New global sport plan

Christians in Sport has come together with over 50 leaders in global competitive and elite sports ministry, from over 20 countries, in North Africa. This event served as the launch of an exciting new leadership development programme.

The programme aims to develop leaders as they come together for a structured, year-long course involving coaching, mentoring, and applied critical thinking.

All participants are actively involved or employed within competitive and elite sport – they’re called to live out their identity in Christ within this context, uniquely positioned to speak gospel truth into the sports culture of today.

This programme provides opportunity for leaders to reflect on how God’s word drives sports ministry and learn as part of a group who long to see the world of sport reached for Christ.

Every leader brings a unique perspective to the cohort – among the participants are former paralympic athletes and international soccer coaches, as well as three Ukrainians who are current national champions in their sport – and the diversity of experience within the group is providing a rich opportunity for learning.

Currently, participants are undertaking self-directed critical thinking projects based on challenges from their contexts, such as identity formation in youth basketball players or understanding how Christian coaches impact players’ perspective of the gospel in a secular setting. These projects will be shared, creating a wealth of knowledge and applied understanding readily accessible for other leaders to benefit from.

Leaders are needed to drive sports ministry, but effective ministry should not depend on them entirely. Our hope is that the programme will enable participants to build sustainable sports ministry that will continue to thrive long after they have passed on the baton.