OREGON FOOTBALL CHAPLAINCY PROGRAM
Colossians 3:23
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart,
as working for the Lord, not for men
ABOUT OFCP
The Oregon Football Chaplaincy Program exists to provide an opportunity for young athletes to hear the Gospel and to understand God’s purpose for their lives. The pressures and expectations put on these athletes by fans, coaches, social media, and even themselves, can be crushing and overwhelming. Encouraging, praying for spiritual guidance, responding to emergencies, counseling, leading chapel services and Bible study are all at the heart of the Chaplaincy Program.
The mission of the OFCP is to show these athletes the hope and purpose that comes from following Jesus, and to train them up in the grace and truth of Jesus Christ so they can develop into strong godly leaders with proven character and life skills.
Three stages of the Program:
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Understanding the Gospel and Bible Basics
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Sharing the Gospel and Personal Testimony
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Spiritual Leadership Development
About The Chaplain
A former Oregon Duck punter (1994-1990) and NFL player (Green Bay Packers 1999 – 2003, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2004 – 2009, and Washington Redskins 2010), JOSH BIDWELL knows football and loves the University of Oregon. He has been involved with the Oregon Football community for almost 30 years, using his free time to minister and to mentor players, coaches, and staff. In 2011 he was asked by the U of O Football coaching staff to consider a fulltime volunteer role as Chaplain and has not looked back. Josh’s mission is to give young men and coaches every opportunity to grow in the knowledge and grace of Jesus Christ and to become faithful, godly leaders who will passionately seek out God’s will for their lives.
HOPE AND PURPOSE
JEREMIAH 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
BUILDING HOPE
These young men come into this program with many hopes and dreams! However, most come to the quick realization that these dreams are more difficult to attain then they had thought. Worldly hope is a wishful thought that carries great uncertainty but BIBLICAL HOPE is "The ABSOLUTE ASSURANCE of coming good!" My goal is to establish and build BIBLICAL HOPE in the hearts of these young men!
Hebrews 11:1
"Now faith is being sure of what you hope for and certain of what you do not see."
BUILDING PURPOSE
Mark Twain once said, "The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why."
Once these young men see God has a purpose for them, it is my desire to help them build their connection and passion to accomplish God's will in their lives!
Ephesians 2:10
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
MAKING DISCIPLES
When the time comes for a young man to move on to the next chapter of their lives whether it be to a professional football career or into the working world, it is my desire that they be fully equipped to lead others to Christ and disciple others in Christ.
Matthew 28:19
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a]the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
