Power Up-The Sports Ministry Podcast

“God always gives us challenges to equip us for something bigger that’s coming ahead.” Those words are from three-time Olympic diver and 2000 Gold Medalist, Laura Wilkinson. This conversation will offer insight into the athlete’s view of ministry and competition. Join with us as we encourage, equip, challenge and train the men and women of sport as we Power Up together for God’s glory. 

Guest Bio:

Laura Wilkinson is an American diver, 3 time Olympian, and 2000 Olympic gold medalist. She is the first woman to win the three major diving world titles. Wilkinson retired in 2008. After nine years of retirement, she returned to competition in 2017 and placed 2nd at Nationals. Currently she is training for a fourth Olympic Games (2021). Laura Wilkinson and husband, Eriek, are parents to two adopted children and two through natural birth.

Links/Books/Resources mentioned in the show:

• https://www.laurawilkinson.com/
• https://www.laurawilkinson.com/podcast
• Join Power Up Family here on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/powerupsports/
• Join Power Up You Tube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo84-tdih-z0PcqAh7lvbZQ
• The Heart of an Athlete 30-Day Devotional PDF: https://file.ac/UvlI0UtgjKE/

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It would be easy to begin a discussion on sports ministry with how to deliver a chapel talk, or how to grow a relationship with a coach or athlete...but how about a discussion on why sports ministry really begins at home! That’s our topic on the next Power Up-The Sports Ministry Podcast. Sean Pugh is the director of player development with the football team at Purdue University. He’ll explain why an effective, growing sports ministry first begins at home. Join with us as we encourage, equip, challenge and train the men and women of sport as we discuss why Sports Ministry Begins at Home.

Guest Bio:

Sean Pugh is has been the director of player development with Purdue football since 2016. Sean joined the Boilermakers after serving in a similar capacity as Western Kentucky’s football character coach from 2008 to 2016. He got his start in collegiate athletics in the FCA’s training program at Auburn from 2007 to 2008. Sean and his wife, TraShana, have two beautiful daughters.

Links/Books/Resources mentioned in the show:

• Join Power Up Family here on Facebook!
• Join Power Up You Tube Channel here https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo84-tdih-z0PcqAh7lvbZQ
• The Heart of an Athlete 30-Day Devotional PDF

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What might it look like for sports ministry to be viewed in a holistic approach? That is, it’s more than just the 10 minute chapel time that occurs before the game. John and Cindy White are working to bring an interdisciplinary approach to sports ministry. It’s a fascinating conversation that will help you continue to Power Up in sports outreach. 

Guests Bios:

Cindy was an All-American volleyball player before turning her talents to coaching at the University of Texas. And John was an accomplished cyclist. Both were on staff with Athletes in Action before joining the faculty at Baylor University’s Truett Seminary where they launched the Sports Ministry program and the Faith and Sport Institute.

Links/Books/Resources mentioned in the show: 

• Join Power Up Family here on Facebook!
• Join Power Up You Tube Channel here https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo84-tdih-z0PcqAh7lvbZQ
• The Heart of an Athlete 30-Day Devotional PDF
• For more information on the Faith & Sports Institute, email Cathy at [email protected]
• Baylor University/Truett Seminary-Faith & Sports Institute:  https://www.baylor.edu/truett/index.php?id=963944

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In the Gospel of Matthew we find these words… “Let Your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in Heaven.”  So one of our questions is-how can we make this happen in the fast paced world of collegiate sports? It’s an important question and one we’ve called upon Division One deputy athletic director, Lee De Leon to help us answer as we Power Up together! 

Guest Bio:

Lee De Leon began his career in collegiate athletics in 2005. He has been part of the Rajin Cajuns athletic staff since July of 2018 and also serves on their executive and senior leadership teams at the University of Louisiana. Lee has a Master’s Degree in sport management from Texas A&M. Lee is also a key leader with Athletic Director’s for Christ.  He and his wife have two sons.

Links/Books/Resources mentioned in the show: 

• Join Power Up Family here on Facebook!
• Join Power Up You Tube Channel here https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo84-tdih-z0PcqAh7lvbZQ
• For more information on Athletic Director’s for Christ, email Lee at [email protected]
• The Heart of an Athlete 30-Day Devotional PDF

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“I was angry, I was scared, I was sad, I was ashamed…” Those words describe a time of pain and uncertainty for Lauren Sisler. It was a period of time that has shaped her as a wife, a sister and a broadcaster with ESPN. Lauren has experienced God’s promise to never leave us or forsake us. Her story will show us how to Power Up...even in times of loss. 

Guest Bio:  

Lauren Sisler is a two-time national award winning broadcaster who joined ESPN and the SEC Network in 2016 as a sideline reporter for college football and gymnastics. Lauren was also a gymnast at Rutgers University. Lauren is passionate about sports, but even more passionate about telling the stories of the coaches, athletes, and fans who make it more than a game. 

Links/Books/Resources mentioned in the show:

• Join us here on Facebook!
• Join Power Up You Tube Channel here https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo84-tdih-z0PcqAh7lvbZQ
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurensisler/
• Resource Download: When You Don’t Know What to Say https://discoveryseries.org/courses/when-you-dont-know-what-to-say/

#ourdailybread​ #powerup​ #sportsministry  #pain of loss

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“Who am I...where do I belong..what do I do now, and where do I go everyday?” These are questions many sports figures wrestle with after the games are over. Chip Simmons works with former athletes and coaches who are in transition. His insight will assist you in encouraging others to Power Up in Christ. 

Guest Bio: 

Chip Simmons is the Founder and Director of After the Game Ministries. He has also served in a sports chaplain role at the collegiate level as well as the NFL, Major League Baseball and the Arena Football League. Chip resides in Colorado and has also been a Keynote Speaker at a Power Up Sports Ministry Conference. 

Links/Books/Resources mentioned in the show: 

• Join us here on Facebook!
• Discovery Series article: Change…Following God Through Life's Crossroads
• Chip Simmons email: chip.atgministries.gmail.com

#ourdailybread​ #powerup​ #sportsministry

We know that in any ministry, there will be continuing opportunities for growth …the same holds true for sports related ministry. Today’s guest will help guide us into a better understanding of those opportunities while looking at the challenges & benefits associated with sports ministry. Join us as we Power Up together in serving, equipping and encouraging the men and women of sport!  

Guest Bio: 

Casey Spark played collegiate basketball at the University of North Dakota where her team won three Division II Championships. Casey now serves with Athletes in Action at the University of Iowa along with her husband, Tim.  

Links/Books/Resources mentioned in the show:

• Join us here on Facebook!

We all remember the days of the church softball team getting together to compete against other churches…but the concept of sports and church has grown well beyond the softball diamond. As a matter of fact, some would say that the local church is missing a monumental opportunity if they ignore or dismiss the sports ministry aspect. Today’s guest says “sports outreach within the local church is about sports...but it’s never been about sport.”  What does that mean? Ross Wellman will answer that question as we Power Up-we desire to serve, equip and encourage the men and women of sport!  

Guest Bio: 

Ross Wellman is the Missional Living Pastor and the Sports Pastor at White River Christian Church in Noblesville, Indiana. He started his vocational ministry at White River in 2011, but served as a volunteer in the White River Sports Youth Basketball program for five years prior to that. In addition to his duties in Sports Ministry, Ross oversees the Disaster Relief Team and has been on several trips throughout the US helping people recover from natural disasters.

Before coming on board with White River, Ross spent 11 years in the motorsports industry and six years in the insurance and financial services industry. Ross started his faith journey when he was 13 following a summer mission trip and a week at church camp. Ross and his wife Jo Ann have two boys who are both volleyball players.

Links/Books/Resources mentioned in the show:

• Join us here on Facebook!
• Email Ross Wellman with questions about sports and the local church: [email protected]

Sometimes God opens unique doors for ministry. Doors that we weren’t necessarily looking for or expecting…or even feel qualified for! But yet, God allows us to be involved in His work...work that impacts the lives of others for all eternity. Bob Johnston has such a story. It’s a journey that serves, equips and encourages the men and women of sport. 

Guest Bio: 

After working for Bell Canada for over 21 years God challenged Bob to join Athletes in Action Canada. He put together sports outreaches in partnership with Churches throughout Ontario, hosted camps clinics and leagues in partnership with churches. In that time, he also traveled to Kenya, Uganda, Slovakia and Hungary training nationals how to do sports ministries in their countries. He is also involved with a network of prayer warriors that has grown to more than 16-hundred strong!

Links/Books/Resources mentioned in the show: 

• Join us here on Facebook!
• To share a prayer request with the prayer network, email Bob at [email protected]

Is victory achieved only when we defeat our opponent? How about in sports ministry, what does victory look like? When it comes to sports and yes, even sports ministry, victory takes on many forms. So how should we define victory from a Biblical perspective. Baltimore Ravens chaplain, Johnny Shelton will help us put it all in perspective as together, we seek to serve, equip and encourage the men and women of sport!  

Guest Bio: 

Johnny Shelton was a two-sport athlete at Southeast Missouri State. He went on to play in the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Falcons, 49ers, Seahawks and Raiders. He went on to serve with FCA as the football chaplain at Virginia Tech and has been the team chaplain/life coach with the Baltimore Ravens since 2013.  

Links/Books/Resources mentioned in the show: 

• Join us here on Facebook!
• Johnny Shelton's Twitter: @ravenschaplain
• Johnny Shelton's Instagram: ravenschaplain
• Johnny Shelton's Website: https://johnnyshelton.com/