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Soul Training - 7 Keys to Coaching the Faith of Elite Sportspeople - Part 9

 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.crosstrainingpublishing.com/shop/soul-training





Serve selflessly.

Whereas elite and professional sportspeople and coaches grow accustomed to people asking them to do things, we must be the ones to serve them with no thought of receiving anything in return. They find this both refreshing and endearing. This builds trust. This opens hearts.

To perform the most menial tasks with and for them is a profound relationship builder. Serve without fanfare. Don’t take selfies with them and post them online. Don’t ask for autographs, free tickets, or sideline privileges. Such presumption is the essence of selfishness, and they find it repulsive. Give yourself away in helping them and you will find a loyal friend and an inquisitive heart.

Ministry to sportspeople is selflessly serving them and God's purposes in them with no ulterior motive.

Below are some examples of such selfless service -

·          Assisting in the whole-life development of the sportsperson.

·          Offering help to competitors' and coaches' families when they are new to the community.

·          Assisting support staff when they need help with a task.

·          Visiting competitors who are injured, ill, or are grieving a family loss.

·          Helping a coach or competitor who wants to share his faith by training and encouraging him in it.

·          Offering hospitality and community to these people often displaced from family and friends.

·          Speaking privately with a competitor or coach about his or her relationship with Christ.

·          Maintaining confidentiality re: injuries, illness, family situations, contracts, etc.

·          Protecting private information about competitors and coaches, such as phone numbers, email addresses, etc.

·          Praying for a coach or competitor when a request is shared in confidence.

·          Sending encouraging notes, text messages, and phone calls.

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