Beyond The Field

This summer, over 250 kids attended MACC’s sports clinics and camp. Kids received training in technical skills, participated in fun scrimmages, leveled up abilities, and, most importantly, were encouraged in their walk with Jesus. Since MACC’s formation, sports have played a major role in our mission to be an open door for all people to know Jesus. This ministry has been an effective tool in sharing the gospel with the community and discipling young people.

“It’s a vehicle that has universal appeal,” said Nick Holmes, Sports Ministry and Missions director at MACC. He noted that statistics show that over 60% of Americans participate with sports on an annual basis. That percentage is even higher when you consider the spectator aspect of sports.

“Ministry is about creating relationships and reaching people where they are,” said Nick. “Sports is a Swiss Army knife when it comes to having the utility to reach different demographic groups.”

This year’s 11 clinics and camp featured sports like lacrosse, flag football, archery, golf, basketball, soccer, volleyball, running, and pickleball. These clinics and camp were for kids ages 7 to 11 years old, and there was a multi-sports clinic for kids ages 4 to 6 years old.

Sports don’t just provide common ground for outreach  but good soil for discipleship. Both discipleship and sports are built upon relationships and transformational growth, said Nick.

Both are defined by commitment, growth, and community, said Jeris Bowlding, who led this summer’s golf clinic.

“In sports, just like in our walk with Christ, there are moments of struggle, learning, and breakthrough,” he said. Jeris runs a nonprofit called Excel Golf that introduces youth to the game and uses it as a tool to teach life skills, discipline, and opportunity. Jeris recently left his federal government job to pursue this work full time because he truly believes in the power of this mission.

“Sports teach patience, humility, accountability, and perseverance, many of the same things God shapes in us through our spiritual journey,” said Jeris. “When you bring faith into that space, it opens doors for deep conversations and real transformation.”

The connection between a coach and an athlete can reflect that of a discipleship relationship. Those who volunteer as coaches at MACC see this connection as an opportunity to build up and encourage the next generation with the love of God.

Jeris serves as a coach because of the impact coaches had on his own life. Their influence went far beyond the field or course, and he wants to be that same kind of positive presence in the lives of young people.

As he reflects on his years of coaching, he is grateful for the opportunity to mentor and become a father figure to one young man in particular. He got to watch him overcome fears and achieve educational goals the young man thought were impossible.

“That’s the power of God working through sports, using relationships and moments on the field or course to change lives,” said Jeris.

Jeris played football as a teenager, and God used the game as a platform for him to be an example of Christ to his teammates. He led team prayers and was active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). He invited teammates to church and youth group. Through his involvement in sports, he learned how to lead, support others, and overcome obstacles.

“Sports accelerate life lessons and give you tools to handle things that show up later in life,” said Jeris.

The summer sports clinics and camp give kids the opportunities to try new things and discover new interests. This boosts a kid’s confidence as they step out in courage to give something new a shot. Jeris reflected on the excitement a kid experiences the first time they hit a golf ball.

“That moment of surprise and joy is unforgettable,” said Jeris.

He remembers one camper in particular from this summer who made a point to come talk to Jeris each day. “Those small moments of connection are just as meaningful as the big breakthroughs,” said Jeris.

Kendra Dolinka, who coached the flag football clinic with her fiancé Ryan Powell, shared that sports taught each of them  discipline, humility, leadership, and perseverance when they were growing up. As coaches now, they get to pass that on.

“We understand what it’s like to be in their shoes,” said Kendra. “We see how God can use sports to reach hearts, build character, and create lasting impact just like he did in our own lives.”

Kendra, who is a middle school teacher, explained that their involvement in coaching Crofton teams are opportunities to be salt and light to children and their families in the community.

“Coaching provides an avenue like no other to encourage and speak truth to everyone involved,” said Kendra.

Along with the investment made in the lives of these kids, Kendra noted that the encouragement goes both ways. Hearing the childlike faith of a kid who volunteers to pray for the group blesses us as adults as well, said Kendra as she reflected on the young athletes, ages 7 to 11, participating during the devotional times.

Each day of a clinic or camp, kids heard biblical teachings based on this year’s theme verse, Matthew 16:20, “So the last will be first, and the first last.” Where the world teaches “win at all costs,” followers of Jesus can unite around a goal that’s much larger and much more important — sharing the love of God and giving him the glory.

Kendra shared that discipline was explained to the kids as “doing what is right even when your body doesn’t want to.” It’s this connection between spiritual discipline and sports that strengthens a person’s understanding of a life of faith.

She was reminded of Paul’s words to the church of Corinth, “Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable” (1 Corinthians 9:25). The discipline and obedience required of athletes to train for their sport is a metaphor for the spiritual discipline required for a life of faith, said Kendra. Comparing the two gives kids a grasp on the life ahead as a follower of Jesus.

Austin Simpson, who volunteered with the multi-sports and pickleball clinics, agreed that sports are a great training ground for life, especially the Christian life. Values like perseverance and teamwork are essential to discipleship, said Austin, who is an area representative for FCA.

“I think Billy Graham said it best, ‘A coach will impact more people in one year than the average person does in a lifetime,’” said Austin when reflecting on why he coaches. Growing up, Austin looked up to his coaches and is grateful for the impact they had on him. He wants to have that same kind of influence for God’s glory.

The Sports Ministry at MACC has serving opportunities throughout the year. If you want to learn  how to get involved in discipling the next generation of athletes, email sports@themacc.org.

Written by Lydia MacBride