GET ONSIDE - Rev Peter Allen

Rev Peter Allen

Chaplain for Sport

in the

Diocese of Sheffield

As Chaplain for Sport in the Anglican Diocese of Sheffield Peter spends much of his time within sporting communities across Sheffield.

Peter has been chaplain to Sheffield Wednesday Football since April 2006. He also visits boxing gyms, a weight training gym, The World Snooker Academy, is the on call chaplain for the 2010 World Snooker Championships in Sheffield, is chaplain to Sheffield Sharks Basketball team, the Sheffield Steelers Ice Hockey team, and co-chaplain at the English Institute for Sport in Sheffield.

Peter is also seeking to build a team of people for whom involvement in a community beyond the church community is an expression of their Christian faith whether in the world of sport or some other community.

The Role of Chaplain

The role and function of the Chaplain is one of offering care and concern for all those attached to any area, team or organisation to which the chaplain is assigned, and when requested spiritual guidance.

In practical terms this necessitates the chaplain being available to and able to make and build relationships with the people who belong to their assigned area.

Integrity, trust, confidentiality, empathy, and being a good listener are the hallmarks of good chaplain as for many the chaplain is seen as a trusting figure with whom they can talk. All these attributes are to be underpinned with a desire to serve and care for those to whom they are assigned.

Events for Men

Peter also hosts events for men at the Sheffield Wednesday Football Stadium. These events, entitled Onside Events for Men, are designed to help men discover real stories of how Jesus Christ has changed the lives of other men.

Communities beyond the church

Peter believes strongly that all Christians can affect communities and people beyond the community of the church. He has a suspicion though that many Christians think that sharing faith is for those who are good at it and that it is more difficult than it actually is. Trying to help Christians overcome the stumbling blocks to witnessing is something Peter's likes to try and do.

Experience and learning

Through his own journey as a follower of Jesus, whether as a church member, Church Army Evangelist, Team Vicar, or Sports Chaplain Peter has gathered a few experiences that he believes can encourage and inspire others to know they can be used by God to affect and change people and communities with the good news.

Getting on with the commission

Peter believes that Jesus' directive to his followers 2000 years ago to get on with it still stands for his followers today.