My name is Eric and I am living in England, working as a Youth Pastor, doing a Theology degree, and playing competitive rugby. 
My schedule is full to say the least. So, when a particularly grueling assignment comes along it is easy to become annoyed with it quickly. Most recently I have had the opportunity to do an assignment that involves apologetically refuting some of Richard Dawkins arguments against the existence of God from his book The God Delusion. While still a little annoying at times, this has been an informative journey to say the least and through it I have found myself using the fact that I was working on this assignment to intentionally talk to people about the issues it raises. I have had discussions with my youth, my friends, and my teammates. The results are wonderful. I’ve been able to listen to and engage with their questions about God and whether He exists, what proof there is, etc. and on multiple occasions this has lead into the opportunity of sharing the gospel with them.
I understand not everyone has to participate in apologetics as part of an assignment but I think there is a greater point that we can apply to the relationships we have both inside and outside of sports.
When we are intentionally honest and genuine in talking with others about what is going on in our lives, it causes life on life to happen. Whether that be talking about struggling to make enough time for your family and why it’s important, or what some interesting article you read said which raised a thought provoking questions. As we intentionally engage people with our lives out of love for theirs, it opens up doors for us to have deeper conversations. It doesn’t have to be awkward, it doesn’t have to feel forced; we just need to be ready to listen to what they have to say and remember. Once you’ve had one or two deeper conversations it’s a lot easier to come back and ask “have you thought anymore about what we were talking about the other day because I had a thought…?” It also becomes much easier to begin a different conversation over deeper subjects.
Intentionally sharing life with people can lead to deep conversations which may in turn offer the opportunity to explain how Christ makes a difference in your life thanks to His life, death, resurrection, and sending of the Holy Spirit. Just remember, it’s a process and a journey we ourselves are walking and when we share it with others, they might get swept up in it as well.
