Joel & Emily Thibault – Sharing Jesus in the World of Sport
Joel and Emily Thibault serve in France, where they are passionate about making Jesus known in the world of sport and beyond.
Joel works as a sports chaplain, offering spiritual and emotional support to athletes at all levels – from grassroots clubs to elite international competitors. His role involves building meaningful relationships with sports professionals, encouraging them in their personal faith, and walking alongside them through the pressures and challenges of competitive sport.
Joel served as part of the official chaplaincy team for the 2024 Paris Olympics, providing pastoral care and Christian witness at one of the world’s most high-profile sporting events. This unique opportunity highlights the trust and respect he has earned through years of ministry in the sporting world.
Alongside his chaplaincy work, Joel also:
- Speaks in schools, sharing his testimony and presenting the Christian faith
- Distributes Bibles and resources, often through partnerships with local churches and Christian organisations
- Trains and mentors other Christian leaders, helping grow a vision for gospel outreach through sport across France
Emily supports their ministry through hospitality, relational outreach, and involvement in local church life. Together, they model a life of faith and service in a largely secular culture where public expressions of Christianity are rare.
Their work is part of a wider vision to see the love of Christ impacting all areas of life – including the fast-paced, high-pressure world of modern sport.
