GREATER Power: Greater Purpose

October 13, 2023

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"'But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.' After he had said this, he was taken up as they were watching, and a cloud took him out of their sight. While he was going, they were gazing into heaven, and suddenly two men in white clothes stood by them. They said, 'Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up into heaven? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come in the same way that you have seen him going into heaven.'” - Acts 1:8-11 CSB


SET

In some of my favorite movies and books, there’s almost always an inflection point when the protagonist of the story must decide if they are up for the challenge to face an obstacle and adversity on their own. Usually, there’s a point when the main character finds themselves in crisis asking where their biggest supporter went and find themselves asking more questions than they have answers.

 

I imagine this is a bit of how Jesus’ disciples and followers must have felt after Jesus died on the cross. There were so many questions and reasons for doubt… was this really worth it? Changing EVERYTHING to follow a man who just died the most painful death?

 

It isn’t until Jesus RETURNS and is resurrected that light bulbs start to go off in the minds of the disciples and there are new questions that arise. Jesus defeated death. He flipped the script and rewrote the ending in one breath. I bet that got the disciples fired up, bewildered and ready to run through walls. There’s a new buzz, a new hope and a GREATER purpose.


But I also imagine that they wanted action and things to be changed immediately. They may have asked questions like, “When are you going to help me in my crisis?” or “When are you going to go for the victory of all victories?!” 


In this moment, there’s awe and wonder as well as confusion and questioning. But it’s Jesus’ promise that His presence, His Holy Spirit, will go before every one of them. Because of His greater power and defeating death, we now have greater purpose.


What the disciples wanted in an instant, Jesus gave in a lifetime, in fact an eternity, of His presence and His power. It’s as if you, the protagonist, didn’t realize that the answer you so desperately needed was with you the entire time. Jesus unlocks new power–Holy Spirit power, that goes into every life stage, every crisis and every conversation from this day forward. 


Knowing Jesus gives this power to us, we must know what to do with it and how our life looks different because of this resurrection power. We often want this Greater Power to come in a loud booming voice like we see the angels instill confidence in this group of followers. Instead, God uses His Holy Spirit in a still, small whisper - but it’s the same God, He goes before you and me on earth. What a promise that is! He gives us the promise of new life and that gives us a whole new purpose–the GREATEST purpose.



GO

  1. How does knowing God is with you change the way you play or coach for Christ?
  2. How can you live for this Greater Purpose in your school, sports team or community?
  3. Who is someone in your life that could use this same encouragement?

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June 24, 2025
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By Chris Rothenbury June 5, 2025
Staying Faithful in the Locker Room "Don’t let anyone despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity." – 1 Timothy 4:12 As a young Christian athlete, staying grounded in your faith isn’t always easy—especially in the locker room. This space, full of raw energy, peer influence, and pre-game nerves, can be where faith either fades or flourishes. God hasn’t called you to fit in; He’s called you to stand firm. The locker room isn’t just a place to get ready for competition; it’s an opportunity to represent Christ through your actions, words, and example. Why Faith Feels Challenging in the Locker Room Peer pressure, crude jokes, gossip, and competitiveness can make the locker room feel like a battlefield for your faith. But Scripture reminds us: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." (Romans 12:2) You don’t need to preach to everyone. Sometimes, your quiet integrity, kindness, or willingness to pray for a teammate speaks louder than any words. Keeping Christ at the Center of Competition When nerves rise and the pressure to perform builds, you can anchor yourself in the promises of God. Use moments before games, during halftime, or after wins or losses to remind yourself of your purpose: "Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord." (Colossians 3:23) "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13) Your identity is not found in your stats or your role on the team, but in Christ. Practical Ways to Live Out Your Faith in the Locker Room Pray silently before games or practices. It can calm your nerves and remind you that you play for an audience of One. Encourage teammates. Look for opportunities to uplift those who are frustrated or feeling down. Listen more than you speak. Be quick to hear and slow to judge. (James 1:19) Offer to pray for someone. If a teammate is injured or going through a tough time, let them know you’re praying for them. Avoid gossip and crude conversations. Walk away or steer the conversation in a different direction. What to Do When It Gets Tough There will be times when standing up for your faith feels lonely. But you are never alone. Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) When it feels hard: Memorize Scripture to strengthen your mind Talk to a trusted coach, mentor, or FCA Huddle leader Journal your thoughts and prayers Faith in the Midst of Team Culture You don’t need to be perfect—you just need to be present. When you consistently show love, humility, and grace, your teammates will take notice. And over time, you may find opportunities to share why you live the way you do. Even a simple moment—like thanking God after a win or loss—can shift the culture of the locker room. Running the Race with the Right Spirit You were never meant to walk the narrow road alone. Christ is with you, and He has placed you on your team for a reason. The locker room might be where you face the greatest pressure—but it can also be where you shine the brightest. Reflection Questions: What challenges have you faced living out your faith around your team ? What Scripture can you memorize this week to strengthen your witness? How can you show Christ to a teammate who may be struggling? Let your faith be the cleats you wear—firm, steady, and ready for the game ahead. Because when you bring Jesus into the locker room, you bring light where it’s needed most.
June 5, 2025
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June 5, 2025
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Huddle leader shares story at fca sports camp. Ministry to coaches and athletes.
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Raising God-Honoring Competitors in a Culture of Winning "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves." – Philippians 2:3 In today’s culture of youth sports, the drive to win often overshadows the deeper purpose behind competition. As Christian parents, your calling is to raise athletes who compete with excellence—but for the glory of God, not for personal gain. God-honoring competitors reflect Christ on and off the field. They don’t just play to win—they play to worship . Faith as the Foundation of Sportsmanship Faith-centered athletes understand that their gifts are from God and their ultimate purpose is to glorify Him. Colossians 3:23 reminds us, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord." When your child plays with this mindset, they grow in humility, grace, and resilience—regardless of the scoreboard. Encourage your child to: Focus on effort and integrity over recognition. Rely on Scripture and prayer in moments of pressure . Reflect Christ’s character in every interaction—with teammates, opponents, and officials. Instilling Godly Values Through Competition Youth sports are a rich ground for discipleship. Every win or loss is a teaching moment. Romans 5:3-4 reminds us that trials produce endurance, character, and hope. Ways to instill godly values: Celebrate growth, humility, and teamwork more than performance. Talk about how Christ-like traits—like patience and self-control—were demonstrated during games. Praise moments when your child encouraged a teammate or treated an opponent with kindness. Let sports become a training ground for eternal values. Keeping a Healthy Perspective on Winning Winning is a great goal—but it isn’t the highest one. Matthew 6:33 reminds us to "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness." Help your child understand that their worth is not tied to the scoreboard . To model this perspective: Talk openly about disappointments and how God uses them to build character. Teach your child that success includes spiritual growth, not just stats. Keep your post-game conversations focused on effort, attitude, and learning. A healthy perspective creates athletes who are emotionally steady and spiritually rooted. Creating Balance Between Competition and Faith It’s possible to compete fiercely and still stay grounded in faith. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, "Whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God." Help your child balance their athletic pursuits with spiritual rhythms. Practical ways to balance both: Set boundaries for rest, worship, and family time. Prioritize church involvement, even during busy seasons. Encourage pre- and post-game prayer and reflection. Sports should complement, not compete with, your family’s walk with Christ. Teaching Life Lessons Through Athletics Sports mirror life: full of challenges, victories, failures, and lessons. Use your child’s athletic journey to shape their character and deepen their faith. Proverbs 22:6 reminds us to "Train up a child in the way he should go." Life lessons through sports: Trust God’s plan in seasons of waiting or injury. Embrace teamwork and sacrifice over selfishness. Respond to criticism and praise with the same humility. These lessons prepare your child for a life of godly leadership. Compete with Purpose, Parent with Vision As a parent, your influence is powerful. You help shape how your child sees success, identity, and purpose. Keep pointing them to Christ—on the sidelines, in the car rides, and during everyday moments. Reflection Questions for Parents: What messages am I sending my child about winning and worth? How can I help my athlete see sports as a platform to glorify God? Are we prioritizing faith in our family’s athletic journey? Raise competitors who don’t just chase trophies—but chase after God. Because the greatest victory is becoming more like Christ.
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Staying Spiritually Grounded as a Coach in a Competitive Culture "Be alert, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong." – 1 Corinthians 16:13 Coaching young Christian athletes in today’s competitive world comes with both incredible opportunities and intense pressure. Wins are often celebrated above character. Performance is prioritized over purpose. But as a Christ-centered coach, your mission is greater than victory—it’s to remain spiritually grounded and lead your team with integrity, faith, and love. The Weight of Coaching in a Competitive Culture Sports culture often praises success at any cost. But as a coach committed to Christ, you’re called to something higher. Romans 12:2 urges us to "not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Your leadership should challenge cultural norms and redirect attention toward building character, not just winning games. Ways to lead counter-culturally: Emphasize effort, humility, and teamwork over highlight plays. Reinforce that true success is honoring God, not just beating an opponent. Stay anchored in Scripture when making decisions under pressure. Building a Spiritually Grounded Coaching Philosophy Being spiritually grounded means that your values shape your methods. Colossians 3:17 says, "Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus." Every practice, talk, and decision is an opportunity to glorify God. Foundations of a grounded coaching philosophy: Lead with integrity – Stay consistent in faith and behavior, even when no one is watching. Coach with compassion – See your athletes as souls, not just skill sets. Teach for transformation – Use the game to shape lives, not just records. Spiritual Habits to Stay Grounded Coaches need spiritual fuel just like athletes need physical training. Without it, it’s easy to burn out or drift. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 encourages us to "pray constantly… give thanks in everything." Habits that keep your heart aligned: Start each day or practice with prayer. Read and reflect on Scripture related to perseverance, leadership, and humility. Journal victories—not just on the scoreboard, but in character and growth. Seek mentorship and accountability from other faith-driven leaders. Incorporating Faith Into Coaching Practice You don’t have to preach sermons to make an impact. Your presence, consistency, and quiet commitment to Christ speak volumes. Proverbs 27:17 reminds us, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." How to live your faith while coaching: Open or close practices with prayer or a short devotion. Encourage athletes to set spiritual as well as athletic goals . Talk openly about how Christ influences your decisions and mindset. Invite spiritual reflection during wins, losses, and challenges. Handling Pressure Without Losing Your Purpose Competitive sports often come with high expectations—from parents, administration, and even yourself. It’s tempting to measure success by results. But Galatians 6:9 reminds us, "Let us not grow weary of doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest." Tips to stay focused: Remember who you’re coaching for: the Lord, not the crowd. Pause and pray when emotions rise. Ask, “How can I model Christ right now?” before addressing conflict. Discipling Through the Game Coaching is a form of discipleship. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 urges us to talk about God’s truths “when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road…” Sports provide those “road” moments—bus rides, team talks, setbacks, and victories. Ways to disciple through coaching: Share stories of how faith helped you overcome adversity. Teach your team to see the bigger picture—eternal impact over temporary success. Help athletes develop their own faith practices. Stay Rooted, Stay Faithful You may not always see the fruit of your faithfulness right away—but don’t lose heart. Your leadership has eternal impact . Psalm 1:3 reminds us that the one who delights in the Lord "is like a tree planted by streams of water... whose leaf does not wither." Reflection Questions for Coaches: What’s currently competing with your spiritual focus in coaching? How can you better integrate prayer and Scripture into your routine? What legacy of faith are you building into your athletes? Stay rooted in Christ. Stay steady in the chaos. And keep showing young athletes that the most powerful victories come not from the scoreboard—but from a life fully surrendered to God.
May 28, 2025
What It Means to Be a Kingdom Athlete: Competing with a Higher Purpose "Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people." – Colossians 3:23 As a young Christian athlete, you have the unique opportunity to compete for something greater than medals or recognition. As a Kingdom Athlete, your goal isn’t just winning games—it’s glorifying God in every step of the journey. Your faith and your sport are not separate. In fact, when they’re intertwined, your athletic journey becomes a platform to live boldly for Christ. Understanding the Heart of a Kingdom Athlete To be a Kingdom Athlete is to view your talents as a gift from God, given not for self-promotion but for serving others and reflecting Christ. 1 Corinthians 10:31 reminds us, "So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God." Your sport becomes an act of worship—a daily opportunity to demonstrate integrity, humility, and perseverance. Kingdom Athletes: Compete with purpose, not just ambition. Use wins and losses as opportunities to grow in Christ. Influence others by living out their faith with consistency and joy. Faith and Performance: Strength Through Christ Athletes face pressure, setbacks, and intense competition. But Philippians 4:13 gives you a powerful reminder: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Your faith gives you mental strength, spiritual focus, and an unshakable foundation. Instead of letting fear or pride take over, you can face each challenge with confidence grounded in Christ. Faith also: Keeps your identity rooted in God, not performance. Offers peace in pressure-filled moments. Reminds you that your worth never changes, win or lose. Character First: Compete with Integrity Proverbs 11:3 says, "The integrity of the upright guides them." As a Kingdom Athlete, your character matters more than your stat line. What you do—and how you do it—reflects the One you represent. Your teammates, coaches, and opponents should see something different in you: a joy, a humility, and a deep respect for the game and everyone involved. Living out your faith in sports means: Playing fair, even when no one’s watching. Treating opponents and referees with respect. Celebrating victories without arrogance and accepting losses with grace. Balancing Faith and Athletics It’s not always easy to stay spiritually strong in the middle of busy seasons. Practices, travel, and competition can crowd out time with God. But Matthew 6:33 encourages us to "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you." Tips to keep faith at the center: Schedule time for prayer and Bible study like you would training. Find accountability through teammates or a faith group. Bring your faith into practices and games—pray before, reflect after. Serving Others Through Your Sport Jesus came to serve, not to be served (Mark 10:45). As a Kingdom Athlete, you can use your platform to encourage others—whether that’s through mentoring, uplifting teammates, or volunteering at local sports events. How to live this out: Lead pre-game devotions or prayer huddles. Look for ways to serve your team behind the scenes. Use your voice to share encouragement and truth. Leaving a Lasting Legacy The impact of being a Kingdom Athlete goes far beyond your athletic career. Psalm 112:6 says, "The righteous will be remembered forever." You’re not just building a resume—you’re building a legacy of faith, leadership, and purpose. Your influence can: Inspire younger athletes to put Christ first. Challenge others to compete with greater integrity. Show your community what it means to glorify God through sports. Play for the King In every sprint, serve, swing, and shot—play for the King. Let your actions on and off the field reflect the love and truth of Jesus Christ. Your sport is more than a game—it’s a mission field. Reflection Questions for Athletes: What motivates me to compete—glory for myself or glory for God? How can I reflect Christ more clearly through my sport? Am I balancing my faith and athletics in a way that honors God? You were created for more than the scoreboard. You were made to compete with a higher purpose—as a Kingdom Athlete.
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