{"articleDetail":{"publishDateDisplay":"March 26, 2026","summary":"\"quot;I have a core conviction when it comes to God’s call in our lives...\"quot; shares Pittsburgh Steelers Chaplain Kent Chevalier 'apos;99 at the launch party for his new book on Geneva'apos;s campus.","image":"site://geneva.edu/stories/_assets/kent-chevalier-story-header.jpg","tagItems":"[Athletics, Alumni Engagement, Bible-Philosophy]","articleText":"How did a nest of baby birds lead Erica (Snyder) ‘99 and Kent Chevalier ‘99 to become chaplains for the Pittsburgh Steelers? How did guided prayer experiences help them to discern God’s calling in their lives? Find out in Kent’s new book, Do It Afraid. \n\nKent Chevalier speaking in Metheny Fieldhouse.\n\nKent shares their testimony of God’s timing and guidance (and the impact of those baby birds) in his speaking tour for his newly launched book, Do It Afraid. Kent spoke on Geneva’s campus the evening of March 24 to a room filled with student-athletes, college staff members, and family and friends from various seasons of life. The crowd rippled with joy and pride for the Beaver County native who has served as an NFL chaplain for nearly seven years — from former college professors to a high school basketball coach, from pee-wee sports teammates to members of the churches he formerly pastored, from his wife and daughters to his mom, Elaine. \nKent’s Geneva story began 30 years ago when he became a student at the College. As fieldhouse manager, he spent hours in the gymnasium — where he was when his sister, Shannon Chevalier ‘97, introduced him to the members of the cheerleading squad, including his future wife. Standing on the stage in Metheny Fieldhouse, Kent revealed this was the exact spot he and Erica met 30 years ago. \n\nKent'apos;s mom, Elaine Chevalier, at his book launch.\n\nBut this story wouldn’t exist without the college education made possible by his mom, Elaine Chevalier, whom Kent honored at his event. Elaine worked in food services at Geneva for 31 years, beginning in 1988. Her connection paved a way for her kids to earn undergraduate degrees from the College. “If she did not get a job at Geneva College when I was a little kid, then I would not have had the opportunity to even have a college education,” says Kent. “[She has] been a backbone for our family [and has] done extremely well to serve us and so many of the people in this room.” \nDecades later, Kent has returned to his alma mater for the launch of his book, inspired by his and his wife’s work with the Steelers. Do It Afraid shares a testimony of what the Lord has done in their lives, and the faithful decision-making process they use when facing daunting life changes. The book includes a foreword by former head coach Mike Tomlin and an endorsement by Ben Roethlisberger, two-time NFL Super Bowl champion quarterback. \nKent disclosed a portion of their story from the stage on Wednesday evening, naming the sharing of a testimony as the act of “telling today about what the Lord did yesterday.” He outlined his journey from full-time pastor to full-time missionary as an NFL chaplain. As part of his story, Kent outlined his experience in feeling a call from the Lord towards a new assignment but remaining hesitant to make the leap. \n\"quot;I have a core conviction when it comes to God’s call in our lives. He does not ask; He tells. He commands,” says Kent. “And we try to negotiate, and all that means is simply that we’re disobeying his direct orders.” \nAs he sought the Lord’s guidance during that time, he was reminded that “God’s timing is just as important as His direction.” He waited for nearly two years as the pieces fell into place. During those years, he was introduced to former NFL player Vance McDonald. As their friendship grew, Kent began to watch football games differently. Vance and the other players were no longer just athletes; they were people with families, with souls that need tending. \n\nA book signing followed the main speaking event.\n\nWithin a few years, Kent and Erica were invited by Mike Tomlin to join the staff of Athletes in Action as co-chaplains for the Steelers, which would require both to leave the comfort of consistent paychecks and become support-raising missionaries. Despite their fear in the unknown, the Chevaliers knew that “When God guides, He always provides.” In unity, they made the decision to step out in faith. \nYears later, they share this testimony and more in Kent’s new book. Of the book Kent says, “We have learned to L.E.A.P. before we jump. I'apos;ll take you through a series of practical action steps found in Scripture that we have learned over three decades of following Jesus together. We'apos;ve learned these powerful lessons from great mentors along the way, and I will share with you the exact Bible-inspired steps we took before we made one of the biggest decisions in our lives.” \nThe Chevaliers’ testimony is a powerful message for those of all ages, and especially impactful for the college students present at his book launch. Kent and Erica speak boldly of the power of Christ in their lives, the tension in discernment before the Lord, and the importance of a unified marriage and family in the decision-making process. \nFind more information about their ministry and new book at kentchevalier.com/doitafraid.","author":null,"publishDate":"2026-03-26","type":"Stories","title":"Kent Chevalier: Do It Afraid","imageDesc":"","url":"/article/kent-chevalier-do-it-afraid","blogCategories":"","id":"2665d369ac0a24042ec44bb1105df04f","detailUrl":"/stories/2026/03/kent-chevalier-do-it-afraid.json","sourcePath":null,"slug":"kent-chevalier-do-it-afraid"}}