It has once been said,"Those who can, do; those who can't, teach" (George Bernard Shaw). Or in this case, those who can't play, coach. Yet, this can never be the case for gospel-centered coaches, for their lives must be faithful where they practice what they teach. So what is it that makes a gospel-centered coach unique from a world-centered coach?
Path 1: The Gospel-Centered Coach
First, they must have repented of their sins and believed the gospel (Mk 1:15; 1 Cor 15:1-4). They are a genuine and faithful believer of the crucified and resurrected Lord Jesus Christ (Matt 28:6). The Holy Spirit is within them and giving them new desires to honor and serve God (Gal 5:16; 1 John 4:13).
New Character
With these new desires, there will be a new character. It will be marked by both humility and servant leadership. Christ was humble, and his coaches must be too (Phil 2:3-4). God is first, the players and staff are second, and the coach is last. They are also servant leaders. They look to serve their players (Matt 20:26-28). These characteristics are shaped and grown through the spiritual disciplines (Ps 119:11; 2 Tim 3:16; 1 Thess 5:16-18) in the context of a local church (Heb 10:25).
New Purpose
There will not only be a new character, but also a new purpose. Every coach has the opportunity to shape the lives of players. How will they be shaped? Gospel-centered coaches always seek to disciple them and say, "Follow me, as I follow Christ" (1 Cor 11:1). They understand that their ultimate career is not merely a coach but a disciple of Jesus (Matt 28:16-20). Their ultimate job is not to win games but to win people to Christ by the Holy Spirit so that they might know Christ and glorify the Father (Matt 9:36-38).
New Life
With a new purpose and character, one lives differently. Coaches who are gospel-centered think and live differently. They are Christ-like in both word and deed (Jn 8:31). The coach who goes to church on Sunday lives the same way at every practice and game (Js 1:8; Rev 3:16). The way they speak to the players, coaches, and parents seeks to build up and honor Christ. To speak this way does not mean they cannot discipline their players or expect excellence. Coaches must be disciplined and implement discipline (Prov 13:24; Heb 12:11) because they recognize that their service is to the Lord, and the Lord expects hard work and excellence (Prov 14:23; 1 Cor 10:31; Col 3:23).
Path 2: The World-Centered Coach
If these characteristics don’t describe you, would you experience the transforming power of the gospel today? Turn from your sins and trust in the Lord Jesus for life today.
Old Character
If gospel-centered desires lead to a new character, this means world-centered desires continue with a worldly character. The flesh will continue to war against God (Rom 8:7). Instead of humility, they are known for pride (Prov 16:18). They are known for caring most about themselves, their reputation, their record, their success. Such pride will not lead to service but will expect players to serve their desires. We are all initially self-serving and prideful (Rom 3:10-11, 23), yet the gospel-centered coach is made new (2 Cor 5:17).
Old Purpose
If this is true of world-centered coaches, their motivations are wrong too. Instead of seeking to disciple players for Christ, they seek worldly standards of excellence and goodness. They may desire to seek to build the character and shape the lives of their players but it will be in vain because they will be shaping them according to worldly wisdom (1 Cor 3:19). It does not matter if they are developed into smart, determined, hard-working, or even professional athletes if they are still in their sins. Their good works are not enough (Is 64:6, Eph 2:8-9). They only see their purpose in the temporary and don't live in light of eternity.
Old Life
If world-centered coaches have a flawed character and purpose for coaching, the way they coach will be incomplete, even if they win games. The way they speak to players, coaches, and parents will be destructive (Js 3:1-12). How often do we hear of coaches speaking with obscene language and believing this is the best way to accomplish what they desire? The way they live will lead players astray to believe that they are worth imitating (Prov 13:20; Rom 14:15-21).
Conclusion
There are two paths to coaching (Ps 1). Which path will you take?