Legendary football coach Tom Osborne introduced concepts like weight training and nutrition coaching when they were not yet established. Bobby Bowden was a legend not only for winning football games at Florida State but also for advancing the gospel through his chapel program and personally sharing his faith. Tom Landry is regarded as one of the greatest football coaches of all time for his creative formations, methods, and for coaching one team in the NFL for 29 years. For basketball, you need to look no further than John Wooden, who coached UCLA. He set many records, including seven consecutive national championships. These men were not only great coaches but also great Christian coaches, as they often shared their faith with thousands even after the end of their coaching careers.

Luke 3 – Unlikely Leader

It is hard to believe John the Baptist is considered the greatest man who ever died. Here was the advance man for the Messiah, and yet he is the last candidate any athletic director would consider hiring today! He wasn’t much of a recruiter—he made people come to him. He didn’t dress for success. He insulted those around him and used words like ‘snakes’ and ‘hypocrites.’ He didn’t hesitate to offend those who were his bosses. Worse yet, he told his followers to follow another leader who was more worthy than him. However, John did something that every coach should model. (John 3:2-21)

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete won’t fear being different when God’s Word demands it. Nothing about John’s life was normal. He had different convictions from many of the other religious leaders. Often, the coach or athlete who makes the most significant difference will think differently from other coaches.

Bible Memory Verse – “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,” Luke 6:27 LSB

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