Tom Brittain, who was the head varsity coach for Tempe Preparatory Academy in Arizona, was suspended in 2014 for asking one of his baseball players to lead the team in prayer. Coach Brittain joined the team as they thanked the Lord following a game. He was suspended by the headmaster for two games for participating with his team. He was told he had violated the so-called separation of church and state.

Several local residents supported the coach by wearing T-shirts and/or bringing signs to the next game. They said, “Let Tom Coach” and “We believe in Coach Brittain.” Some students drew a cross or shared Scripture.

Opposition to praying or talking about the gospel in public has become more common in recent years. Several organizations have put pressure on school officials to prevent coaches from being able to organize, lead, or participate in prayers or other religious activities before, during, or after games and practices.

Acts 6 – Fighting Opposition

In Acts 6, Luke records the increasing opposition to the gospel as it begins to spread. The church starts to feel the growing pains when some widows are being neglected, so it appoints seven men to serve them. However, all this attracts the attention of the corrupt leaders who bring false charges against the early church leaders.

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete wisely stand for their faith by knowing what their legal rights are and practicing them without fearing the opposition. Groups like the Alliance Defending Freedom provide legal guidelines for public school coaches on forming FCA or Bible study groups, participating in prayer groups with other adults, and distributing literature.

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 – So the word of God spread. And the word of God kept on spreading, and the number of the disciples continued to multiply greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith.” Acts 6:7 (LSB)

Click HERE for the Kingdom Sports Minute on Quick Recovery