FCA ResourcesDevotional
Your Influence as a Coach
By Jake Hannon
Ready
“But even if you should suffer for righteousness, you will be blessed. Do not fear them or be intimidated, but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. Yet do it with gentleness and reverence, keeping a clear conscience, so that, when you are accused, those who disparage your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame.” – 1 Peter 3:14-16
Set
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 and have found everything to be futile, a pursuit of 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.
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. He has so much for us to learn, we just have to be paying attention.
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.
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 relationships and connections.
Go
- 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?
- How can you invite God into your coaching today?
- Make a point to thank a fellow coach for doing what they do and recognize all the time and effort they put into their team.
Overtime
“Father, thank You for the gift of coaching. What an honor and privilege it is. Help me to shine Your light to my players and staff. I invite You into those areas of my coaching where I think I can do things best myself. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
Group