The 4th Global Congress on Sport & Christianity
We were honoured to join scholars, practitioners and chaplains from around the world at Baylor University, Waco, for the 4th Global Congress on Sport & Christianity (31 July–2 August 2025). The gathering opened with Dr Graham Daniels (Cambridge United / Christians in Sport) at the Welcome Dinner and Opening Keynote—setting a compelling tone around faith, formation and the flourishing of the sporting community.
Beyond the excellent programme, the Congress was a rich space to meet new ministries and deepen existing relationships. Many of our chaplains will know Professor Andrew Parker, Nick Watson, Roger Lipe & Brad Kenny—familiar friends to SCUKI—who were active across sessions and conversations throughout the week.
Our contribution
-
Warren Evans presented on Sports Chaplaincy: Then, Now, and in Context with “Called to Make a Difference,” reflecting on the everyday, unseen work of chaplains and the growing ecosystem that supports them across clubs and codes.
-
Warren and Matt Baker joined the roundtable “The Sports Chaplain’s Role in Moral Education, Character Formation, and Discipleship,” exploring how chaplaincy forms people—athletes, staff and volunteers—towards character, resilience and hope.
-
Matt Baker also presented in Sports Chaplaincy: Models and Methods on “The Development of Chaplaincy in English Football,” sharing lessons from the UK journey that can serve the global game.
It was also a joy and privilege for Warren, as Chair of the Global Sports Chaplaincy Association (GSCA), to meet fellow board members in person and hold a fruitful meeting with the team—including Andrew (NZ), Hannah (Oz), and Francis (Asia)—with Michael intending to join online. Strengthening this global collaboration around training, standards and partnerships was a real highlight.
Honouring a friend
It was a particular joy to see Roger Lipe receive the inaugural Sport, Faith & Life Award at the Closing Dinner—recognition of decades of faithful service shaping the character and culture of sport. Please continue to hold Roger in your prayers following the recent passing of his beloved wife of 50 years; we stand with him in hope and love. (The award was presented at the Congress Closing Dinner.) |
 |
Key details from the 2025 event
-
Purpose: A unique gathering bringing together academic scholars and practitioners to share research and ideas at the intersection of sport and Christian faith.
-
Attendance: 250+ participants, including chaplains, coaches, athletes, administrators, media, ministry leaders and scholars.
-
Global reach: Representation from 35+ U.S. states and 10 countries.
-
Host: The Faith & Sports Institute at Baylor University’s Truett Seminary.
-
Format: A multi-day programme of keynote talks, panel sessions and breakout presentations.
Looking ahead
The Global Congress on Sport & Christianity typically meets every three years; the 5th Global Congress is expected to take place in Canada in 2028.
For Sports Chaplaincy UK & Ireland, this Congress reaffirmed what we see every week across the community of sport: small, faithful steps—done consistently, and shared across relationships—create real change. We left Waco grateful for friends old and new, energised by the research and practice being shared, and committed to serving with open hands as we equip chaplains and partner with clubs, leagues and sporting bodies in the months ahead. If you’re exploring chaplaincy for your club or want to learn more about training and support, we’d love to connect.