Sports Theodicy: God’s Role in the Game

Fall is here, football is in the air, and the Means of Grace team explores the intersection of sports and faith. Hosts Jesse Ennis, John Yeager and Jonathan LeMaster-Smith share their favorite teams and the impact of sports on their lives. They also explore the deeper meaning of sports and the opportunities for growth and connection that they provide. The conversation explores the intersection of sports and faith, discussing the communal experience of sports, the role of sports in bringing people together, and the lessons that can be learned from sports about evangelism. 

 

In this final part of the conversation, the discussion revolves around the intersection of sports and faith. Special guest Nina Miller explores the topic of athletes expressing their faith after games and the balance between predestination and personal responsibility. The conversation concludes with a segment highlighting a wood chopping ministry as an example of a heartwarming ministry found in the Methodist Church.

 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage

00:56 The Intersection of Sports and Faith

06:01 Does God Care About Sports?

16:00 Opportunities for Evangelism in Sports

22:19 Putting Sports in Perspective

25:49 Growth and Reflection in the Intersection of Sports and Faith

28:54 The Communal Nature of Sports and Faith

29:52 The Power of Unity and Belonging in Sports

31:18 Authenticity in Expressing Faith in Sports

43:21 The Impact of Actions in Sports and Faith

50:32 Exploring the Relationship Between Sports and Faith

51:02 Reimagining Evangelism in the World of Sports

52:49 The Future of Sports and Faith

56:32 Sports as a Unifying Force

01:00:40 Engaging in Sports as a Form of Ministry

 

Visit the North Carolina High School Athletic Association: nchsaa.org

 

Connect with the Means of Grace Hosts:

 

John Yeager

jyeager@wnccumc.net

Calvary United Methodist Church, Charlotte

IG: @sportstheology85

 

Jesse Enniss

jenniss@wnccumc.net

St. Stephen United Methodist Church, Charlotte 

 

Jonathan LeMaster-Smith

jlemastersmith@wnccumc.net 

Kairos University and Northbrook Charge

jlemaster-smith.com 

FB.com/theruralprofessor

IG and Threads: @Rural_Professor