Job Board

Job Title: Senior Racetrack Chaplain

Job Location: Emerald Downs, Auburn, WA.

What are the overall goals of an RTCA Racetrack Chaplain?

Since 1972, the overall mission of the Race Track Chaplaincy of America (RTCA), through its Councils and Chaplains, is to make disciples of Jesus Christ through teaching, preaching, and ministering to the spiritual, emotional, physical, social, and educational needs of those persons involved in all aspects of the horse racing industry.

A Chaplain’s presence and contribution to a racetrack environment should result in a more positive, harmonious, productive and pleasant place for everyone involved.

How does a Chaplain work to accomplish the mission?

While a Senior Chaplain’s duties and responsibilities vary, here are some that are typical:

• Hold regular interdenominational church services and Bible studies
• Visit the sick and injured workers in the hospital, often providing follow-up
care support for them and their families
• Lead prayer events within jockey rooms, gate staff, trainers, grooms,
barns, etc.
• Hold or broadcast daily devotionals for the entire track community
• Work with track management and other national partners to help plan and
implement mutually advantageous programs
• Make biblically based guidance available to all track workers on issues
including crisis, grief, etc.
• Referrals to drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs, and other
professionals
• Establish working relationships with community clergy
• Advocate and mediate for workers, referring them to agencies when
necessary
• Provide food, clothing, transportation, and support services to workers in
need
• Organize and host on-site and off-site events for workers and their
families during Thanksgiving and Christmas as well as picnics, barbecues,
sports programs, etc.
• Perform marriages, officiate funerals/memorial services, give invocations
at various events
• Help with burial & funeral costs and logistics
• Plan and implement on-site educational programs such as ESL or GED
• Walk shedrows, offices, and grounds to check on the wellbeing of all
involved
• Serve in any other way as necessary

Other expectations:

• Promote and communicate upcoming event details with the track
community
• Maintain regular office hours
• Respond to inquiries (phone calls, texts, emails, visits, etc.) in a timely
manner
• Make others aware how to contact in the event of an emergency


How does a Chaplain work with RTCA National, the local Chaplaincy Council, and track management?

RTCA National supports it’s Chaplains and Councils by providing the following:

• Recruit, screen, approve and provide oversight of a qualified Chaplain
• Provide the Chaplain with ongoing best practices training and education,
including National Conference attendance
• Provide ministry resources, such as Bibles, devotionals, shirts, etc.
• Make available a share of Council account monies to aid the needs of the
program (benevolence and ministry costs)
• Offer Council start-up guidance, including 501c3 application (if necessary)
• Work with track management, horseman groups, and other national
industry partners to solicit support of the program
• facilitate communication across the network of RTCA Chaplains

The Chaplain reports directly to a local Council (Board), which is incorporated as a 501c3 non-profit organization. The Chaplain relies upon the Council for oversight and support. The Chaplain meets regularly
with the Council and provides a report on activities. In the event of a vacancy on the Council, the Chaplain may be asked to aid in the recruitment of new Council members.

The Chaplain (and the Chaplaincy program) are guests at the track, and therefore must work within the policies and guidelines established by the state racing commissioners, track management, horsemen’s organizations, and RTCA.


What is the ideal background/skill set of a Racetrack Chaplain?

God ultimately calls a Chaplain to serve, as this is a long-term commitment for the Chaplain and his family.

The ideal Chaplain’s background will consist of the following:

• Baptized believer and follower of Jesus Christ (non-negotiable)
• Spiritually mature (not a new believer)
• Ordained by recognized, accredited evangelical Body of Christ (with
credentials)
• Five years’ leadership experience in a ministry or church
• Bachelor’s Degree (or higher) from accredited university or college
• Be an unbiased and non-objective third party with no financial or personal
interest at the track

The Biblical qualifications of a Chaplain (Pastor/Elder) can be found throughout scripture, particularly in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1.

What is the time involved and compensation of the position?

The position is a seasonal part-time position (February – September). Chaplain’s hours vary; therefore, a competitive salary will be offered based upon experience and scope

If you would like to get more information on the position, please contact either Dan Waits or Omar Aracena at #859-410-7822. More details of what it means to be a Racetrack Chaplain and a Senior Chaplain’s
application can be found at www.rtcanational.org/serve