Sharing what God has laid upon my heart each issue of FCA Magazine always brings me a great amount of joy. But this issue, centered upon coaches, feels like an extra special blessing because I have the opportunity to write about one of my passions while fulfilling one of FCA’s core missions—ministering to and through coaches.
I tell coaches all the time: “Do you realize the God-given position of influence and platform you have? Do you understand the opportunities you have to share your Christian faith with your athletes, and even the men and women in your community who are observing you?”
Two of the most powerful words ever spoken are, “Coach says,” which gives us an idea of the weight the position carries. With that being the case, there are three ideas a coach should always keep at the forefront of his or her mind: Modeling, Mentoring and Motivating.
A coach's No. 1 priority should be to model his or her Christian faith. I used to have a sign in my office wherever I coached that read, “Preach Christ at all times and, if necessary, use words.” That was my mantra every day I’d step into my office or onto the field. My prayer was to model my Savior, Jesus Christ, so that people would see Him through my actions and what I stood for.
Modeling a Christian marriage as a coach is also critical. Another one of my passions is to help Christian couples understand the incredible importance of modeling healthy marriages for others. Athletes often come from broken homes, and want to know what a healthy marriage looks like. Their coach is a great model for them to observe a healthy Christ-like marriage.
The truth is, coaches live in a fish bowl. They’re observed from all angles, everything they say and do. As a coach, how will you model your faith to those watching?
Secondly, coaches have the responsibility to mentor other coaches. It may be hard to believe, but I was once a young coach who eventually turned into an old one! As time has passed, I have developed a sincere heart to share my experiences as a football coach, a happily married husband of 38 years, and a dad of three grown children. Trust me, eventually you’ll reach a point in your life where all you’ll want to do is share what you've learned with the next generation.
There are younger coaches out there who want to learn. I know, because I was once eager and hungry to learn more about fundamentals, strategies and game plans. If you find yourself on the “back nine,” take advantage of the opportunity to mentor these young men and women who are aspiring to do great things in the coaching profession.
Last, we’re called to motivate. No matter the level—from Pop Warner to the pros—athletes need to be inspired. As coaches, we’re called to be inspirational, but, if we're not doing that with the right Christian values, what message will they hear? Coaches have such a great op-portunity to be affirming to athletes and encourage them, but all too often we hear of coaches tearing down instead. Let’s be the force behind reversing that trend. Christian coaches can and should be the example of inspiration and affirmation to the athletes and communities with which they have been given a position of influence.
In closing, I’m aware of the sports world being filled with the pressures of performance. So, when asked how to advance a coaching career, I always encourage coaches to be a student of the game and to allow Jesus to do the politicking. You’ll be amazed that when you focus on the job you have, and coach in a way that brings God the glory, He’ll continue to put you right where He wants you to be.
Model the Master,
Les Steckel
FCA President/CEO
Originally Published: March 2013