The Missional Athlete
*This is the third post in an ongoing series about understanding what it means for athletes to “put their identity in Christ.” You can read the previous posts below.
The Christian Athlete is also a missional athlete.
John Piper challenges us with this reality: “There are three possibilities with the Great Commission. You can go. You can send. Or you can be disobedient. Ignoring the cause is not a Christian option.” For me, this is both a punch in the gut and an invitation into a life of purpose.
Athlete, it is no mistake that God has given you the abilities you possess. It is also no mistake that God has placed you where you are. Acts 17:26 says, "And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place." God marked out our appointed times in history. God determined the boundaries of where we live.
God has a purpose for his people, and we see that in the time and location of our placement. And why has he placed you where you are at? To be a minister of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18). That is, to be missional.
Us. You. Me. This is not a purpose or ministry given only to professional Christians but to all professing Christians. We have all been given the ministry of reconciliation—and that makes us all missionaries.
Understanding this part of your identity in Christ can be both empowering and terrifying. On one hand, we are chosen by God to partner with him in advancing His Kingdom. On the other hand, there is a responsibility that comes with this incredible privilege.
The two fears of being missional on our team
I think the two biggest fears we have when it comes to sharing our faith with others are assuming those on the receiving end of our sharing don’t want to hear about God and being uncertain of what we’ll say when the moment arrives.
Regarding the first fear, so what? Your opponent doesn’t want to get beat, but that doesn’t stop you from taking it to them. Your teammate wants your spot on the team, but that doesn’t stop you from doing everything in your power to keep it. If we have the best news in the history of the world to share, we need to share it—using wisdom—and trust that God will bless our efforts for His glory. And no, not everyone will believe. But some will. Earlier in 2 Corinthians, Paul mentions that those who bring the good news of the gospel will be an aroma of death to some, but to others, an aroma of life (2 Corinthians 2:16). We can guess who will take on the aroma of the gospel around us, but only God really knows.
When we neglect to share the good news because we fear how others will respond, we prioritize fear of man over the glory of God. In short, we prioritize self. We place a greater emphasis on our worldly identity over our heavenly identity.
In Galatians 1:10, Paul says “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
So, fear of what others will think, say, or treat us is often the first obstacle to sharing about the love of God to our teammates. This fear is compounded by the reality that many of us don’t know what we would even say in those moments.
The Holy Spirit’s got you.
Jesus says in Luke 12:11-12 that “When they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”
The Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.
Now, Jesus is telling his disciples that when they get arrested, they don’t need to worry about what to say because the Holy Spirit will give them the words. But if the Holy Spirit empowers us during moments of chaos—like being persecuted for our faith—wouldn’t it hold true that he does so when we step out in faith and talk to others about God too?
Author John Piper notes that: “The Holy Spirit will help us in the most frightening settings. How much more may we depend on him in less threatening situations.”
The mission of God is to redeem all creation back to himself. As missionaries (who happen to be athletes), our role is to share the good news that Jesus is God and we are not, that He died on a cross over 2000 years ago for our sins, rose from the dead, declared victory over sin and death, and offers us life in Him if we declare him Savior and Lord. That’s what evangelism is all about. That’s one of the goals of a missional athlete.
Perhaps the best definition of successful evangelism I have ever heard reads like this: Taking the initiative in the power of the Holy Spirit and leaving the results to God. God’s in charge of the results. We’re responsible to step out in faith and share about his goodness to those around us.
Our identity as a missionary in Christ is greater than our identity as an athlete because our hearts long for the things of eternity—not the things of this world. Wins and success are great, but they offer temporary satisfaction in our souls. We are made to be a part of something greater than sports. J. Campbell White said it best:
“Most men are not satisfied with the permanent output of their lives. Nothing can wholly satisfy the life of Christ within his followers except the adoption of Christ's purpose toward the world he came to redeem. Fame, pleasure, and riches are but husks and ashes in contrast with the boundless and abiding joy of working with God for the fulfillment of his eternal plans. The men who are putting everything into Christ's undertaking are getting out of life its sweetest and most priceless rewards.”
Next steps
Where do we go from here? Last year I wrote a blog titled “How to share your faith without being awkward.” That might be worth checking out.
Beyond that, I believe one of the best (and least awkward) ways to be intentionally missional on your team is to start a team Bible study. This creates a safe space for your teammates, when they are ready, to learn about who God is according to the Bible and what He has done for them through Jesus. If you are interested in this and looking for next steps to get over potential fears, there are resources for you.
What if I haven’t done it before and don’t know how to start or lead a team Bible study? I have a few training webinars to help.
What if I don’t know what Bible study I would use? I have free ones just waiting to be mailed to you.