The recent Houghton men's soccer trip to Costa Rica and the women's basketball team's anticipated journey to Nicaragua in August are the latest in the long line of Highlander teams, coaches and student-athletes who have used sport as a way of sharing the gospel.
 
While sports ministry is an everyday pursuit for Houghton student-athletes as they interact with one another and express themselves on the field of play, some of the most impactful and visible experiences have been international trips taken by teams to reach those in countries around the globe. Relationships built with churches, missions organizations and parachurch sports ministry agencies have widened the opportunities available to Houghton student-athletes. Since the late 90s, Houghton teams have participated in more than 60 trips to 15 countries.
 
Those experiences have been foundational to the faith of countless Highlander alumni in whatever careers they have chosen. For those who have followed a career path in sport, many have incorporated ministry in similar ways with their own teams, while many of those who have pursued careers in Christian ministry have found ways to tie sport into their outreach efforts.
 
Countless others have made sports ministry the focus of their career. Organizations such as Sports Ambassadors, Sports Friends, Missionary Athletes International and Ignite International have developed through the vision, passion and leadership of former Houghton Highlanders.
 
As we continue our celebration of 50 years of Houghton intercollegiate athletics, a few individuals who have been foundational to the spirit of sports ministry at Houghton have offered their perspectives. Many of these individuals have made it their life's work to "change the culture of sport and to change our culture through sport."
 
 
Why is sport a good platform to present the gospel?
 
Skip Lord, Houghton Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics: In a nutshell, there is a universal interest in sports. This interest gives athletes and coaches a platform for ministry. I also think that sport is relational and relationships are the best way to share the love of Christ.
 
David Lewis, Houghton Women's Soccer Head Coach: Sport is a universal language and a non-threatening initial point of contact with people… [but] it is simply a tool, a method. It is not the focal point or message; it is simply a relational bridge builder, enabling us to connect and invest in people's lives. There are more member countries of FIFA than there are member countries of the United Nations. Knowing the value placed on sport, why not utilize the interest as a means to live out and present the gospel?
 
Alicia Mucher, Houghton Women's Basketball Head Coach; Houghton Basketball Alumni: For me, basketball is the most amazing platform to present the gospel.  When you have a connection with anyone about anything in particular, you then have at least one commonality that you can build from.  Sports are so common that you can reach many different people in a variety of cultures just because of the level of interest in sports. 
 
Kevin Austin, Houghton Men's Soccer Alumni, Missionary with Wesleyan Global Partners: I personally believe because it is a place where the extremes of emotional, physical and spiritual stress (battles) occur. People who manage to control their actions, reactions, and their words give them a respect of others. When the successful Christian (the one who allows God dictate their actions, reactions and mouth) then talks with others about their faith... they are more inclined to listen... they may not agree at that moment, but they will more often than not listen. Then the next time they encounter a Christian living out their life in the same manner, it carries even more weight and perhaps one day a new life in Christ will be born.
 
Judy Fox, Houghton Volleyball and Basketball Alumni, Founder and Director of Ignite International: I don't know that I think it's necessarily "right", but it just "is" in a global society; athletes have influence and are provided a natural platform, even a pedestal, upon which to serve as an example. Those who understand that have both a remarkable opportunity and a solemn responsibility to use that influence for the good of those they can reach. The reality is - modern society in any country loves sport. This gives us the open door to use that as THE most effective means to share the love of Christ. What takes "traditional" ministry gimmicks and events to build relationship happens in the snap of the fingers when we roll out a ball (of any kind).
 
Nancy Cole, Houghton Volleyball Head Coach; Houghton Volleyball Alumni: It brings people together to play something they love and are passionate about and gives opportunity to talk about what we should be the most passionate about – our relationship with Christ. It transcends the barrier of language. It is amazing how much you can communicate when running a clinic even when you don't know the language well. It connects people who in any other way would not have a similar connection and so allows for a chance to communicate about Christ. I think there can be lots of parallels to sport (things that sport teaches you) and how we live out our relationship with Christ.
 
Matthew Webb, Houghton Men's Soccer Head Coach: It transcends language and cultural barriers. We all "speak" the same language when we are on the field/court together. It creates a foundation for relationships.
 
Brian Davidson, Houghton Men's Soccer Alumni: Sport is the universal language. For many years we said it transcended religion, language, cultural barriers. That's still true. You have worship, community and a cause greater than itself. God made us for that to connect us to Him. Sport has the same thing. People become fanatical about it. It's entertainment vs. eternity. You need a strategy to transition from sport to sharing the Gospel.
 
 
How have you seen sports ministry work in the lives of those involved?
 
Skip Lord: We talk about the ministry we have to those we play with (our teammates), those we play against (our opponents) and those we play in front of (everyone else).  I've seen kids come into Houghton who were just going through the motions and leave as dedicated, committed men and women of God. We have alumni all over the world who are making a difference for the Kingdom, at least partly because of what they learned here. I've seen teammates minister the love of Christ to devastated friends and family in the midst of crisis situations because of relationships built on Houghton teams.
 
David Lewis: With respect to our students, I have seen them develop a broader vision for missions and the utilization of additional gifts/abilities within the body of Christ. I have seen firsthand the development of leadership skills as students have gone from participants on short-term sports ministry trip to full-time sports ministers who actually plan, organize, and execute cross-cultural sports ministry trips. In the same way, I have seen sports ministry minors utilize their classroom theories and and training and introduced sports ministry programs within their local churches, including one situation where they developed a sports ministry outreach to a refugee population within their community.  Others have gone on to serve with camp and recreational ministries as well as several parachurch sports ministries. 
 
Students gain a greater appreciation for various types of people as they encounter different cultures and subgroups – different from themselves, but like themselves – in need of the redemptive grace and life of Jesus.
 
Alicia Mucher: Personally, the trips I was on absolutely helped shape me into the person that I am today.  In fact, after my sophomore year, I lived in the Czech Republic for a summer doing mission work with a church in Brno, as well as trained with a basketball team in the area.  This was a fantastic opportunity where the Lord taught me how to rely on him when I was on my own for the very first time out of the country. All of these trips were very different from one another even though we went to the same location. One year we brought a music team with us, other years the men's basketball team went on the trip, and we even had other sports teams from other colleges join us.  It was incredible to see how God uniquely used each trip to serve the people of the Czech and to see Him at work.
 
Kevin Austin: In my own life God has changed me and continues to change me to this day. Although not as active in sports as I once was, I still enjoy it... and God still is about honing me, shaping me to be a better representative of Him. Likewise, there are several who have through sports ministry found Jesus as their Lord and Savior and gone on to become leaders, coaches, pastors etc. 
 
Judy Fox: Let me count the ways. My goodness, it amazes me every day the simplicity of connection when we roll out a ball. What takes others days, weeks or months to even break through for conversation, we in the world of sport have instantly when we roll out a ball. Language barriers, cultural differences, social distinctives - they all go out the window in an instant because of a round object of air, covered in rubber, and coated in real or fake leather. Individuals come together who cannot share words, but they can share the love of a game. Opponents who wear an opposite-colored jersey, but have the same passion for their mode of competition. Representatives of nations with opposition toward one another, but in sport they share a commonality that provides a bridge and a bond like no other. The relationships naturally derived from a common love of a "game" provide us an incredibly unique opening into the hearts of those we encounter. And with that opening, comes a more transparent vulnerability as we journey together through the process of preparation, training and then competition. As relationships are connected at this uniquely personal level, the opportunity to share "the message" presents itself with relevance that is received quickly, deeply and often more permanently. But the platform of sport is truly like no other and the uniqueness of its ability to bring people together with an open ear to the message of Christ is truly effective.  
 
Nancy Cole: I think what I see most is how it changes my players – the ones that are going to do the sports ministry.  It opens their eyes to the reality of the world – most of it is nothing like America. Life is much bigger than us and our issues. When you work alongside Christians in third world cultures it gives you a window in to their faith and everyday life in a place where a lot of basic needs are not a guarantee. It pushes the girls to step out of their comfort zone and not be afraid to interact with people who are different than them… and to see that a simple game can be a great way to connect and form relationships. My players have said that they have really appreciated being able to worship with other believers and it was a great reminder of the world church. That there are many believers from many nations and it is so awesome to have the opportunity to be able to come together and worship with the ones in Nicaragua and experience how they worship.
 
Matthew Webb: I have seen our athletes' eyes opened to the possibility of sport for furthering the kingdom of God.  I have seen people come to know the Lord, and have seen life-long relationships forged.
 
Brian Davidson: The global impact breaks up your worldview. You go into these countries and see their passion… the teams see that and it helps them grow in their own relationship with Christ. Tons of guys who came through the Charlotte Eagles had life-changing experiences. It's unbelievable to see the impact it's having. That's what I call the glory of the impossible. God works in and through you beyond what you could imagine.
 
 
Why is sports ministry a key part of the Houghton Athletics Department mission?
 
Skip Lord: It's who we are, as a College, as a Department, as Teams, and as individuals. It's what drives and motivates us each day.
 
David Lewis: Houghton has a history of sports ministry. Many have gone forth from Houghton to serve in a variety of sports ministries. The athletic department is simply following the call of God and being obedient.  It's a privilege to follow in His steps as He paves the way. I might add, in conjunction with the athletic department's mission, the academic sports ministry program serves to provide an educational department – helping to build the why's, what's and how's of sports ministry. To enable students to build a theology of sports ministry assists the end result to be ongoing well beyond Houghton… and that's an essential component of the educational process.
 
Alicia Mucher: I try very hard to instill sports ministry as something that we are engaged with beyond the typical overseas "sports ministry trip" that most people think about as sports ministry.  This is very important, but we like to create the mentality that sports ministry can be seen every day in our lives.  We have the opportunity to engage in sports ministry in a variety of ways--within our surrounding communities, with our fellow teams here at Houghton College, within our own college team, those teams that we play against and the basketball camps and programs that we run here on campus.  As a basketball program, everything that we do should be ministry oriented.  As people, we need to have the mentality to serve others.   I firmly believe this with all of my heart.  What each one of us is gifted and called to do is an offering back to the Lord.  It was His to begin with.  Whether we are sharing our testimony or the salvation story in Nicaragua, engaged in a great conversation with a group of campers at the dining hall over dinner or write cards to players on the opposing teams we play against in the season—this is ALL sports ministry and the Lord has called us to be salt and light.
 
Kevin Austin: Because within the athletic department's history there was and still is a desire to play to glory of God. Sure there have been any number of athletes who have not chosen that attitude... but the leaders, the coaches the department heads; the AD's over the years have consistently chosen to allow God to be right smack dab in the middle of everything the athletic department does. We had a slogan back in our Sports Life days that was very powerful. It was "One world, One God, One goal." At Houghton there have been several catchy phrases as well. One that has stayed with me over the years is "All for God." I believe that to an extent Houghton College athletics strives to live what they shout... All for God. 
 
Judy Fox: As Houghton College prepares its students to serve with relevance, sports ministry MUST be a key part of the mission of its athletic department. Understanding the platform available, Houghton College walks with a unique opportunity to leverage the universal language of sport to further its overarching purpose to be a light of the love of God to all who you encounter. To compete just for the sake of competition is fun, but it is temporary. We are called to a higher standard and an eternal focus. As our focus is greater, we reach more people with His love. Ministry through sport is the reason Houghton teams should strive to compete at a championship level in everything, at all times. The impact of ministry is the reason Houghton College student-athletes must conduct themselves at a higher standard than the minimum required of them, with excellence for the glory of God.  In so doing, you will continue to be a positive representation of all that God desires to be for those you play with, those you play in front of and those you play against.
 
Nancy Cole: I think for those reasons above. To develop our athletes into people who care about others, who care about sharing their passion for sport and Christ with others… giving them a chance to do life with other Christians and non-Christians in different parts of our world. Even the sports ministry we do at home – how we interact with other teams and our own teams is focused on developing our players into people who care about others and want to do their best at playing a game that God has given them the ability to play. The way we present ourselves here at home and the way we interact with the teams we play against is all part of our sports ministry.
 
Matthew Webb: It defines who we are. It is one of the dynamics that makes us unique.
 
Brian Davidson: It's been exciting to watch Houghton grow in this. God uses the weak or the smallest to do big things. Why? Because He gets all the glory. He uses Houghton College to impact the ends of the earth.

ABOUT THE PANELISTS

Skip Lord
Houghton Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics
> Initially involved at the public high school level, building relationships through various activities and morning prayer breakfasts
> As Houghton athletic director, made sports ministry a priority and focal point for the department
> As women's basketball head coach, led his teams to Czech Republic and Germany for 15-straight years
> Also organized and led high school, parent and alumni trips to Czech Republic and Russia
> Led sports ministry efforts for Global Partners of The Wesleyan Church
> Organized and led the Brno Sports Blitz that featured 8 teams with 86 people from four of the five Wesleyan colleges

David Lewis
Houghton Women's Soccer Head Coach
> Became involved in sports ministry in college, sharing his faith through weightlifting demonstrations.
> After college joined Athletes in Action soccer ministry, playing games and conducting clinics and camps in California and also into Mexico
> As Houghton coach, he has led and participated on trips with his teams to Russia, Czech Republic, Ethiopia, Costa Rica, Brazil, Romania and Austria
> Currently teaches courses in Houghton's sports ministry minor

Alicia Mucher
Houghton Women's Basketball Head Coach; Houghton Basketball Alumni
> Took first sports ministry trip at Houghton to Czech Republic in 1999
> Was part of eight trips to Czech Republic with Houghton basketball as a player
> Spent one summer in Czech Republic with teammate Wendy Ivey
> Led her first trip as head coach to Nicaragua in 2014
> Returning to Nicaragua with her team in 2017

Kevin Austin
Houghton Men's Soccer Alumni, Missionary with Wesleyan Global Partners
> Experienced sports ministry informally through Coach Doug Burke and his teammates on Houghton men's soccer teams. "I witnessed the way God used him and then the others around me to know that how we competed affected a lot of people. It didn't mean we played without intensity, but it meant striving to find balance between playing to win without trying to win at all costs."
> Joined Sports Life Ministries after college in 1981, competing and conducting hundreds of clinics at schools, prisons, churches and juvenile centers over six years
> Led international trips with local high school girls basketball team in Tacoma and Seattle
> Served as missionary with Global Partners in Germany and found ways to incorporate sport into their local ministry
> Later hosted visiting teams from the United States, including Houghton teams when he and his family transitioned to serve in Czech Republic
> Became involved with a football ministry in Czech Republic
> Later came to Houghton to assist with the women's basketball program. "Over the following years God continued to teach me and show me how valuable sports ministry and the impact He was having all over the world because of coaches, athletes, referees, missionaries, churches.... who choose to use sports to His glory and honor." 
> Currently serves as a missionary in Czech Republic
 
Judy Fox
Houghton Volleyball and Basketball Alumni, Founder and Director of Ignite International
> First experience was traveling to Mexico with other NCCAA student-athletes. "It was on that trip that I really caught the bug. I was enthralled with the opportunity for competition at a high level, with huge and engaged crowds, the different culture, different experience, youth, kids, and the impact we could have."
> She led trips to Ukraine, Lithuania and Dominican Republic
> Founded Ignite International in 2003, an organization that "leverages the universal language of sport to enrich, encourage and empower the lives of people, both home and abroad."
 
Nancy Cole
Houghton Volleyball Head Coach; Houghton Volleyball Alumni
> Took first international sports ministry trip to Honduras with her team in 2000
> As a player, her team would share at churches and assist at local camps
> Has since taken five trips with her teams to Nicaragua
> Considers the Houghton volleyball camp to be "very much" sports ministry
 
Matthew Webb
Houghton Men's Soccer Head Coach
> Took first international sports ministry trip as a coach, leading a team to Japan through Missionary Athletes International
> Has taken his teams to Czech Republic and Peru and will be going to Costa Rica this May
> Also see sports ministry through his mentorship and leading Bible studies with his players and co-director of Houghton soccer camps
 
Brian Davidson
Houghton Men's Soccer Alumni
> Took first trip to India with two teammates (Dan Irwin and Dewey Landon) in 1979 with Sports Ambassadors. "Our first game in India, they asked me to share my testimony at halftime. The stadium was packed (15- to 20-thousand people). We were treated like rock stars. I had never shared my faith publicly. That's when the light bulb came on… to be able to use soccer to tell people about Jesus Christ was far more satisfying than anything I had done in sport. It ignited my passion for redeeming sports for the kingdom of God."
> After graduation, tried to get away from sport, but "God showed me that if I surrendered my passion for soccer at the foot of the cross, I could use soccer for the kingdom."
> Joined Jon Ortlip with Missionary Athletes International and later was asked to start the Charlotte Eagles professional soccer team in 1991.
> Founded Sports Friends in 2002 and served for 10 years
> Has been teaching sports ministry and involved in spiritual formation and outreach for club teams at Liberty University