First Things First - Stay Tight to Jesus

You may never preach from a pulpit, but every practice, every locker room, every sideline is your platform. As public school coaches, you walk a line: you can’t preach, but you can live the Gospel. Through your character, conversations, and care, you reflect Christ. And when athletes lean in or open up? That’s your moment to point to the Source of your hope. You don’t need a microphone, you need faithfulness. Let’s talk about what it means to be Gospel-carriers in one of the most influential roles in a student’s life.  Devo: Your influence opens hearts, but the Gospel transforms them. As a coach, you are a culture creator. Every whistle, word, and decision shapes not just skill, but identity. Practice may not start off with the verse of the day, but the way you lead and love can prepare the soil of a young person’s heart for Jesus. It’s not about having all the answers. It’s about pointing them to the One who does. At FCA, we use The FOUR as a simple way to share the Gospel: God Loves You Sin Separates You Jesus Rescues You Will You Trust Jesus? Even if you can't explicitly teach this in your role, you can reflect it in your team culture. What does Gospel culture look like on a team? Belonging: You are loved here, not because you earn it, but because it’s given. Grace: Everyone makes mistakes. We own them,and we move forward together. Redemption: You always have the choice to return. To return to what matters. To return to love. When you lead with this kind of culture, your team becomes a reflection of the Gospel story even before it’s spoken out loud. And when they ask why , you’ll be ready to share the Who . Scripture Focus Romans 10:14 (CSB): “How, then, can they call on him they have not believed in? And how can they believe without hearing about him? And how can they hear without a preacher?” 2 Corinthians 5:20 (CSB): “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” Acts 8:35 (CSB): “Philip proceeded to tell him the good news about Jesus, beginning with that Scripture.” Coach’s Reflection The Window: Your athletes trust you. They look up to you. Like any offense, we look for the opening. God’s placed you in their lives to share hope, not just to develop skill. The Word: Philip didn’t give a lecture. He listened, opened Scripture, and pointed to Jesus. The Witness: You don’t have to preach. You just have to share. Start with your story. God does the heart work, you do the story-telling. Challenge for the Week Do you have an intentional culture within your program? Is it Gospel-centered? Have you prayed for God to transform the hearts of your players? Would you be ready if a student asked, “Coach, what do you believe?” This week, try using The FOUR to to think through your story, how would you share it with someone? Don’t assume they know. Be ready when they ask.

A couple of years ago, a basketball player came into Huddle and was visibly dejected. I asked her what's up, and she said, I wish MaxPreps didn't exist. After every game, I am reduced to a set of numbers that don't show what's really happening in my life on or off the court. The scoreboard may track stats, but a person's heart tells the real story. And winning without unity isn't a real victory. We are positioned to have influence in the lives or our athletes far beyond the field. But before a player can trust your instruction, they often need to trust your intention, and that start with seeing them, not just as athletes, but as people made in God's image. Engage the Heart Devo: Coaches do more than draw plays—they shape hearts. While training skills is essential, discipleship begins when we connect below the surface. Jesus didn’t just teach the crowds; He listened, asked questions, and shared stories that reached the heart. True transformation starts when we engage the heart, not just the behavior. Athletes are longing for someone to see them, hear them, and speak truth in love. That’s your lane. Scripture to stand on: 1 Thessalonians 2:8 – “We cared so much for you that we were pleased to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.” Matthew 6:21 – “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Luke 8:15 – “But the seed in the good ground—these are the ones who, having heard the word with an honest and good heart, hold on to it and by enduring, produce fruit.” Coach’s Pointers: The Surface: We all see the outside—effort, attitude, results. But athletes carry stories under the surface: fear, failure, home life, questions about faith and identity. The Strategy: Like Jesus, start with pointed questions—“How are you doing, really?” Invite conversations, not just commands. Use your story, or one of Jesus’ stories, to build connection. The Soil: God’s Word is the seed. You don’t control the soil, but you do sow. Keep planting it—through encouragement, Scripture, and the way you live. Challenge: What heart-level question could you ask one of your athletes this week? Is there a personal story or Scripture you could share to open a deeper conversation? Pray for one athlete by name and ask God for an opportunity to speak into their life this week.

You already know the power of your influence. Every whistle, timeout, and postgame talk carries weight. But what if this fall season wasn’t just about wins and losses? What if it was about eternal impact? Year after year, season after season I will try my very best to remind you that your “yes” to coaching matters more than your 12-week season. FCA’s mission is to lead every coach and athlete into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church. That starts here to foster the space to reflect. Each Tuesday this fall, I’m inviting you to walk through the E3 Discipleship Framework that FCA is based upon. It will be a 12-week journey built specifically for coaches like you, designed to Engage, Equip, and Empower you as a disciple who makes disciples. What’s the Game Plan? Each week, you’ll receive a short devotional email with: Biblical truth Coaching application Scripture to anchor your leadership One practical challenge to live and lead like Jesus Where we’re going… ENGAGE – Build relationships that open hearts EQUIP – Grow in God’s Word and lead with purpose EMPOWER – Multiply your impact by launching leaders Why It Matters: You shape more than athletes—you shape lives. You’re called to lead spiritually, not just strategically. Jesus didn’t say “go and compete”—He said “go and make disciples.” You don’t need more content and more to do, we need a team of Kingdon-minded leaders around us. This journey will help you: Think clearly about your “why” as a coach Make intentional discipleship part of your rhythm without being preachy Multiply your legacy beyond the scoreboard Challenge to Start: Take 2 minutes today to ask God: “Lord, how do You want to use me this season, not just as a coach, but as a disciple-maker?” You’ve been entrusted with influence. It feels like a privilege to use if to build something that lasts. Next week: Week 1 – Engage God First Stay tuned and stay ready. God’s got something bigger ahead.

We’ve talked a lot about overflow, but being ready to lead also means stepping into boldness—especially when it feels uncomfortable. That’s something I’ve been reflecting on as I think about Peter and John in Acts 4. In Acts 4:13, we see how their boldness impacted others: “When they observed the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed and recognized that they had been with Jesus.” What stands out to me is that their boldness didn’t come from their credentials or expertise—it came from their time spent with Jesus. That encourages me, knowing that it’s not about having all the answers but about trusting in Him to lead me in those moments. Lately, I’ve been asking myself: Where is God calling me to lead boldly? For me, it’s often in the small, everyday interactions—being intentional with my words, addressing hard situations with integrity, or simply being consistent in living out my faith. I’ll be honest, it’s not always easy. But I’ve found that the more I lean into God’s presence, the more equipped I feel to take those steps. Maybe you’re in a similar place. If so, I encourage you to take a moment this week and ask: Where is God calling me to step into bold leadership? How can I reflect His love and truth in those moments?  We’re in this together, Coach. Let’s keep leaning into boldness and trusting that God will meet us where we are.

As this season of reflection and growth winds down, I’ve been thinking a lot about what it means to truly be ready. Ready to lead, ready to serve, and ready to step boldly into the mission Jesus has called us to. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 has been on my heart, and I want to invite you to reflect on it through a Discovery Bible Study (DBS). Here’s how we’ll dive into it together: Read the Passage Aloud : “Then Jesus came near and said to them, ‘All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’” Read It Again : Listen to the words again, letting them take root. Retell It : Try to retell the passage in your own words—what stands out? Reflect and Respond : What does this passage say about God’s mission for us? What does it say about my role as a leader and disciple-maker? How can I put this into action this week? Who needs to hear this encouragement? For me, this passage reminds me that the calling to make disciples isn’t just for a select few—it’s for all of us. It challenges me to think about how I’m using my influence to reflect Christ in my coaching and leadership.  Take some time to sit with these questions. Let’s commit to being ready —not just in spirit, but in action.

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Coaching is such a rewarding journey, but let’s be honest—there are moments when it can feel isolating. The demands on your time, the weight of decisions, and the desire to give your best can feel overwhelming. But here’s the good news: you were never meant to do this alone. In Acts 2:42-47, we see a great of what community can look like: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer. Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together...they ate their food with joyful and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.” What stands out to me in this passage is the joy and strength that came from being together. The early church wasn’t just a gathering—it was a lifeline, a place where people found encouragement, hope, and spiritual refueling. This week, I want to encourage you to lean into the people God has placed around you. Whether it’s your fellow coaches, your family, your church, or your small group, take time to connect. Sometimes, just sharing your thoughts or hearing someone else’s story can remind you that you’re not walking this road alone. If I’ve learned anything, it’s that community doesn’t just happen—it takes intentional effort. But the rewards are worth it. I’ve been blessed by moments when someone’s encouragement or prayer came just when I needed it most. Have you experienced that too? Reflection Question: What’s one way you can intentionally connect with your community this week? How can those around you help refuel your heart and spirit? Praying that your connections this week fill you with renewed strength and joy, Jenny Dow

Coaching truly is a gift. It’s one of those unique callings where you get to pour into others, inspire growth, and shape lives. But if we’re honest, it’s also demanding. It’s easy to get so focused on everyone else’s needs that we forget to care for our own hearts. In Exodus 14:14, God speaks a powerful truth to His people: “The Lord will fight for you, and you must be quiet.” What a humbling reminder that we’re not meant to carry every burden or fight every battle alone. God is with us, working on our behalf, even when we feel stretched thin. This week, I want to encourage you to take a moment for yourself. Find time to pause, breathe, and rest in the assurance that God sees your hard work and is fighting for you. Whether it’s in the middle of practice, during a quiet moment at home, or even on your commute, let His presence remind you that you’re not alone. To be honest, there have been times when I’ve felt overwhelmed—trying to do it all and forgetting that God has already gone ahead of me. Those moments of surrender, when I’ve finally handed the pressure over to Him, have been some of the most freeing. What about you? Reflection Question: Where do you need to pause this week and let God fight for you? How might rest and trust in Him change the way you approach your coaching and your life?  Praying for you and cheering you on, Jenny Dow