Across thirty-one years of ministry in sport, Roger Lipe has observed and perceived life among coaches, athletes, support staffs, and their families. Since 2007, he has been sharing his reflections on life in sport and ministry in sport with hundreds of his sports chaplaincy and sports ministry colleagues around the world. This book is a collection of those reflections; it is offered for your encouragement, inspiration, and perspective as you experience life in sport. Roger Lipe is the Character Coach Director for Nations of Coaches, a ministry to college basketball in the USA. He has most recently served as character coach to Southern Illinois University Men's Basketball and served as character coach or sports chaplain to several other sports teams at SIU since 1994.
Roger worked with several colleagues from around the world in the development of the Global Sports Chaplaincy Association. His global network of friends and colleagues has enabled him to make dozens of international trips to over twenty nations on six continents of the world to facilitate ministry in sport since November of 2000.
What people are saying about Here is Joy:
"There is no one better at looking at the experiences of sport and life and drawing out Christian principles from them than Roger Lipe.
In John 15, Jesus told his disciples "I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." Sport is a great gift of God yet so often we let the pressure to perform and the importance of winning stop us from experiencing the sheer joy of playing/coaching/watching.
Roger's book will help you to keep sport and the joy of sport in perspective."
Stuart Weir Executive Director - Verite Sport United Kingdom
"Roger Lipe is a shining example of a selfless career in ministry-particularly in sport-impacting not only individuals but their families for generations. Over the years, both his friendship and his writings have helped support me in my valleys, ground me in my triumphs, and encourage me at all points in between. Know that you will be blessed when you allow his work to do the same for you!"
Toby Brooks, PhD, MBA, ATC, CSCS Director, Academy for Teaching and Learning Clinical Professor Health, Human Performance, and Recreation Baylor University (USA)
"Roger's Here is Joy" is a heartfelt exploration of the intersection between sports, faith, and ministry. He reflects on decades of experience serving as a chaplain, mentor, and supporter in the lives of athletes and coaches. Through deeply personal anecdotes and insights, he illuminates the challenges and triumphs of intertwining spiritual growth with the dynamic, often unpredictable world of sports.
The book stands out as a celebration of the human spirit, a testament to the power of faith in transforming both victories and failures into opportunities for deeper meaning and growth.
Warren Evans Chief Executive Officer of Sports Chaplaincy UK and Ireland
