FROM OHIO WITH LOVE Your recent positive experience in Ohio at the REACHgathering is likely very different from my sister-in-law‘s granddaughter. She is on a high school sports team in Ohio. My wife shared with me this morning, this girl was playing in a soccer match. The coach from the other team loudly yelled profanity for all to hear. Profanity very clearly directed toward this girl. This prompted my sister-in-law‘s daughter-in-law to go out on the field, yell profanity at that coach, and then everyone broke into applause. Spirited American high school sports - perhaps? It got me thinking that you, REACHgathering, attendees (who are Christian leaders in your communities, AND in the sports culture) have what I believe is a really obvious opportunity to affect the lives of hundreds of thousands of youth and future generations by prayerfully, considering how you can take the Christian wisdom that God has given all of you and provide leadership to the other (non-Christian )side of the youth sports world. I’ve been listening to a podcast series titled “the surprising rebirth of belief in God” https://open.spotify.com/episode/3Lt3yHJW63y9cxIwhjGQfQ?si=M_p6QbywQumYC_x663hwrg On more than one occasion, the host has pointed out that even people who don’t identify as Christian in fact, perhaps even identify as atheist or agnostic, are coming to realize that in fact, the Christian faith has provided a foundation for conduct and the most basic things that make life what people identify as normal and good living - a culture for which they desperately long. I know that Christian youth sports (and Christian “fill in the blank”) has often been born out of providing an ALTERNATIVE. But, as we apply a “ great commission” mindset it’s really compelling for us to ask God how we can take what he has given us and present it as a model FOR THE OTHER SIDE. The unfortunate truth is that there are a lot of kids that are never going to play on your leagues. But, they need you to influence their coaches and parents in some way so that the spirit of God can somehow minister to them as well. Perhaps through your book publishing division you already have a book for this audience or you’ve done a podcast that provides guidance and perspective. If so, kudos to you - it’s really needed. If not, let’s consider how we can minister by bringing leadership to the many athletes, coaches, and parents who long for a different spirit, but have no clue on how to find it. Illustrated differently, if Chick-fil-A sandwiches were only for Christians they would still be doing a good thing, but their ministry business goes way beyond to feed and speak to the broader public. People love, good food, and they’ll devour good news too! Brad Bloom, Lifestyle Media Group

Posted by Brad Bloom at 2025-04-04 11:54:25 UTC