Pat Fitzgerald, the former Northwestern University Head Football, 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 in the practices he runs for the Wildcats.

Sports have shown 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 in a 12-year period. He created his own “Pyramid for Success,” which has been copied by many coaches since. This 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 – Build Up!

In Chapter 3, Paul reminds the Corinthians their lack of unity shows their lack of spiritual maturity. He spends much of his letter to “teach up” or build 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.

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 – “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

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