Legendary football coach Tom Osborne introduced things like weight training and nutrition coaches when none existed. 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 national championships in a row. These men were not only great coaches but also great Christian coaches, as they often shared their faith even after their coaching careers with thousands.

Luke 3 – Prepare and Get Out of the Way

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 go and follow another leader who was worthier than him! However, John did something that every coach should model. (John 3:2-21)

John took a two-phase approach to his mission: Prepare the way and get out of the way. John was calling the people of Israel to prepare their hearts for the coming of their Messiah. (3:4) Your goal is to point others toward Christ, not yourself. While this is probably the most critical lesson from John the Baptist, there is at least one more.

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

Journaling helps you understand and respond to the Bible. As you journal, use the acronym HEAR to Highlight, Explain, Apply, and Respond to what you have read in the reading plan.

Bible Memory Verse – A student is not above his teacher; but everyone, after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher. Luke 6:40 LSB

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