COME PLAY WITH US
Our webinars and in-person events offer innovative, thought-provoking, and inspiring conversations at the intersection of sport, spirituality, and social justice. We bring together diverse voices to challenge dominant narratives and reimagine the role of sport as a site of care, community, and liberation.
The Black Sports Ministry Network invites you to join us on Saturday, August 15, 2026, for the 2026 Future of Sports Chaplaincy, an annual gathering dedicated to examining the evolving landscape of spiritual care in sports. This year, we are honored to recognize Pastor Robert "Bob" Gray for his extraordinary 26 years of faithful service as chaplain to the Boston Celtics. Pastor Gray's enduring ministry offers a powerful witness to the transformative role chaplains play in the lives of athletes, coaches, and organizations.
Guided by the theme, "Bridging Generations of Care in Athletics," this year's convening will bring together chaplains, scholars, practitioners, students, and faith leaders to explore critical questions facing the field: What does faithful sports chaplaincy look like across generations? How do we honor the legacy and wisdom of longtime chaplains while preparing emerging leaders for new realities in sports? And how do we cultivate ministries of care that are rooted in tradition, adaptive to changing contexts, and culturally competent in serving increasingly diverse communities?
Through thoughtful dialogue, shared experiences, and collective reflection, participants will consider how sports chaplaincy can continue to respond faithfully and effectively to the spiritual, emotional, and social needs of those in sport. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the practice and vocation of sports chaplaincy, hear from chaplains serving in high school and collegiate settings, and engage with athletic administrators during a dynamic panel discussion. Whether you are a current chaplain, a student exploring the field, a faith leader, or simply interested in the intersection of sports and spirituality, this event offers an opportunity to connect, learn, and envision the future of chaplaincy together. Light refreshments will be served.
Participants attending the event will also have the unique opportunity to experience Martha's Vineyard during the same weekend as the African American Film Festival and the African American Book Festival, making it a vibrant weekend of learning, fellowship, culture, and celebration.
The Future of Sports Chaplaincy
The Future of Sports Chaplaincy: Inclusive, Trained, and Ready
The Black Sports Ministry Network, Inc. invites you to join us for a powerful conversation on why inclusive, well-trained chaplains are vital in today’s sports world.
Featuring:
🏈 Former New England Patriots Chaplain
🏀 Harvard Women’s Basketball Chaplain
🦅 Boston College Athletic Director - Student Support Services
💼 BSMN’s Co-Founder & Executive Director
Event Description:
Sports chaplaincy is vital—but too often, it’s limited in scope, training, and inclusivity. In an era when athletes, coaches, and support staff reflect a wide range of identities, cultures, and faith traditions, the need for chaplains who can serve everyone has never been greater.
Today’s athletes, coaches, and support staff navigate not only personal and professional challenges but also pressing world issues such as racial justice, gender equity, LGBTQ+ inclusion, the impact of politics and global conflicts, all amplified by the complexities of living in an age of constant connectivity and technological change. Chaplains have a unique opportunity to stand alongside these individuals, providing spiritual grounding, emotional care, and ethical leadership to help develop leaders who can navigate this evolving landscape with integrity and resilience.
This event is free and open to all. Registration is required. Click HERE to Registrer.
*This event is In-Person only.
Location:
Howard Thurman Center at Boston University, Room 205
808 Commonwealth Ave. Brookline, MA, 02446
Date:
Monday, November 24, 2025
Time:
3:30 - 5:00pm EST
Speakers
Keynote Speaker - Cynthia N. Perry, Former Athletic Trainer and Co-Founder & ED of BSMN
Panelist - Chaplain Jua Robinson, Former NFL Chaplain for the New England Patriots
Panelist- Michael Harris, Athletic Director - Student-Athlete Academic Services for Boston College
Panelist- Shariah Anderson, Chaplain for Harvard Women’s Basketball Team
Moderator
Dr. Stephanie Edwards of the BTI
This event is sponsored by:
Eastern Bank Foundation
BSMN’s 1st Birthday Party
In just one year, we’ve brought together professional athletes, chaplains, coaches, scholars, and community leaders through meaningful webinars, solidarity circles, and conversations at the intersection of faith, sports, and social justice. Together, we’ve begun shaping a powerful movement of care, advocacy, and empowerment for Black athletes and sports leaders. We invite you to join us as we celebrate this milestone and look ahead to all that’s to come.