The network of coaching relationships within the NFL is vast and interconnected. According to former head coach Steve Mariucci, being an assistant on multiple staffs means being part of various coaching trees, forming a dense forest of connections. Despite this complexity, each coach can trace their career back to one head coach who was pivotal in securing their current position among 32 NFL head coaches.

God has often used ordinary people to do extraordinary things. In the Old Testament, Joseph went from being a slave to being the prime minister (Gen. 41:39; 45:9, 26). The twelve disciples Jesus chose were all ‘average Joes.’ The word ‘disciples’ in (Luke 6:13) means student, follower, or learner.

Luke 6 – Disciple Making

The term “discipleship” gained popularity during my time as a college athlete in the 1970s. It was a theme for many conferences I attended, but it was not as common in sports ministries outside of Athletes in Action.

When I joined the Fellowship of Christian Athletes staff in 1986 in Nebraska, the emphasis was on evangelism, and I was always drawn back to the need for evangelism and discipleship. After directing an FCA Leadership Camp in Colorado, I was sure something was missing in the follow-up to help many new disciples grow in their faith.

Part of my answer was publishing the Cross Training Workout, which included a Bible reading and scripture memory plan with a journal. Even then, I knew it was only a tool in the disciple-making process.

Thankfully, nearly four decades later, FCA and many churches, as well as other Para-church organizations, have focused more on making disciples who make disciples. Jesus selects His disciples in Luke 6:12-49. Matthew 28:19 uses the words “make disciples” when commanding them to repeat the process.

The Kingdom Coach & Athletes understand that discipleship is a hands-on, mentor relationship that helps another coach or athlete grow in character and shape them into the image of Christ. They understand that discipleship involves replicating the process of making disciples who, in turn, make other disciples.

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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