Don McClanen, a young athlete and coach in the 1940s and 1950s, wondered why professional athletes endorsed shaving cream and cigarettes but not a Christian lifestyle. That insight became the foundation of one of the world’s largest sports ministries, which aims to serve coaches and athletes while bringing glory to Jesus Christ. After learning that 30 million American youth had no religious training, McClanen started posting his articles in locker rooms and praying before games. Soon, he envisioned a way for well-known Christian athletes to promote their faith on television and in magazines, just as they advertised other household products. He eventually launched the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, reaching millions of lives for Christ and inspiring many similar ministries to use sports to share the gospel. 

McClanen saw his role as a coach as an ambassador for God in sports to a dying world. He opened his eyes to the countless athletes, coaches, and fans who desperately needed the grace of God. McClanen’s story is similar to the prophet Jonah. Each one should remind us of the importance of having hearts aligned with God’s to reach the lost.

Jonah 3-4 – Misplaced Priorities

In chapter 4, Jonah waited outside the city in the hot sun to see what God would do next with Nineveh; God provided a plant to shade Jonah’s head. The next day, God sent a worm to destroy the vine. Jonah fell apart, asking to die. God contrasted Jonah’s attitude with His own. While Jonah was worried about vines, shade, and comfort, God was concerned with a city that needed salvation. God expects believers to fulfill the mission of the great commandment and reach the world with the gospel, whether through sports or other means.

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete believe that God’s disciples are called to make disciples everywhere, “Going into all the world, make disciples of all nations by baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). 

Bible Memory Verse – “But as for me, I will sacrifice to You with the voice of thanksgiving. That which I have vowed I will pay. Salvation belongs to Yahweh.” Jonah 2:9 (LSB)

Click HERE for the Kingdom Sports Minute on Ministry Priorities.