Historically, we Christians tend to INJECT truth into the sports context in our efforts to try turn our “sports” into “sports ministry.” (Inject by definition is to force something into an environment where it doesn’t belong.) We do that by praying prayers before or after games that have little or nothing to do with the game itself or the players involved. We do that by beginning, ending or stopping the game with a Bible story or application – that again doesn’t relate to the sports being played.
If you have seen this model, you know the common experience for the coaches and players – frustration. Kids and adults are bored, and their attention goes elsewhere. Coaches or speakers notice the disconnect and try harder to get their attention or give up on this idea all together. More importantly, this INJECTION reinforces a compartmentalized view of life for players, parents and coaches.
There is a better way – INTEGRATION.
3D Integrated Devotionals were developed from the passion that all of life is united under the glory of God – 1Corinthians 10:31. 3Ds enable coaches to move from sports to life to truth, all within the natural flow of practice and games, integrating the three. More importantly, 3Ds empower coaches to take advantage of the “teachable moments” that always come up in those practices and games by equipping those coaches with an integrated mindset.
“3D devotionals have helped our ministry to shift from the mindset of injecting ministry into the sports and moving towards integrating how sports, life, and the gospel intersect. Our coaches and players are learning that sports can be not only fun, but impactful both on and off the field.” Jenny Young, Interim SOAR Sports Director
“The 3D Devotionals are a great tool to make devotions much more than an add on to a sports event or practice but a way to effectively integrate the gospel and biblical principles into every practice. We’ve used them for more than 3 years with great feedback from our coaches.” Jeff Fox, CSO Network & Leadership Center Director and former Cross Point Sports Director
We have 3D Integrated Devotionals for soccer, basketball, baseball, and flag football. For more information, click here.
To find out more information on them and see a practical demonstration, watch the video below.
3D Integrated Devotionals are more than just a resource, they teach a mindset – a very powerful one for coaches!
What Are 3D Integrated Devotionals? (12min.) from Church Sports Outreach (CSO) on Vimeo.