"Spiritual formation is the process of transformation of the inmost dimension of the human being, the heart, which is the same as the spirit or will. It is being formed (really transformed) in such a way that its natural expression comes to be the deeds of Christ done in the power of Christ."– Dallas Willard, author and theologian 

As another semester wraps up, Chris Klotz, director of spiritual formation within Lipscomb Athletics, says that he is blown away by how God continues to move in such powerful ways on this campus, in the city of Nashville and all around the world. 
 
"This semester, God has revealed His faithfulness in so many amazing ways," said Klotz. "Student-athletes and coaches alike are growing in their faith and learning how to use their gifting in sport for something much bigger than themselves. I am encouraged daily by how the presence of God in our department and within the University is transforming lives for eternity!" 
 
"This semester we have had the unique opportunity to host our international mission partners from El Salvador and Mexico. These have been days of rich joy as we've done our best to return an ounce of the hospitality that they have shown us year after year hosting our mission teams. We thank God daily for the opportunity we have to work with such incredible people."

LOCAL OUTREACH
Serving on campus and in Nashville is a pillar that spiritual formation within Lipscomb Athletics is built on. Throughout the fall semester there has been great momentum and consistency serving with local partners including Carter Lawrence Elementary School, On the Avenue, and Project 658 Nashville.

Every Thursday, student-athletes run an after-school program at Carter Lawrence called Sports Fun Club. The aim of this program is to support students, families and teachers by encouraging and inspiring elementary students through tutoring, mentoring, building relationships and athletics. "The kids at Sports Fun Club are such a joy," said Anna Richardson, Senior Track athlete that helps lead this program each week. "We are there to show them love, but nothing is better than their love. The kids have the biggest and most infectious personalities and I wouldn't change anything about this program, because it is normally some of the best time I have all week." 

Other consistent opportunities include connecting with local refugee families, tutoring, appearances at local elementary schools, and working with adults with intellectual challenges through a partnership with On the Avenue. 

"Every other Wednesday I have the opportunity to share my love of sports with adults with disabilities," said Andy Stohr, junior cross country and track athlete. "It has always been my favorite day of the week growing in my relationships with others through activity. I have become close with everyone who shows up and a few have even developed a passion for running. I love that I have the ability to spread the love of God through action." 

FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN ATHLETES
Each Wednesday night, a group of 13 student-leaders consisting of student-athletes and traditional students, prepared a space for their peers to come together and have fun, build relationships and experience the Lord in community.  

"FCA this semester has been amazing," said senior baseball player Bryce Houghton. "It's always great to meet new people every Wednesday night and to grow closer to the Lord together with people that otherwise I might not get to hang out with! I have seen God moving in the interactions that I have had with people throughout the semester, and have really enjoyed our small group time that focuses entirely on God."
 
LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
The aim of the leadership summit is to invest in student-athletes and help them grow and mature as leaders. The cohort of 15 student-athletes (one from each team) works through a curriculum discussing, reflecting and sharing development strategies and leadership skills to help them grow as leaders both on their teams and in the world.

"The Leadership Summit has provided me with a community of athletes and followers of Christ I can grow with and learn alongside," said sophomore basketball player Taylor Bowen. "I have met new people and developed intentional relationships with those I may have never known otherwise. I learned how to listen, confront conflict, and create a team built on trust. Above all, I have continued to learn about the ultimate leader, Jesus. This opportunity has inspired me to continue to pursue leadership traits that Jesus displayed and implement them within my team and in my life."

ON CAMPUS BIBLE STUDIES
 Every Wednesday there is a group of young men that wake up early to participate in a Bible study known as Sunrise Slayers. This group is committed to building deep and authentic relationships, memorizing Scripture, holding each other accountable and also praying for one another. "My experience at Sunrise Slayers has been amazing," said sophomore soccer player Levi Jones. "Getting up early before most of the campus is awake has been very eye opening. I have learned how to really dig into the Word of God with my brothers in Christ every week. Memorizing verses in the Bible has also helped me be able to reference the Scripture more when I'm speaking with people. I have been so grateful for Slayers." 

555 PRAYER CAMPAIGN
For ten consecutive years, Lipscomb student-athletes have been prayed for by name by prayer warriors across the country. The design of the 555 prayer campaign is that each cardholder commits to praying for five student-athletes, for five minutes, five days a week. This year, more than 200 people are consistently praying for Lipscomb student-athletes.  

"It's really amazing to see how God moves through a piece of paper and willing heart to pray for student-athletes" said Klotz. "This is truly the most important thing we do all year, so I would like to thank each and every person that has joined our team and committed to pray. We are so grateful for you!"

SPIRITUAL FORMATION MONTHLY EMAIL
This monthly resource continues to build up and encourage anyone interested in the intersection of faith and sport. Stories of faith are shared by coaches, current and former student-athletes, faculty, staff, and other members of the Lipscomb community to inspire people to use their gifting and platform in sport for more than themselves.

If you are not already receiving this email and would like to sign up, please email Chris Klotz at cpklotz@lipscomb.edu.

INTERNATIONAL MISSION TRIPS
After a successful last year of sending teams out into Nashville and the world, we are thrilled about the trips we have lined up for 2024. This semester has been spent planning and preparing for Athletics Missions to again serve with several domestic and international host partners. 
Upcoming mission trips include:

• General Athletics serving in Baja, Mexico – January 2024
• Women's Soccer serving in El Salvador – March 2024
• Cross Country and Track serving in Nashville – March 2023
• Softball serving in Baja, Mexico – July 2023

"We are beyond grateful for how The Lord is moving in the hearts of student-athletes and coaches and we are so thankful to be a part of the journey," said Klotz. "This program is His and we will continue to pray, listen and discern as He leads every step of the way."
 
To learn more about these upcoming trips, ways to be involved or for more information about the Lipscomb Athletics Spiritual Formation program, please contact Chris Klotz at cpklotz@lipscomb.edu.