's ministryKent Chevalier, the chaplain for the Pittsburgh Steelers, described his path to NFL ministry, which began after 22 years as a local church pastor when tight end Vance McDonald started attending his church, leading to an invitation to serve the team alongside his wife, Erica, through Athletes in Action (AIA). Chevalier’s ministry role involves offering separate Bible studies for players, coaches, and their families, maintaining the "ministry of availability" on the sidelines, and providing a half-hour, gospel-centered chapel service the night before games to "bring church to them". He addresses the intense pressures of fame and wealth by challenging rookies to recognize that the NFL stands for "not for long" (the average career is barely three years) and that their identity must be built on Christ, not the "ball," clicks, or money, reinforcing that they are "human beings," not "human doings". Chevalier initiated the "Deflect the Glory" movement, urging players to bend the knee and deflect praise and worship back to God, with associated apparel sales raising funds for overlooked Pittsburgh ministries. Finally, he is writing a book, Do It Afraid: Jumping into Your God-given Purpose, which includes the LEAP framework (Let God lead, Express your fears, Ask for wisdom, Pray through it) for navigating significant, faith-based decisions.Chevalier’s website is:  www.teamchevalier.com/