Win The Day # 9 – More Than a Game: Building Kingdom Relationships Through Coaching

I never set out to become a coach or a teacher for recognition. And I definitely didn’t realize, at first, just how much God would use those roles to shape not only the students—but me.

Over the years, I’ve coached youth from ages 5 to 18. I’ve stood on muddy fields, crowded courts, and quiet classrooms, watching kids grow into who God made them to be. Through every season—victories and losses, test days and ordinary Tuesdays—one thing has remained true: real impact happens through real relationships.

I’ve learned that students rarely remember every lesson or play. But they remember how you made them feel. They remember if you noticed them. They remember if you kept showing up.

And that’s the heart of discipleship—faithful presence.

Jesus modeled this perfectly. He spent time with people, especially the young and overlooked. He taught in the streets, ate meals with His followers, and asked questions that stirred the heart. His discipleship wasn’t a curriculum—it was a relationship. He walked with people in their mess, loved them where they were, and called them to something greater.

That’s the kind of coach and teacher I strive to be.

I’ve seen how a kind word can soften a tough day. How encouragement can spark confidence in a shy student. How being consistent—even when you feel invisible—can reflect the faithful love of God. Every moment spent investing in a young person is a moment that echoes into eternity.

In today’s fast-moving world, deep relationships are more valuable than ever. Kids need more than information—they need formation. They need to know they’re not alone. They need truth wrapped in love. They need mentors who reflect Jesus in how they listen, lead, and live.

So to anyone in the trenches of youth ministry, teaching, or coaching: don’t underestimate the value of what you do. Whether you’re planting seeds or watering them, your presence matters. Keep showing up. Keep pointing them to Christ—not just with your words, but with your life.

It’s more than a job. It’s more than a team. It’s discipleship.