Chaplain Toolkit
You’re seeing something in this program that concerns you.
The way an athlete is being treated. The culture that is developing. A decision that was made that you believe was wrong. Something that the chaplain’s position puts you in view of that the institution hasn’t seen or addressed.
What do you do with it?
Read this passage slowly.
If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.
Matthew 18:15 — NIVLet that sit for a second before you move.
Go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. The instruction is direct, private, and person-to-person. Not indirect. Not around the person. Directly to them, in private, before any escalation.
When the chaplain has a genuine concern about how a program is operating — the treatment of athletes, a cultural dynamic that is harmful, a decision that crosses ethical lines — the first step is the direct, private conversation with the person who has the authority to address it. Not a conversation with athletes about the coach’s failure. Not a report to administration before the direct conversation. The direct conversation.
That conversation requires courage and humility in equal measure. Courage to say what you see. Humility to acknowledge that your view of the situation may be incomplete and that the person you’re speaking with deserves to hear your concern and respond to it before any further action.
What happens after that conversation depends on the response. If it is received and addressed: the process is complete. If it is dismissed in a way that leaves the concern unresolved: the next steps involve appropriate escalation through institutional channels, with the awareness that the chaplain’s role in the institution may change as a result.
You are a chaplain, not an enforcer. But you are also a person with a conscience. Navigate the difference with both courage and humility.
The direct private conversation comes before any escalation. It requires courage to say what you see and humility to acknowledge you may not see all of it.
Is there a concern in this program that you’ve been carrying privately that deserves a direct conversation? What is the specific thing you need to say, and to whom?
This question may surface serious concerns. The chaplain should have clarity on institutional reporting channels before this conversation.
Have the direct conversation. With courage and humility. Then navigate from what happens next.
This devotional is for serious concerns, not routine differences of opinion. Be clear about the distinction before using it.