Coaches are always looking for the winning edge. We continually explore new techniques or systems to improve our programs. We go to clinics, conferences and seminars to learn how it should be done. Of course, no one coach is successful 100 percent of the time. But I know one coach who always did it right.

The Master Coach personally selected His own team. He poured His life into a team of 12, worked with them for 3 years, and then sent them out to teach and prepare others for future good work. In fact, He instilled lasting leadership skills among His team in the following five ways:

1. He empowered them—He gave them confidence to be bold in Him.
2. He equpped them—He prepared them for future ministry for Him.
3. He educated them—He gave wisdom to direct others to Him.
4. He edified them—He built them up in the Word to share about Him.
5. He encouraged them—He blessed their lives by a relationship with Him.

Jesus was—and is—the Master Coach. His teachings are the only foolproof way to find meaning, peace and victory in life. Because the young people in our programs deserve the best, we can help them learn from the best coach there ever was or will be—Jesus Christ. He is the one who poured His life out on the cross in the ultimate act of leadership: service.

Would your players say that you empower, equip, educate, edify and encourage them daily? If you give them Jesus, you’ve done all five. Remember, we have the opportunity to teach players more than just their sport; we can also leave a legacy by living the leadership we believe in, by living Jesus Christ daily! Only He will last forever with them!