Pat Fitzgerald, the former Northwestern University Head Football Coach, emphasized the difference between coaches who “teach up” rather than “tear down.” His favorite memories from youth sports are of coaches who taught him sportsmanship and how to be a team player. His best coaches didn’t tear him down. As a result, he tries to coach up every day during the practices he runs for the Wildcats.

Sports have shown that it takes a special kind of leader to build a great team. John Wooden set the standard for great coaches, leading UCLA to 10 NCAA national basketball championships over a 12-year period. He created his own “Pyramid for Success,” which many coaches have since copied. It became a road map for team excellence and helped him build a legacy unmatched in basketball. Wooden taught his players cooperation, team spirit, and friendship. He would “teach up” his players and encourage that attitude, among others.

1 Corinthians 3 – Construct Unity

In Chapter 3, Paul reminds the Corinthians that their lack of unity reflects their spiritual immaturity. He spends much of his letter “teaching up” or building up fellow believers in the local church. Paul warns of severe consequences if they contribute to the destruction rather than the construction of His church (3:17).

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete build up their team with humility, contentment, patience, perseverance, love, and integrity. They avoid pride and bitterness when dealing with their team.

Bible Memory Verse – “Or do you not know that your body is a sanctuary of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you were bought with a price; therefore, glorify God in your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (LSB)

Click HERE for the Kingdom Sports Minute: Praying For Your Team.

Our featured book this week is from The Total Athlete Series, Book 2: Priorities (What Does It Mean To Live With True Priorities?). Written by Ron Brown and Gordon Thiessen

Click HERE to review.

To see our full catalog of over 200 Bible Study Guides and Devotions, click HERE