For the next number of weeks, I will be sharing excerpts from my new book, Soul Training - 7 Keys to Coaching the Faith of Elite Sportspeople. https://www.
Communicate directly.
Occasionally I will invite a local pastor to address our team in a pregame chapel. I give them a time frame to fit, a general idea of theme or topic, answer their questions, and then turn them loose. That usually goes fairly well, but occasionally it does not. The errors are usually a matter of not fitting sport culture or a clumsy importation of church culture into the sport setting. Sport is a culture of direct language. Time is always at a premium. Communication is always straightforward. There is no room for dropping hints, for being subtle, or for being overly artful in one’s speech. There is no need for elaborate introductions, for jokes, or for allegory. Speak directly with coaches and competitors. Get to the point. Ask direct questions. They will not take offense or find you pushy.
I believe the Lord uses such communication, simple and direct, in a similar way to the way He uses epistles in the New Testament. Paul wrote to his disciples and churches he had founded very directly, whereas he was much gentler when face to face. Let’s prayerfully consider the power of the written word to communicate God’s heart for the people of sport, and then we can follow up those words with face to face, compassionate and caring relationship building.
One of the keys to effective communication with people of sport is clear and direct language. There is no need, nor time for frills, skillfully crafted rhetoric, or subtleties of speech. Write and speak directly to be understood, to inspire, to challenge, and to call to action. Such language fits the sporting culture and carries the message of Christ’s love and care very well.
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