Famous author and theologian James Bryan Smith suggests that "Christian spiritual formation is the process of being transformed into the image of Christ, through a relationship of intimacy with God, by the power of the Spirit, in order to live a good and beautiful life of faith, hope, love, joy and peace— a life that will be a blessing to oneself and to others and will glorify God now and for all eternity." Similarly, the aim of Lipscomb Athletics Spiritual Formation is for everyone involved to know Jesus, and make Jesus known, and it is to this end that the entire program is built. 
 
"As we look back on the fall semester, it is evident how the hand of God has been guiding every aspect and detail of this program," said Chris Klotz, director of spiritual formation in Lipscomb Athletics. "There is something extremely special happening in the athletic department, and I believe whole-heartedly it is the grace and kindness of God allowing us to participate with Him as the Spirit leads us every step of the way. We are confident God will continue to lead us into the new year and are excited for all He has in store." 
 
Throughout the fall semester, Lipscomb Spiritual Formation in Athletics has continued to invest in, pray for and encourage student-athletes and coaches through several on-and-off campus initiatives.
 
555 Prayer Campaign 
For eight consecutive years, Lipscomb student-athletes have been prayed for by name thanks to the willingness and commitment of 555 prayer cardholders. This year, more than 200 people from 11 different states are consistently praying for Lipscomb student-athletes and we are so grateful for their partnership in prayer. 
 
Fellowship of Christian Athletes
Student leaders have grown FCA in depth and participation and also had the privilege of hosting a wonderful evening known as One City One God with students from Belmont and Vanderbilt. FCA president and senior track and field athlete Taylor Edmundson said, "FCA was an answered prayer this semester. There were a lot of students that came in this year with a burning passion to serve the Lord and that passion has just continued throughout the entire semester. After having to be primarily virtual last semester, we wanted to focus on building our community again and it's been very evident God's using each person involved in FCA as well as the leadership team to foster community at Lipscomb as a whole but especially within Lipscomb Athletics."
 
Local Outreach
This year we have had the privilege of working with local non-profits, On the Avenue and Project 658 that have allowed student-athletes to serve within our local community on a consistent basis. Project 658 works primarily to serve refugee and marginalized families and student-athletes have partnered by running sports clinics, provided and delivered school supplies and have served and supported refugee families in a variety of ways. On the Avenue exists to provide a safe place where persons with learning challenges can explore their creative passions and find a healthy outlet to strive for a fulfilling life experience.  On the Avenue has consistently brought a group of friends to Lipscomb's campus once a week to connect with different athletic teams. Track and Cross Country Assistant Coach Grace Oetting said, "Our weekly sports time with On the Avenue turned into a highlight of all of our weeks and a time to catch up with new friends we have made during the semester. Unlike some commitments that start with a large group and thin out over time, our Wednesday group kept getting bigger and bigger. Watching our athletes create sustained relationships with individuals from On the Avenue has been awesome, and connecting with them through our mutual love of sport and exercise is extra meaningful."
 
Leadership Summit
After meeting weekly all summer, a group of 15 student-athletes (one from each team) has continued to connect regularly and experience incredible growth as Christian leaders. Senior baseball player, Maddux Houghton said, "The Leadership Summit has been an incredible experience. I have learned so much about how teams work together, how to work through issues on a team, and how to lead in day-to-day life. I also formed some incredible relationships with amazing people. The Leadership Summit has really helped me evaluate how I want to lead on my team and in my everyday life, and I have grown tremendously from this opportunity. On top of it all, we kept Christ the center of our learning and I was able to grow spiritually as well. I will cherish this experience because of how much I learned, but the growth I experienced and relationships formed will stick with me forever."
 
Spiritual Formation Monthly Email
A new initiative was launched this year to send a monthly resource to anyone interested in the intersection of faith and sport. We continue to receive incredible feedback on how this resource is edifying the body of Christ in the world of athletics. If you are not already receiving this monthly email and would like to sign up, please email Chris Klotz at cpklotz@lipscomb.edu.
 
Other Noteworthy Opportunities

• Each student-athlete received their own Bible and participated in a "how to read the Bible" workshop.
• Student-athletes have had the opportunity to share in chapels and classrooms at multiple local Christian schools with elementary, middle and high school students.
• More than 50 student-athletes attended a student-led athlete worship night.
• Sports Ministry Training – Throughout the semester, Klotz and O'Brien utilized a curriculum known as Faith on the Field to provide various teams and student-athletes sports ministry training to help grow in their faith. 
• Breakout Chapel on campus continues to be a space to engage student-athletes toward the heart and mind of Christ. 
• Man Time with Frank – Male coaches and athletics staff gather for a Bible study each week led by former women's basketball coach and associate AD Frank Bennett. 
• Mentorship – Discipleship, one-on-one counseling and helping student-athletes navigate mental health through a challenging season of life. 

 
"In a time where our society is bombarded with narratives through social media, streaming television, and news media, it is our heart to help our students embrace and recognize the true narrative of Christ and how He is writing their story," said Shannon O'Brien, director of women's spiritual formation in athletics. "I have found that walking alongside students in their journey and helping them process their story in light of the grace and truth of Christ provides a noticing of God's activity in the here and now. As we notice God's presence and experience His company amidst our daily living, our lives are transformed and empowered."
 
To learn more about Lipscomb Athletics Spiritual Formation, please contact Chris Klotz at cpklotz@lipscomb.edu.