Written by: Chris Klotz

Sports is a bridge to connect people and cultures. Sports have become a substitute for religion for many around the world. Daniel Wann, a leading sport psychologist at Murray State University, wrote: "The similarities between sport fandom and organized religion ?are striking. Consider the vocabulary associated with both: faith, devotion, worship, ritual, dedication, sacrifice, commitment, spirit, prayer, suffering, festival and celebration" (Huffington Post, 2011). 

Throughout my childhood, my "religion" was soccer; all of my time, energy and emotions were consumed by the sport. I knew that the Lord had given me the passion and ability to play soccer. Unfortunately, I thought that gift was only for me to enjoy. 

As I've matured, I now realize that everything was created through Jesus and for Jesus (Colossians 1:15-16). A healthy, holy dedication to sports serves as a metaphorical bridge that connects people and foreign cultures. When these relationships are established, the love and grace of Jesus have the power to change lives. Using sports as a vehicle of ministry helps take the focus off oneself and place it where it belongs: on Jesus. 

Within Lipscomb Athletics, we believe our program is incomplete without nurturing the spiritual development of each athlete and person involved. For many athletes, because of their unwavering commitment to their sport, they have never had the opportunity?to combine their passion and gifting beyond themselves. The idea ?of athletes using their sport for the glory of God and to positively influence others is revolutionary. Our initiative within Lipscomb Athletic Missions allows this dream to fully come alive. What started as nine student-athletes serving in Honduras in 2012 has exploded into a pillar for Lipscomb Athletics. Over the last ten years, 48 teams and over 750 student-athletes and coaches have served on the mission field. Having personally been involved in athletic mission trips for more than 20 years, I am convinced that the youth of today will discover Jesus through sports ministry. 

Host Partnerships are Key 

The first step beginning each mission is prayer. As we pray, the key focus we bring to the Lord is to establish the right host partnership for each trip. 

Once we establish a host partner, our goal and desire is to stay actively connected to that ministry, continuing to build on those relationships year after year. Lipscomb Athletic Missions works with nine host partners domestically and internationally. These strategic partnerships allow short- term teams to return to the same communities and invest in the same people. This results in long-term relationships with an eternal impact. 

One example of this is our partnership with Marte Missions in the Dominican Republic. In July 2014, the Lipscomb women's basketball team had the opportunity to help Marte Missions build a basketball court and work alongside a local church. In December 2014, the baseball team returned to this same community to help build a baseball field and invest deeper in the lives of the locals. In August 2016, the men's basketball team also helped Marte Missions build a playground and share the love of Jesus with the children and families throughout the community. 

Shift in Culture 

Within Athletic Missions we work hard to provide opportunities for our athletes and coaches to participate in the Kingdom of God. We believe that by embodying the character of Jesus and participating in God's unfolding plot, each person has the ability to flourish. By implementing this model, the number of yearly trips and participants have grown exponentially, and the entire culture of athletics has been affected. 

"I've always heard people saying how they see God working through something or someone, but in those moments it often doesn't even cross my mind that God is present," said Cam Miller, a member of the Lipscomb men's basketball team. "After a week in the Dominican Republic, I can say with full confidence that I was able to see God working in their community, in my life and in this team." 

Our student-athletes and coaches are becoming more aware of God through the opportunities of service that arise. As a result, lives are being positively changed. As prospective players are being recruited into the athletic department, the opportunity to serve on mission trips with teammates and coaches is one reason they are choosing to attend Lipscomb University over other schools. 

Heartbeat of Lipscomb Athletic Missions 

Since the inception of Lipscomb Athletic Missions, an extraordinary number of athletes have given their lives to Christ in baptism, many of whom have chosen to do so in direct response to an experience on a mission trip. We are not interested in providing a "great experience" in the short term. We are interested in long-term soul development as the storylines beautifully play out across the globe. 

Alex Tate, former cross-country runner, reflected on the service work with host partner Project 658 in Charlotte, North Carolina: "When our trip had come to an end and we arrived back at Lipscomb, we came together to reflect and pray. We were left with some great last words. He said, 'The way you feel right now, the way we have?been living this past weekend, is how God intended it to be.' I love these words. I can't help but ask myself how euphoric it would feel to commit myself to living my entire life like this. What a perfect note to end on."