Most Christian families are active in competitive youth sports. In fact 70% of American families enroll their children in organized sports during grade school and middle school (ESPN article).
How do Christian men take advantage of the opportunities to mentor children? How should we behave while we’re sitting in the stands and see the refs make a bad call or the coach doesn’t play our kids?
In this episode with psychologist Dr. John Mckenzie, we explore the opportunities and challenges of participating in competitive youth athletics.
ABOUT THIS SHOW:
- How marathons create a life metaphor for the Christian life
- Taking advantage of the mentoring opportunities in competitive youth sports
- Standing against the temptation to be an angry fan
John’s life verse: Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. – Hebrews 12:1-2
Time Stamp Show Notes
1:05 – Hebrews 12:1-2
2:38 – John’s faith journey
3:56 – About John’s life
5:10 – About John’s sports life
6:40 – Why endurance is important, John’s life verse – Hebrews 12:1-2
9:20 – Lessons learned during sports
11:50 – Choosing faith over sports
15:20 – Kids and sports
16:49 – What it is like to be a coach/mentor
17:46 – Lessons from coaching
19:27 – Integrity and sports among kids
25:38 – How to keep going during difficult times
31:24 – Words of wisdom for parents
31:24 – Best ways to motivate in the midst of adversity
42:22 – Lesson from this session – how can you learn about your character when working with others
43:11 – Lesson to learn: be intentional as a coach and parent
44:36 – Parting word: Get in the game with the kids. Build those relationships
45:50 – Find John on Facebook