The network of coaching relationships within the NFL is vast and interconnected. According to former head coach Steve Mariucci, being an assistant on multiple staff 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.

Luke 6 – Discipleship

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 Joe’s,’ The word ‘disciples’ in (Luke 6:13) means student, follower, or learner.

Discipleship became a popular term when I was a college athlete in the 1970s. It was a theme for many conferences I attended but 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 and other Parachurch organizations focused more on making disciple-making 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 discipleship is a hands-on mentor relationship helping another coach or athlete grow in character and shape the disciple in the image of Christ. They know discipleship is replicating the process of making disciples who make other disciples.

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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