Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.
Mathew 9:17 NIV
Sports have long been recognized as a powerful vehicle for cultivating character and fostering positive outcomes in the lives of youth athletes. When the influence on athletes or sports stems from a moral conviction rooted in faith, the results can be profound. For many years, faith-based practices within sports ministries have served as transformative tools, changing countless lives for the better. The power of faith, driven by a belief in a supreme deity who embodies unfathomable love, has moved mountains—reshaping perspectives, strengthening hope, and offering a renewed sense of purpose to those engaged in sports.
To truly help people, we must first understand them and the social worlds that shape their experiences. Life is constantly evolving, and with it, the conditions and challenges athletes face. Yet, a persistent problem arises when outdated strategies and approaches are applied to new problems, failing to address the current realities. When methods don’t adapt to changing circumstances, a gap emerges—one that could often be bridged by a simple shift in mindset.
In the context of sports ministry, those who serve must remain attuned to these changes and the needs of the people they seek to impact. Scripture offers a vivid metaphor for this: putting new wine into old wineskins, which inevitably burst under the strain. Similarly, clinging to outdated practices in a new era of sports ministry may lead to unintended consequences, potentially causing more harm than good.
This is why dialogue and innovation are essential. We must engage in meaningful conversations to spark fresh ideas and develop approaches that address modern challenges in sports—through the lens of the Christian faith. By doing so, we can continue to harness the unique power of sports to inspire, uplift, and transform lives for God’s greater glory.
In the Fall of 2024, I had the privilege of participating in a panel discussion entitled Faith, Sports, and Institutions at Baylor University, part of the annual Symposium on Faith and Culture hosted by the Baylor Institute for Faith and Learning. This remarkable event brought together leading scholars and participants from both private and public universities, creating a rich environment for intellectual and spiritual exchange.
The symposium’s mission is to “address significant questions and challenges by drawing on the insights of the Christian intellectual tradition.” This year’s theme, Renewing & Reimagining Institutions for the Common Good, couldn’t have been more timely or relevant. Special thanks to Paul Putz, Director of the Faith and Sports Institute at Truett Seminary, for his exceptional work in assembling the panelists and facilitating the discussion on Faith, Sports, and Institutions.
I was honored to join two esteemed guest panelists—Adam Pucket, Athletic Director at George Fox University, and Kristin Sheehan, Director of the Play Like A Champion program. Together, we explored how thoughtful Christian leaders can engage in sports to serve people and communities. Rather than relying on formal presentations, the panel encouraged open dialogue, meaningful questions, and dynamic conversations, giving us space to share the work we do at the intersection of faith and sports.
The opportunity to exchange ideas with other thought leaders on innovative and effective ways to serve athletes and coaches through sports ministry was both enriching and inspiring. It affirmed the vital role sports can play in building stronger, more hopeful communities when guided by faith and intentional leadership.
In this blog post series, I’ll unpack key insights and perspectives I shared during the panel. My hope is to take you on a journey into the possibilities for leaders in faith and sports to use athletics as a transformative tool for the common good. Together, we’ll explore how to deconstruct unproductive practices, promote restoration, and inspire hope in sports and education.
Let’s continue to lead with purpose and envision new ways to create lasting impact in the lives of those we serve.
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