The Gospel In The Game Sports Podcast

What happens when your greatest fear becomes the catalyst for your life's purpose? For Jerry Schemmel, Colorado Rockies play-by-play broadcaster, surviving a catastrophic plane crash in 1989 wasn't just a traumatic experience—it became the defining moment that led him to faith and transformed his approach to broadcasting.

With raw honesty, Jerry shares how the crash that claimed many lives, including a toddler sitting just in front of him, forced him to question everything about his existence. Having no spiritual foundation at the time, this moment of crisis became his crossroads. The following year, Jerry found Christ and discovered that his broadcasting career wasn't about personal achievement but about using his platform to demonstrate faith in action. From small Kansas radio stations to the major leagues—spending 20 years in NBA broadcasting before securing the coveted Rockies position at age 50—Jerry recognizes each step as divinely orchestrated.

Beyond the broadcast booth, Jerry's faith propelled him into remarkable endurance challenges. What began as therapeutic cycling after the crash evolved into riding across America multiple times for charity. In 2015, he won the two-person division of Race Across America, considered the world's toughest bicycle race, which became the subject of a documentary called "Godspeed." Through these adventures, Jerry found additional avenues to share his story and faith.

Perhaps most powerfully, Jerry offers perspective for anyone facing their own trauma: "Everybody has their own plane crash. We all get knocked down, and what we have to do is turn to God to pick us back up. And when we turn to God and He helps us back up, we are better than we were before we got knocked down." With his Rockies contract ending and his future uncertain, Jerry demonstrates the peace that comes from genuine surrender: "Be as humble as you possibly can be and just let God work in your life."

Join us for this profound conversation about faith, purpose, and finding meaning through life's most challenging moments. Whether you're a sports enthusiast or someone searching for hope amid difficulty, Jerry's journey reminds us that our greatest trials often become our greatest testimony.

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What happens when an Olympic athlete approaches their sport not just as a career, but as a calling? Melissa Lotholz, two-time Olympic bobsledder, takes us behind the scenes of her remarkable journey from farm kid to international competitor while revealing how faith provides the foundation for both her athletic excellence and personal resilience.

Melissa dismantles the common assumption that high-performance sport and spiritual life must exist in separate realms. "My first year, someone told me 'You're a Christian? That won't last long here,'" she recalls. Yet her story proves otherwise, demonstrating how athletic pursuits can become spiritual practices when approached with intention. With refreshing candor, she articulates how physical training becomes worship, competition becomes ministry, and team dynamics become opportunities for living out gospel values.

The conversation dives deep into the psychological challenges unique to Olympic athletes—from the pre-competition anxiety of hurtling down ice tracks at breakneck speeds to the post-Games emptiness when years of structured training suddenly end. "It doesn't make the suck less sucky," Melissa admits with characteristic authenticity, "but you're quicker to ask, 'Why so downcast, O my soul? I will praise him yet.'" Her practical approaches to mental health, spiritual grounding, and community building offer wisdom applicable far beyond the bobsled track.

Whether discussing her technical role coaching 30% of Canada's national team while still competing herself, or revealing her memorization of Psalm 1 as preparation for Olympic qualification, Melissa demonstrates how purpose transcends performance. Her insights about "staying the course" through disappointment, celebrating faithfulness over success, and finding God's presence in daily disciplines rather than just emotional highs provide a masterclass in spiritual resilience.

Listen now for a rare glimpse into the intersection of elite sport and authentic faith. How might your own work—whatever it may be—become an expression of worship? What would change if you approached your greatest challenges with the courage to "feel the fear but do it anyway"? Melissa's story might just transform how you view your own journey.

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Matt Cline's story begins with a single hit on the ice that changed everything. As a former Western Hockey League player with the Chilliwack Bruins, Cline suffered a career-ending concussion that left him with debilitating headaches for six years. But what initially seemed like the tragic end to athletic dreams became the catalyst for profound spiritual transformation and purpose.

Through raw vulnerability, Matt shares how his identity had been completely wrapped up in hockey until that pivotal moment. Just five days after his injury, a team chaplain spoke words that would become prophetic: "What you're going through right now, you don't know what God is doing, but two years from now, you'll look back and see God working in your life." This moment marked Klein's surrender to a deeper faith.

The journey from hockey player to ministry leader wasn't immediate or straightforward. Cline ventured into business for several years before experiencing what he describes as a supernatural encounter where God called him to start what would become Restored Ministries – an organization helping men find freedom from pornography addiction and sexual brokenness. With disarming honesty, he shares his own struggles with porn addiction and how bringing these secrets into the light led to discovering and healing from sexual trauma he had experienced as a teenager.

What makes Matt's perspective so powerful is his counterintuitive approach to consequences. Rather than viewing them negatively, he sees them as essential catalysts for transformation. "When you face extreme consequences," he explains, "you ain't going back to it." Through Restored Ministries' confidential groups, one-on-one coaching, and resources, men find spaces where they can be "fully known and fully loved" – experiencing the acceptance and healing that breaks addiction's power.

For athletes, coaches, and anyone struggling with hidden shame, Cline's message offers hope that our greatest disappointments often become pathways to our true calling. His story demonstrates that nothing – not career-ending injuries nor sexual addiction – can separate us from God's purpose. Visit restoredministriesca to learn more about finding freedom and purpose beyond shame.

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What happens when God redirects your NHL dreams? For Rob Globke, former NHL player turned hockey chaplain, surrendering his professional aspirations led to an unexpected journey of purpose and fulfillment.

Growing up in Detroit as the oldest of five brothers, Globke's path seemed straightforward - excel at hockey and build a long NHL career. As a high second-round draft pick, everything pointed toward success on the ice. But God had different plans that would challenge conventional definitions of achievement and worth.

During his sophomore year of college, Globke encountered Hockey Ministries International through his agent's recommendation. At a camp in Windsor, Ontario, he experienced something transformative: the seamless integration of faith and hockey. "I was just blown away that never in my life had I seen hockey and the Christian message intertwined so well," he recalls. For someone accustomed to feeling like "the Christian guy on the team, kind of the oddball," this revelation proved life-changing.

The defining moment came during a 12-hour bus ride in Germany, lying on the floor with teammates' legs draped over him, listening to a sermon through foam headphones. Despite pursuing an MBA and having various career options, Globke felt an undeniable call to ministry that eventually led him to join Hockey Ministries International full-time after retiring from professional hockey.

Today, Globke serves as a chaplain, supporting athletes who struggle with identity tied to performance rather than inherent worth. "You are who you are because of what Christ has done for you, not what you can do," he explains, countering the prevailing mentality in professional sports. Through voluntary chapel programs, he creates spaces for players to explore life's deeper questions in comfortable, conversational settings.

What's your true source of identity? Join us as Rob Globke shares powerful insights about faith, purpose, and finding fulfillment beyond the scoreboard. Whether you're a hockey fan or someone searching for meaning beyond professional achievements, this conversation offers perspective-shifting wisdom about what truly matters.

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What does it mean to find your purpose right in your own backyard? For professional hockey player Claire Butorac, the answer lies in Minnesota's frozen rinks and the faith journey that guides her career both on and off the ice.

Growing up in Minnesota's unique community-based hockey model gave Claire the rare opportunity to represent her hometown from youth leagues through high school graduation. Now as a professional player for Minnesota in the PWHL, she's living a full-circle moment – competing at the highest level while simultaneously coaching at her alma mater, Andover High School. This dual role reveals something profound about Claire's character: while hockey is her profession, mentoring young players might be her true calling.

Claire candidly shares the challenges of professional women's hockey, including walking into training camp without a contract, simply hoping to earn a roster spot. During these uncertain moments, her faith becomes her anchor. "I pray a lot, I journal a lot," she explains, describing how writing helps process the anxiety that comes with her competitive nature. This spiritual foundation, instilled by her mother from childhood, surfaces in surprising ways – like writing "Fear is a liar" on her hockey stick as a powerful reminder during games.

The highlight of Claire's professional career came when she scored an overtime playoff winner in front of her hometown crowd. Yet even when describing this triumphant moment, she emphasizes the relationships that made it meaningful – teammates celebrating in the locker room and family members with tears of joy in the stands. This perspective exemplifies how Claire views hockey not as a platform for personal glory, but as a vehicle for connection, mentorship and purpose.

As women's professional hockey continues growing, athletes like Claire Buderak offer a refreshing template for what success can look like when paired with faith and community investment. Have you considered how your talents might serve purposes greater than personal achievement? Claire's journey reminds us that sometimes our greatest impact happens close to home.

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What happens when your identity becomes completely wrapped up in what you do? Professional hockey player Aaron Luchuk takes us on a journey through the extreme highs and lows of elite sports, revealing profound wisdom about finding purpose beyond performance.

Aaron shares the electrifying moment of scoring the game-winning goal in the Memorial Cup championship—a dream scenario for any hockey player. Yet it's what he learned through disappointments that truly transformed his perspective. "My dad always said you don't want to be Aaron Luchuk, hockey player. You want to be Aaron Luchuk who plays hockey," he explains, highlighting a distinction that's relevant whether you're an athlete or not.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Aaron reveals how his biggest career setbacks—being drafted later than expected and losing his NHL contract during COVID—ultimately led to his greatest blessings, including meeting his wife in Orlando. "I would trade my entire hockey career a million times over to meet my wife and to now have my beautiful baby girl," he reflects, demonstrating how our deepest disappointments can become unexpected pathways to joy.

Perhaps most movingly, Aaron describes discovering Deuteronomy 31:6 mysteriously written above his locker stall before a playoff game—a verse that would become his lifelong anchor: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you."

Whether you're navigating career challenges, wrestling with identity questions, or simply love stories of purpose found through adversity, Aaron's journey offers both inspiration and practical wisdom for separating who you are from what you do.

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What does faith look like on the ice when you're battling injuries, homesickness, and the constant pressure to perform? Colin Doherty pulls back the curtain on the reality of being a young Christian athlete in today's competitive junior hockey world.

As a player returning to the Grand Prairie Storm (breaking news revealed exclusively on our podcast!), Colin shares how his childhood in a Christian home provided foundation, but it wasn't until facing the isolation and challenges of junior hockey that his faith truly deepened. "Moving away and playing junior hockey has only excelled that feeling," Colin explains, describing how his mother's wisdom to "remember who you are" has shaped his approach to balancing team culture with personal values.

The conversation delves into the mental toll of competitive sports – from production pressure and lineup uncertainty to the crushing disappointment of playoff losses. Colin reveals his powerful habit of turning to scripture in difficult moments, including a pivotal bus ride after a devastating loss that led to his return to Grand Prairie. His pre-game ritual of prayer during the national anthem provides a window into how faith practically intersects with athletic performance: "I just feel like all the stress and all the pain just gradually goes away."

Perhaps most refreshing is Colin's authentic approach to being a Christian in hockey culture. Rather than separating himself or appearing judgmental, he focuses on finding the good in teammates while acknowledging his own imperfections. His perspective challenges the stereotype that Christians in sports are disconnected from team dynamics, offering instead a model of genuine relationship-building that honors both his faith and the sport he loves.

Ready for an honest, thought-provoking conversation about faith, hockey, and finding purpose beyond the scoreboard? This episode delivers powerful insights for athletes, parents, coaches, and anyone navigating the complex relationship between spiritual identity and competitive achievement.

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For championship goaltender Lukas Renaud, the journey from rock bottom to hoisting the Centennial Cup with the Calgary Canucks reveals something far more profound than athletic achievement. Through cross-continent travels and career uncertainty, Lukas discovered that reconnecting with his faith transformed not just his performance between the pipes, but his entire approach to life.

"Boys, we already won the day—everyone in this locker room got out of bed on their two feet." This pre-game ritual Lukas shared with teammates captures the refreshing perspective that carried him through triumphs and tribulations alike. When playing time disappeared during what he calls his "rock bottom" season, an old journal reminded him of when his spiritual life and athletic performance were both thriving. That realization sparked a recommitment that would ultimately lead to championship glory.

The most powerful moment comes when Lukas, despite his young age, articulates his vision for legacy. Rather than hockey accolades, he hopes people will remember his loyalty, character, and faith—"I don't even want the word hockey to come up." His practice of reciting Philippians 4:13 during national anthems and praying not for outcomes but for "strength and courage to do things necessary" reflects a spiritual maturity that transcends sports. Just days after securing his Division I commitment to Long Island University, Lukas reminds us that faith isn't just compatible with competitive athletics—it might be the missing ingredient for those seeking purpose beyond the scoreboard.

Listen as Lukas shares how journaling, scripture, and maintaining perspective transformed his hockey journey and prepared him for what's next. What might change in your own performance if you approached each day with gratitude rather than pressure?

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The moment that changes everything – Colin Cooper, Mount Royal University goalie coach, shares how a cancer diagnosis with a four-month-old daughter at home became the ultimate test of his lifelong faith.

From his earliest days between the pipes, Colin faced constant skepticism about his 5'8" frame being "too small" for goaltending success. Each year brought new doubts from coaches, creating a resilience that would later prove providential. What seemed like career obstacles were actually preparing him for a battle far more significant than stopping pucks.

Growing up in a Christian household established Colin's foundation, though it wasn't always easy being "the weird Christian kid" in hockey circles. As he matured through junior and university hockey, he made intentional choices that prioritized his faith community – staying in Calgary despite opportunities elsewhere and starting a Bible study with teammates. These decisions reflected a deepening ownership of his beliefs that would later be tested in unimaginable ways.

The devastation of a "bad luck cancer" diagnosis with a newborn daughter should have broken him. Instead, in that hospital moment of hearing the news, Colin experienced an inexplicable comfort transforming his "why me?" into "how do we beat this?" Through excruciating pain and uncertainty, the foundation built on years of faith held firm. As Colin powerfully states, "God never promised us perfection on this earth," but having that rock-solid foundation makes all the difference when everything else crumbles.

Now cancer-free and continuing his coaching journey, Colin's testimony reminds us that we're stronger than we realize when we build our lives on something unshakeable. His story illustrates that sometimes our greatest challenges become our most powerful platform to inspire others. What foundation are you building your life upon?

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This thoughtful conversation about balancing faith, family, and professional athletics will leave you encouraged.

As a former NLL player who participated in two expansion teams (Edmonton Rush and Panther City Lacrosse Club), Jordan brings unique perspective on navigating the demanding weekend schedule of professional lacrosse while maintaining spiritual disciplines. "When you play a Saturday game, you're not making it back for church," he explains, highlighting how online services became a lifeline during busy seasons long before the pandemic made them common.

The father of two daughters shares honestly about leadership challenges across multiple spheres - from managing an industrial rigging company to helping the historic Miners Lacrosse Club secure three consecutive national championships. Throughout these experiences, Jordan discovered the power of presence: "I don't sit at my desk and point and dictate... I try to get involved as much as I can."

Perhaps most powerfully, Jordan opens up about supporting friends and family through cancer diagnoses and loss, including fellow lacrosse player Aaron Bold, whose wife passed away in 2019. These difficult seasons revealed the importance of his guiding verse, Proverbs 11:2: "When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes righteousness."

What advice would Jordan give his 12-year-old self? "Stay true to yourself." For young athletes navigating faith and sport today? "Pray constantly and stay in your devotionals." Simple words that have carried him through championship victories, professional setbacks, family challenges, and everything between.

Want to hear more stories of faith intersecting with athletics? Subscribe, share, and join us in discovering how sport becomes a platform for something far greater.

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