Chris Duckworth

My name is Chris Duckworth. I want everyone to know that without the grace of God I am not able to do what I do. I am a sinner saved by the grace of God. It is also an honor and a privilege to be a part of what God is doing in the lives of student athletes on the campus of Southern Illinois University (SIU).

I focus on SIU student athletes and I help them by focusing on their hearts and minds. I spend time with them. I attend practice and workouts. All of this leads to bettering themselves to be able to perform at their best. The relationship I build leads to real life talks and in these moments, I am able to share Jesus with them.

Who: SIU student athletes. I am the full time character coach for the SIU Women’s basketball team. I am working with Nations of Coaches to fill this role with the help of Roger Lipe.

I also work with the Men’s basketball team by attending practices. Roger Lipe is the men’s basketball character coach. I get the privilege to assist him.

I am working with the men’s football team by attending practices, hanging out in the weight room, and spending time with a few of them on a one on one basis.

I am working with the women’s soccer team as part of their staff. I am their full time character coach.

My future plan is to continue to work with the teams I am currently working with along with developing relationships with coaches and players from the women’s volleyball team and track and field.

I am going where God leads me.

All other athletes and athletic programs are in my long term plans as well.

What:   I, as a ministry, deal with the hearts and minds of student athletes. I spend time with them. I pay attention to them. I focus in on their hearts to see how they are as a student, an athlete, and an over all human. This leads to their minds. I work with their minds to see what comes out of their heart and minds. This is normally expressed through their words and actions. I pay attention to this.

We also do team building for teams. We act as a character for teams over all. We also can be the sports chaplain for a team. This can all be done at the same time or individually or as a team.

When:    We work with student athletes and their teams at all times. When they are available is when we show up. This can be scheduled times such as practice or specific times for team building. This can also be on a one on one basis when this opportunity comes.

I am also on campus on a regular basis. I am available for them when they need me. Being available makes more opportunities to serve student athletes.

We host a Bible study on Monday nights at 7:00pm called Saluki Down Time. We serve food each night. We hang out. We talk about life. We study the bible together.

Why:    God has called me to serve student athletes in a way that Jesus can be shared with them. Student athletes have a lot going on. They have choices and decision to make each and every day.

Life can be difficult for these student athletes. They are away from home and their hearts and minds are full. I serve them because Jesus came to die for all of us and they need to hear this. They more importantly need to be shown this. They need someone that cares about them and their life. They need someone that will not judge them. Student athletes need someone that will be there for them no matter their circumstances.

Coaches and players come in go. 4 years maybe 5 will be the length of time I will have an opportunity to serve them. Sometimes it will be even shorter than that. My why is because Jesus loves them and I want to share the love of Jesus by serving them where they are.

Where:    I am working on the campus of SIU. I go where they are.