Goals, Glory, and Gospel Moments

It’s that time again! Once every four years the World Cup happens and brings with it excitement, joy, passion and disruption to the usual TV schedule.

I’m sure you are all aware that football is a huge part of my life. It has also become a huge part of our family’s life. My son Ezra plays for two teams. I coach one of them and Hayley serves as secretary. You may have seen me appear at church on Sunday mornings in my football kit from time to time – it’s become a big part of our life.

Football has provided an amazing opportunity for us as a family to connect with a brand-new community. As an evangelist at heart, spending so much time with people who don’t know Jesus fills me with excitement about the opportunities God might create.

The thing I love about the World Cup is that even the most casual football fans can enjoy it and get involved. Whether it is supporting England and getting excited about the chance to finally win the World Cup after 60 years, or cheering on the country of your heritage (sorry to our Nigerian brothers and sisters – you didn’t qualify!), we all get a little bit excited during the World Cup. Conversations in the office, on the school run and on social media will all turn to football at some point. Maybe an opportunity?

With the World Cup happening in America this year, our old intern Drew will be taking to the streets of Dallas to evangelise to football fans as part of a mission with his church. What a great way of using this opportunity.

This got me thinking: are there some opportunities closer to home? The head of Christians in Sport said the following:

I think he’s absolutely right.

As people open up and come together to watch the games, we have an opportunity to spot those moments where we can share Jesus. As we go through the emotional rollercoaster of supporting our various nations, we can offer a Christian perspective. God can use so many different things to reach people – so why not football? We should be praying for opportunities to share our faith at all times. This can be a great chance to do just that!

Colossians 4:5 encourages us to “be wise in the way you act, make the most of every opportunity” with those who don’t know God. Paul, of course, wasn’t talking about a football tournament but rather about living intentionally among those who don’t know Christ. I think that is a really helpful reflection for us to have. Rather than just seeing this as a football tournament, let’s prayerfully consider how it can be an opportunity. After all, the greatest news we have isn't that England might lift the trophy, but that through Jesus people can know forgiveness, freedom and a relationship with God.

What I love about Jesus is that he was around people all of the time. He engaged with people where they were, speaking in ways they could understand and using language they could relate to. I’m sure Jesus wouldn’t mind speaking about football and linking it to the kingdom of God!

What I have loved recently is how open football players are about their faith. So many professional footballers are posting Bible verses on social media, wearing Bible verses on their football boots and even praying together before games. This has an influence on young people (I know it does because my son Ezra asked me to draw a cross on his shin pads because he saw a famous player do the same).

This openness from players could well lead to openness from fans. It becomes more socially acceptable to mention faith – will we take that opportunity?

The World Cup will be over in a few short weeks. The trophy will be lifted, the celebrations will end and the football conversations will fade away. But the people we speak to this summer matter for eternity.

So, as you enjoy the football, pray for opportunities, be ready to share your story, and trust that God can use even a conversation about football to point someone towards Jesus.

It’s coming home!

Gavin