Baseball Chapel is an international ministry recognized by Major and Minor
League Baseball and is responsible for the appointment and oversight of all team
chapel leaders.
OUR MISSION
To bring encouragement to people in the world of professional baseball
through the Gospel so that some become discipled followers of Jesus
Christ.
OUR VISION
To see deeply committed players use their platform to influence people around
the world to become followers of Jesus Christ.
OUR HISTORY
In the early 1960's, players from the Cubs and Twins initiated chapel services when
they were on road trips. Services were usually held at the team hotel.
In 1973, Watson Spoelstra, a Detroit sportswriter, approached Commissioner Bowie Kuhn with
the idea of organizing a chapel program for every major league team. Kuhn granted
approval and Baseball Chapel was created.
In 1974 services switched from hotels to ballparks and chapels were first held during the
playoffs.
At the start of 1975 all major league teams had a chapel program.
A minor league program was established in 1978 and chapels were first held during
winter ball in Latin America. Baseball Chapel is a non-denominational Christian ministry
committed to the spiritual development of people throughout pro baseball.
OUR IMPACT
Chapel programs are established for all 210 teams in the major and minor leagues and many
independent league teams.
Approximately 3,000 players, coaches, managers, trainers, office staff and other team
personnel, umpires and members of the media attend each week.
Chapels begin in spring training and end after winter ball in Puerto Rico, Venezuela and
the Dominican Republic has concluded. Hundreds participate regularly in Bible studies
that are conducted with many teams during the week.
OUR LEADERSHIP
Baseball Chapel's
Board of Directors provides spiritual vision and
prayerful direction to the ministry. In addition to the Board, a group of individuals who
are involved in professional baseball serves as an advisory committee. The full time
staff
members conduct the day to day ministry operations of Baseball Chapel and
provide guidance to the team chapel leaders.
OUR DOCTRINAL STATEMENT
Our doctrinal statement represents the truths of Scripture on which the basis for all
ministry shall be established and carried out.
All board members and staff, paid
and volunteer, shall subscribe to the
statement of faith without reservation.
It is by no means exhaustive but is intended to accurately reflect the truths of Scripture
we believe have been accepted by followers of Jesus Christ from the time He walked the
earth.
It includes the dogmatic beliefs of the church, specifically centering on the Triune God
and salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
We recognize the differences that have developed among believers on secondary issues and
have intentionally avoided addressing these as part of our "doctrine."
Therefore, the statement mirrors our desire for unity that should exist among all who
proclaim the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
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