As I pastored for twenty-five years, I experienced firsthand the difficulty there can be in connecting with men outside the church. Serving with CSO, I also see the tremendous ways the Lord is connecting children and families in the community with the gospel and ultimately to His church through sports. But there is often an overlooked opportunity to reach men through these same sports ministries. In just the last few weeks I’ve talked to three men whose lives have been transformed by the gospel through Sports Ministries. I want to share the story of one of those men.
Scott Tyson is the founder and director of Legacy Sports in Weddington, NC (Charlotte area). Legacy Sports is leaving a true ‘legacy” of reaching and transforming men’s lives through their sports ministry. Jason Krull is one of those men. I recently interviewed Jason and learned about the impact of sports ministry in his life. 
Why did you get involved in Sports Ministry?
“Scott asked me to coach and I thought it would be a good way to connect and spend time with my son who I would be coaching. Honestly, Scott offered me a discounted rate for my son’s registration if I coached. I also just loved sports.”
How has your involvement in Sports Ministry impacted you?
“I grew up in a Christian home but never really understood what a relationship with Christ meant. Through the coach’s development process of Legacy Sports and Scott Tyson’s involvement in my life, I began to understand what that meant. God also began to teach me through 1 Corinthians 10:31 that every area of my life could be lived for the glory of God, even coaching and playing sports.”
What were some of the key factors the Lord used to impact you?
“There were primarily three things that the Lord used. The time Scott spent with me and poured into me was a key factor. My involvement with the Legacy Leadership Team beginning in 2011 was also important. The relationships of men in that group and the accountability we have with each other has been great. Finally, the materials CSO provided for our Coaches Development influenced me greatly.”
Can you tell me more about the CSO resources and how the Lord used them?
“The impact started with the ‘3D Integrated Devotionals.’ I saw how sports could be connected to the Bible. The other resources were the “Ultimate Question” along with Bob Schindler teaching our coaches helped me to see that 1 Corinthians 10:31 meant that all of my life could be lived for the glory of God-as a coach, parent, even in my marriage. Really all of the coaches training resources from CSO have had an impact.”
Are there any additional things you want to share about the impact of Sports Ministry in your life?
“I just returned from a missions trip to Germany but my involvement in missions trips and in church activities has changed. I used to go on missions trips and serve in the church sometimes not to disappoint people or just because I felt like I should. I now serve with joy. My marriage and parenting has also completely changed.”
Jason also shared with me that in 2013 Legacy Sports refocused their ministry toward transforming the lives of the men (adult coaches) through Coaches Development and involvement by the Leadership Team in coach’s lives. He said, “Reaching coaches allows them to reach kids better.”
Are you seeking an effective way to reach men in your community? A Sports Outreach Ministry that is focused on developing coaches can be a very effective way to reach men. CSO can help you start a Sports Ministry in your church or help you focus your existing Sports Ministry to develop coaches. Legacy Sports is primarily a Youth Sports Ministry but realizes that reaching the youth more effectively is done through the coach and works to equip them to do this well. They also realize that coach’s development is a powerful tool to reach and disciple men. Please contact Jeff Fox (jfox@csosports.org) for more information on developing coaches.
