Article by Ken Webb. Photo of Chaplain David Ruebush praying with Jimmy and Shane at Penwell Raceway.
As we look ahead to 2025, there is so much to be hopeful for in the ministry of Racers / Rodders for Christ. God continues to work powerfully in the lives of drivers, teams, and their families, and as leaders, we have the incredible privilege of shepherding volunteer chaplains as they serve this unique community. Whether at the racetrack, in moments of celebration, or times of heartbreak, chaplaincy leaders are called to embody the love of Christ and guide their teams in bringing God’s hope and peace to the fast-paced world of motorsports. Let us embrace this calling with courage, humility, and faith, trusting in the promise of God’s provision and strength for the journey ahead.
Servant Leadership as a Core Value
Leadership in motorsports chaplaincy begins with embracing the mindset of a servant. In a fast-paced environment like motorsports, it’s easy to get caught up in the intensity of events, but chaplain leaders are called to model the humility of Christ.
This means intentionally seeking opportunities to serve others, whether it’s providing a listening ear, helping a team member at an event, or offering comfort to a chaplain after a tough weekend. Servant leadership involves setting aside personal agendas to prioritize the needs of others.
Encourage your team by regularly reflecting on Jesus’ example in Matthew 20:26-28 and asking:
- Are we putting others’ needs above our own?
- How are we demonstrating Christ’s love in tangible ways at the track?
This kind of leadership not only strengthens relationships but also creates a culture of trust and care that reflects the heart of the Gospel.
Commitment to Spiritual and Emotional Resilience
Racers For Christ is often a ministry on the move, requiring chaplains to show up in moments of joy and crisis alike. As leaders, it’s crucial to equip chaplaincy teams with the tools to stay spiritually and emotionally grounded.
Spiritual resilience begins with a strong foundation in God’s Word and prayer. Leaders can foster this by organizing regular gatherings for their teams. A verse to anchor this effort is 2 Corinthians 12:9:
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
Emotionally, chaplains often carry the weight of others’ pain. Leaders should encourage practices like peer support (care team) and professional counseling when needed. As a leader, check in with your team frequently and remind them:
- It’s okay to ask for help.
- Our strength is found in Christ, even when we feel weak.
Promoting resilience allows chaplains to continue ministering effectively without burnout.
Building Relationships with Intentionality
In motorsports chaplaincy, relationships are the lifeblood of ministry. Drivers, crew members, and families often open up to chaplains because of the trust built over time.
Paul’s words in 1 Thessalonians 2:8 beautifully illustrate this approach:
“We were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.”
Building intentional relationships means going beyond surface-level interactions. It involves:
- Listening deeply to people’s stories and struggles.
- Showing up consistently, even when it’s inconvenient.
- Celebrating victories and mourning losses alongside those you serve.
Encourage your team to see every encounter as an opportunity to reflect Christ’s love. Equip them with resources like pocket devotionals, Scripture cards, or even small acts of kindness that can leave a lasting impact.
Closing Thoughts
By focusing on servant leadership, resilience, and relationships, chaplaincy leaders can guide their teams in 2025 to be both faithful and effective in their calling. When leaders prioritize these biblical principles, they create an environment where the Gospel shines brightly in the motorsports community.
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