When the Unites States of America was formed, the founding fathers were very intentional in making sure each citizen had religious freedom. The question is, what does this mean and how should it impact my coaching?
Freedom of Religion is the right of every person to live out their faith as they choose. It's not simply the freedom to worship, but the freedom to have our faith impact how we raise our kids, run our business, or for us coaches, how we coach.
Over the years in coaching, I feel we have become afraid of social acceptance and muted our Christian beliefs in the manner in which we coach. Part of becoming a B3rd coach is truly living your life where God is number one. If God is number one, He should be fully alive in everything that we do. This does not mean we have to be like a sidewalk preacher when coaching, but the young people we coach should know we are people of faith.
So what are some ways that our Christian faith can be present in our coaching, especially if we work at a public institution where it's often more difficult? One of my favorite authors and speakers (Matthew Kelly), says, "we should be walking billboards to the Christian life. " If you have a player that has no faith, do they want to be like you? Are you modeling what it means to be a follower of Jesus?
I know at times I struggle greatly in this practice. I get frustrated during the day and by the time I get to my players, all the joy I had in the morning is gone. Or other times my competitive nature takes over and my actions don't reflect my belief. This will happen to all of us, and while we want to work hard to grow and get better, these times can also be great teaching lessons for our players. Seeing an adult humbly apologize for poor actions, could be some of the best lessons they ever get.
Being a B3rd coach does not mean you have to be a pushover, toughness is a biblical truth. Being a B3rd coach means that you are required to live out your faith in every aspect of your life, especially in the way you teach and coach. Don't take for granted the religious freedom you have, the founding fathers were intentional about giving it to you.
Coach Field
Founder of B3rd Athletics
