How to Live Out Your Influence as a Coach

King Solomon, the wisest and wealthiest man on earth, summed up his take on life with this:

“I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.” –Ecclesiastes 1:14

If everything has very little meaning, according to King Solomon, why do we coach?

If it was just about winning, coaching would indeed be empty. Our trophies, our money, and our fame would die with us. But, because God has called us to coach, coaching has a purpose that outlasts this world. Our job as coaches is not just about coaching, it is about discipleship.

There is a distinction between coaching and discipleship.

As coaches, we call plays, make halftime adjustments, watch our athletes’ form, give pregame speeches, work with AD’s, assistant coaches, trainers, and staff, and put out fires constantly (just to give a few examples). Every coach sets out to be a winner. But we must remember that no matter how many games we win, our greatest victory is to “make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:16-20) and to spiritually develop those under our influence. 

The demand for performance in sports creates a wonderful opportunity for discipleship. This is a world in which God wants to bring His Kingdom in powerful ways. God is a gentle Father who, despite our pain, mistakes and shortcomings, reminds us of our identity as sons and daughters (Galatians 4:4-7). He is present as a faithful friend who leads us and labors with us (John 15:15). He longs to reveal His secrets to us, even when we are out there playing a game and doing the thing we love (Jeremiah 33:3). He has so much for us to learn, we just have to be paying attention.

“Where shall I go from Your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to heaven, You are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, You are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me.” –Psalm 139:7-10

If God is in the heights and the depths, don’t you think He is also on the pitcher’s mound, the team bus, the ice bath and the 50-yard line in every game, every season? 

Who can help our athletes see God during the grind of a sports season? Who can point them to a better narrative for their lives, opposing what the world tells them? The coaches who are also in the locker rooms, at the team dinners and at the press conferences alongside their athletes are positioned to do this. Coaches have been in the same shoes as their players, and coaches have the greatest potential to shape history by choosing to not just coach, but to disciple their athletes.

Don’t be afraid to step back from the grind of coaching and ask God, “How can I be discipling my players?” As a coach, you have so much more to offer your players than you think. Don’t become so engulfed in the demands of coaching that you forget your calling. Sometimes we will take heat for it. Discipleship is often risky, but always worth it.

“But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.” –1 Peter 3:14-16

Coach: Remember that God is waiting for you at your next team meeting and on the sidelines of your next practice. He can’t wait to see you and show you how He wants to reveal Himself to you and your team so you experience deeper relationship and connection.

LIVE IT OUT

Theme Verse: “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” - Romans 15:13

Quarter Verse: “And may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow with love for one another and for everyone, just as we do for you.” –1 Thessalonians 3:12

Question: Think of one of the best coaches you’ve had. What made him or her so different? What did you respect about the way they coached? 

Challenge: Make a point to thank a fellow coach for doing what they do and recognize all the time and effort they put into the team.

CTA: A coach has incredible influence, both for positive or negative results. What are the best ways to serve your team out of the love of Christ and share life-changing influence? Take FCA’s 360 Coaching Course to find out. 

*If you read this article and aren’t in relationship with Christ yet but would like to know more, we invite you to go through FCA’s The FOUR that explains how an everlasting and fulfilling life with God is possible.