Describe, in your own words, the importance of building meaningful relationships with the athletes you serve/plan to serve. How might your ministry look different without solid, meaningful relationships?

[Austin]

I have been involved primarily with the same sports ministry for almost 25 years. I still have relationships with folks that I have served from the very beginning. I don’t believe that ministry would continue for me if I felt that I didn’t make and have meaningful relationships and friendships. We cannot share Jesus in sports ministry or any ministry without relationship. And as was stating in the equation.. relationships =trust/time.

[Austin]

I am going to choose to work backwards and answer the 2nd question first. It would be my impression that my ministry wouldn’t be exceedingly vibrant if I didn’t have a series of solid, meaningful relationships with those I have been called to serve. It recently occurred in 2023 that a professional athlete underwent a significant life-threat while actively in contest, and without having building a meaningful relationship with the athletes, the front office, those in support services; I don’t that they would have obtained the Emotional and spiritual support needed to be resilient and cope with what did occur as well as what could have ensued. Cleveland, Ohio.