Spiritual Formation Spring 2026 Recap
6/14/2026 7:34:00 PM | Spiritual Formation
Throughout the Spring 2026 semester, Lipscomb Athletics continued building on the foundation of spiritual formation that has become a central part of the student-athlete experience. Through serving in the Nashville community, gathering for Bible studies and worship, developing Christ-centered leaders, celebrating baptisms, and participating in mission trips, student-athletes were continually challenged to grow in their love for Jesus and their willingness to put others before themselves. While many of these opportunities have become familiar rhythms within the athletic department, God continues to use them in powerful ways to shape hearts, build community, and draw people closer to Him. Every story from this semester ultimately points back to Christ, who alone deserves the glory for all He is doing in and through Lipscomb Athletics.
Local Outreach
Serving others remains one of the most practical ways student-athletes learn to live out their faith. This spring, athletes continued investing in local schools and organizations throughout Nashville, discovering that some of the most meaningful growth happens when we step outside of ourselves and intentionally serve others.
One of the primary outreach opportunities remained Sports Fun Club at Carter-Lawrence Elementary School. Through this after-school program, student-athletes spent time reading, mentoring and playing with students while creating a positive environment where children felt encouraged, valued, and supported. Through their weekly presence, athletes demonstrated Christ's love through simple acts of service and genuine relationships.
Freshman track and field standout Savannah Nuetzel fell in love with Sports Fun Club this year, rarely missing a week. When asked about her experience, Savannah said, "Sports Fun Club has been the BEST! It was such a fun experience getting to know the kids at Carter Lawrence, and it made my week every week. It was what I looked forward to most each week!"
Student-athletes also continued serving at Whitsitt Elementary, partnering with teachers and staff to encourage students and support the school community. These opportunities allowed athletes to see firsthand the impact that consistency, encouragement, and service can have in the lives of students and how, when you give back, you often receive in return.
Cole Middleton, men's basketball graduate student, had the opportunity to serve multiple times at Whitsitt Elementary last semester and shared, "Serving is always a blessing! Going to hang out with the kids, love them, and serve the school is the least I can do to try and demonstrate Jesus' love for us!"
The men's soccer team partnered with Connecting Kindness, a Nashville nonprofit dedicated to serving refugees and immigrants as they establish new lives in Middle Tennessee. Through organizing and distributing essential household items and resources, student-athletes had the opportunity to serve families from diverse backgrounds while learning more about their challenges and opportunities. Men's soccer player Caleb Davis reflected on the experience, saying, "It was a true blessing to witness the joy the Holy Spirit had in store for us—to hand out supplies and feel the love from all the kids. From the warm smiles as we passed out supplies to the laughs shared throughout the community, a morning spent organizing, cleaning, and transporting items filled our hearts with peace and joy. It was an incredible experience."
Experiences like these continue to remind athletes that serving others is an important expression of living out their faith.
On-Campus Discipleship
Discipleship and spiritual growth remained central to the Lipscomb Athletics experience throughout the semester.
Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) continued to provide a meaningful space for student-athletes from across campus to gather in worship, prayer, and community. Through weekly meetings, athletes were encouraged by Scripture, personal testimonies, and conversations centered on following Christ in both sport and everyday life. FCA also introduced several special events throughout the semester that helped foster deeper relationships and spiritual growth.
Student-athletes enjoyed a night of pickleball followed by small-group discussions, participated in multiple worship nights, and gathered for a campus prayer walk. These opportunities created space for athletes to connect across teams while growing together in faith. FCA continues to serve as a unifying and fun ministry where athletes from different teams can build relationships while growing together in faith.
Freshman women's basketball player Olivia Vinson shared, "FCA was an amazing way for student-athletes to come and worship Jesus together and forget about all the anxieties of playing a college sport. This semester was so special because I could visually see the Lord moving in athletes' hearts, and I believe our FCA community grew tremendously!"
The Leadership Summit remained an important opportunity for selected student-athletes to develop leadership skills grounded in the example of Jesus. Nominated by their coaches, participants engaged in discussions and activities designed to cultivate servant leadership, self-awareness, and purposeful influence. Through these experiences, student-athletes were challenged to consider how leadership extends beyond competition and into every area of life.
Weekly Bible studies continued to play a significant role in spiritual formation within Lipscomb Athletics. Sunrise Slayers, the men's student-athlete Bible study, and D1 Disciples, the women's student-athlete Bible study, provided consistent opportunities for Scripture study, prayer, accountability, encouragement, and community. Coaches and athletic department staff also gathered regularly for Bible study and prayer, helping foster a culture where faith remains a visible and important part of daily life.
One of the clearest signs of God's work this year has been lives being transformed through the Gospel. During the 2025-26 academic year, EIGHT student-athletes publicly declared their faith through baptism. These celebrations remind us that the ultimate goal of spiritual formation is not participation in programs or events, but a growing relationship with Jesus. We praise God for the ways He continues to draw people to Himself! ALL GLORY BELONGS TO GOD!!!
International Missions
This past spring, Lipscomb Athletics continued its partnership with Sports Impact International through two mission trips to El Salvador. The women's soccer team traveled in March during spring break, followed by a second group of student-athletes in May. Both teams served alongside local ministry partner, using sport as a platform to build relationships, encourage communities, and share the love of Christ.
Through soccer camps, outreach events, and personal interactions, participants had the opportunity to witness how God is working through sports ministry to impact lives and advance the Gospel. Audrey Tucker, a freshman on the women's soccer team, went to El Salvador for the first time and shared, "Serving in El Salvador reminded me of the Lord's faithfulness in every circumstance. This mission trip strengthened my faith as I witnessed His provision, hope, and love reflected through the joy and steadfast faith of the people we met."
These trips give student-athletes the opportunity to step outside their comfort zones, experience new cultures, and see how God is at work around the world. More importantly, they remind participants that following Jesus often means serving others sacrificially and joining His mission wherever He calls us.
Looking Ahead
We are grateful for the many ways God has continued to work through the ongoing ministries and relationships that make up spiritual formation in Lipscomb Athletics. Whether serving local schools, gathering for worship and Bible study, developing leaders, celebrating baptisms, or traveling to partner with the global church, student-athletes continue to learn what it means to follow Jesus with their whole lives.
We are thankful for every athlete, coach, staff member, and ministry partner who invests in this mission. Most of all, we are grateful to God, who continues to transform hearts and use these opportunities to grow a deeper love for Christ and a greater desire to serve others. We look forward with anticipation to all He will continue to do in the seasons ahead as we pray and prepare for the fall semester!
To learn more about Lipscomb Athletics Spiritual Formation, upcoming mission trips, or ways to be involved, please contact Chris Klotz at cpklotz@lipscomb.edu.
Local Outreach
Serving others remains one of the most practical ways student-athletes learn to live out their faith. This spring, athletes continued investing in local schools and organizations throughout Nashville, discovering that some of the most meaningful growth happens when we step outside of ourselves and intentionally serve others.
One of the primary outreach opportunities remained Sports Fun Club at Carter-Lawrence Elementary School. Through this after-school program, student-athletes spent time reading, mentoring and playing with students while creating a positive environment where children felt encouraged, valued, and supported. Through their weekly presence, athletes demonstrated Christ's love through simple acts of service and genuine relationships.
Freshman track and field standout Savannah Nuetzel fell in love with Sports Fun Club this year, rarely missing a week. When asked about her experience, Savannah said, "Sports Fun Club has been the BEST! It was such a fun experience getting to know the kids at Carter Lawrence, and it made my week every week. It was what I looked forward to most each week!"
Student-athletes also continued serving at Whitsitt Elementary, partnering with teachers and staff to encourage students and support the school community. These opportunities allowed athletes to see firsthand the impact that consistency, encouragement, and service can have in the lives of students and how, when you give back, you often receive in return.
Cole Middleton, men's basketball graduate student, had the opportunity to serve multiple times at Whitsitt Elementary last semester and shared, "Serving is always a blessing! Going to hang out with the kids, love them, and serve the school is the least I can do to try and demonstrate Jesus' love for us!"
The men's soccer team partnered with Connecting Kindness, a Nashville nonprofit dedicated to serving refugees and immigrants as they establish new lives in Middle Tennessee. Through organizing and distributing essential household items and resources, student-athletes had the opportunity to serve families from diverse backgrounds while learning more about their challenges and opportunities. Men's soccer player Caleb Davis reflected on the experience, saying, "It was a true blessing to witness the joy the Holy Spirit had in store for us—to hand out supplies and feel the love from all the kids. From the warm smiles as we passed out supplies to the laughs shared throughout the community, a morning spent organizing, cleaning, and transporting items filled our hearts with peace and joy. It was an incredible experience."
Experiences like these continue to remind athletes that serving others is an important expression of living out their faith.
On-Campus Discipleship
Discipleship and spiritual growth remained central to the Lipscomb Athletics experience throughout the semester.
Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) continued to provide a meaningful space for student-athletes from across campus to gather in worship, prayer, and community. Through weekly meetings, athletes were encouraged by Scripture, personal testimonies, and conversations centered on following Christ in both sport and everyday life. FCA also introduced several special events throughout the semester that helped foster deeper relationships and spiritual growth.
Student-athletes enjoyed a night of pickleball followed by small-group discussions, participated in multiple worship nights, and gathered for a campus prayer walk. These opportunities created space for athletes to connect across teams while growing together in faith. FCA continues to serve as a unifying and fun ministry where athletes from different teams can build relationships while growing together in faith.
Freshman women's basketball player Olivia Vinson shared, "FCA was an amazing way for student-athletes to come and worship Jesus together and forget about all the anxieties of playing a college sport. This semester was so special because I could visually see the Lord moving in athletes' hearts, and I believe our FCA community grew tremendously!"
The Leadership Summit remained an important opportunity for selected student-athletes to develop leadership skills grounded in the example of Jesus. Nominated by their coaches, participants engaged in discussions and activities designed to cultivate servant leadership, self-awareness, and purposeful influence. Through these experiences, student-athletes were challenged to consider how leadership extends beyond competition and into every area of life.
Weekly Bible studies continued to play a significant role in spiritual formation within Lipscomb Athletics. Sunrise Slayers, the men's student-athlete Bible study, and D1 Disciples, the women's student-athlete Bible study, provided consistent opportunities for Scripture study, prayer, accountability, encouragement, and community. Coaches and athletic department staff also gathered regularly for Bible study and prayer, helping foster a culture where faith remains a visible and important part of daily life.
One of the clearest signs of God's work this year has been lives being transformed through the Gospel. During the 2025-26 academic year, EIGHT student-athletes publicly declared their faith through baptism. These celebrations remind us that the ultimate goal of spiritual formation is not participation in programs or events, but a growing relationship with Jesus. We praise God for the ways He continues to draw people to Himself! ALL GLORY BELONGS TO GOD!!!
International Missions
This past spring, Lipscomb Athletics continued its partnership with Sports Impact International through two mission trips to El Salvador. The women's soccer team traveled in March during spring break, followed by a second group of student-athletes in May. Both teams served alongside local ministry partner, using sport as a platform to build relationships, encourage communities, and share the love of Christ.
Through soccer camps, outreach events, and personal interactions, participants had the opportunity to witness how God is working through sports ministry to impact lives and advance the Gospel. Audrey Tucker, a freshman on the women's soccer team, went to El Salvador for the first time and shared, "Serving in El Salvador reminded me of the Lord's faithfulness in every circumstance. This mission trip strengthened my faith as I witnessed His provision, hope, and love reflected through the joy and steadfast faith of the people we met."
These trips give student-athletes the opportunity to step outside their comfort zones, experience new cultures, and see how God is at work around the world. More importantly, they remind participants that following Jesus often means serving others sacrificially and joining His mission wherever He calls us.
Looking Ahead
We are grateful for the many ways God has continued to work through the ongoing ministries and relationships that make up spiritual formation in Lipscomb Athletics. Whether serving local schools, gathering for worship and Bible study, developing leaders, celebrating baptisms, or traveling to partner with the global church, student-athletes continue to learn what it means to follow Jesus with their whole lives.
We are thankful for every athlete, coach, staff member, and ministry partner who invests in this mission. Most of all, we are grateful to God, who continues to transform hearts and use these opportunities to grow a deeper love for Christ and a greater desire to serve others. We look forward with anticipation to all He will continue to do in the seasons ahead as we pray and prepare for the fall semester!
To learn more about Lipscomb Athletics Spiritual Formation, upcoming mission trips, or ways to be involved, please contact Chris Klotz at cpklotz@lipscomb.edu.
Wednesday, June 17
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