Stewardship, Chapels, and the Beautiful Game: A Latter-day Saint Perspective

We often speak of callings and responsibilities within the Church, but consider the broader concept of vocation – the sense of purpose and meaning we find in all our endeavors. Alan Pace, in a recent conversation with For All the Saints, illuminated this principle beautifully while discussing his roles as Chairman of Burnley Football Club and RCD Espanyol. His story, deeply intertwined with his family’s missionary roots in England and his commitment to faith, offers a compelling perspective on leadership and the responsibilities that come with influence.

Listening to the episode, it struck me how powerfully his experience resonated with the principles of stewardship we’re taught in the temple and emphasized by the Brethren. To reject the notion of “ownership” and instead embrace the role of steward – leaving things better than you found them – is a profound testament to a Christ-centered worldview. It's a principle echoed in the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) and continually reinforced through General Conference addresses.

Pace’s recounting of his family’s history, returning to the Hyde Park Stake Center where his father once served as a missionary, highlights the enduring power of covenants and the generational blessings of the Restoration. The synchronicity he experienced – working in the very towns where his father had labored – serves as a poignant reminder of the divine hand guiding our lives. It’s a tangible manifestation of the promises made to those who diligently seek to follow the path of righteousness.

The challenges he faces, navigating the intense scrutiny and vitriol of professional sports, are not unique to those in high-profile positions. We all encounter moments of doubt and discouragement. His reliance on temple attendance, silent boundaries, and sincere prayer offers a practical framework for weathering these storms. It’s a reminder that even amidst the noise and chaos of the world, we can find clarity and peace through diligent communion with the Spirit.

Perhaps the most compelling takeaway from Pace’s interview is his challenge to shift our focus. Instead of solely seeking assurance of God’s love for us, he encourages us to examine how our daily actions demonstrate our love for Him. This is a demanding question, one that requires constant introspection and a willingness to align our behavior with the principles we profess. It’s a call to discipleship, a reminder that faith is not merely a feeling, but a commitment to action – a living testimony of our devotion to the Lord.

The parallels between chapels and football stadiums, as Pace observes, are striking. Both represent gathering places, communities strengthened by shared experience and purpose. And as we strive to build Zion in our own spheres of influence, let us remember the lessons gleaned from his example: embrace stewardship, seek solace in the temple, and continually strive to demonstrate our love for God through our actions.

Let us consider, in our own lives, where we might better embody the principles of stewardship. Where can we leave things – our families, our communities, our callings – better than we found them?