Spiritual Formation within Lipscomb Athletics exists to train student-athletes and coaches to know Jesus and make Jesus known. 
 
"Through various opportunities to participate in the Kingdom of God such as mission trips, service projects, Bible studies, servant-leadership trainings, prayer campaigns and other fellowship gatherings, student-athletes and coaches are able to see their lives in light of a greater story and become fully alive in the purposes of God," said Chris Klotz, director of spiritual formation in Athletics. 
 
"As we come to the end of another school year, I am absolutely blown away at the faithfulness of God," said Klotz. "For the last 10 years I have seen The Lord do such incredible things in the athletic department and through this university and it has been such an honor to walk with student-athletes and coaches. Each year has such powerful highlights, but this year has been marked with a tangible outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Student-athletes are hungry for Jesus and I have been so inspired by how this generation is seeking the Lord."
 
Serving In Nashville
Throughout the year, Lipscomb Athletics Spiritual Formation has partnered with Project 658 Nashville, On The Avenue, and Dream Streets; and during spring break, the track team spent a week serving alongside each partner. In the words of senior track athlete Taylor Edmundson: "This wasn't a mission trip, it was an introduction of what living on mission is."
 
Athletics Leadership Summit
This cohort, made up of one student-athlete representing each team (15 total), had the opportunity to grow and mature in Christian leadership.  
 
"The Leadership Summit has had a life changing impact on me," said junior cross-country and track athlete Brian Risse. "I learned how to be a servant leader on my team by learning the values of communicating, supporting and growing with my teammates so we can all achieve a common goal athletically and spiritually. The best part of the Leadership Summit was connecting with other student-athletes from different teams, because I got to form solid relationships with them and learn their stories. The Leadership Summit was perfectly placed in my life at the right time and it will have a lasting impact on how I live my life now and forever." 
 
Student-Athlete Worship Nights
Led entirely by student-athletes, the heart of these gatherings was to pursue the heart of Jesus. Over 60 student-athletes have come together to participate in these powerful evenings of worship. 
 
Sophomore soccer player Summer Ellmore said, "What a joy it has been to be surrounded by the people we do life with every day and to witness the breakthrough that the Lord has only begun. As a community of student-athletes, we want to answer the call of God to draw near and let Him love us unlike any love we could ever fathom."
 
Fellowship of Christian Athletes
Led entirely by student-athletes, FCA was another space for leaders to create an environment where every person could feel welcome to be exactly who God has made them to be. Student-leaders were responsible to prepare Bible studies, invite guest speakers, plan games and food, and promote, organize and execute each weekly meeting. 
 
"FCA was the exact community I was looking for when I came to Lipscomb," said freshman volleyball player Addi Pelham. "Whether through the leadership team or every Wednesday night gathering, I have been so encouraged in my faith, been inspired by those older than me, and feel more at home in the athletic department because of FCA."
 
555 Prayer Campaign
For the eighth consecutive year, faithful supporters of Lipscomb Athletics committed to praying over five student athletes, for five minutes a day, five days a week. 
 
"As a department, we continue to stand in awe of God and witness the power of prayer," said Klotz. "This campaign has definitely been a highlight for everyone involved." 
 
Chapel
Each week, Klotz led a breakout chapel called "Live A Greater Story" where more than 200 students were challenged and encouraged to study the life of Jesus and to explore the greater story that He has invited them to live into.
 
Baptism
This year, five student-athletes surrendered their lives to Jesus in baptism. 
 
"Since 2012, we have seen 120 student-athletes give their lives to Jesus and we are eternally grateful for each and every life that has been transformed by God," said Klotz. "He is so faithful!" 
 
To learn more about Lipscomb Athletics Spiritual Formation, please contact Chris Klotz at cpklotz@lipscomb.edu.