Means of Grace
Sports Theodicy: God’s Role in the Game
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Episode notes
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
Calvary United Methodist Church, Charlotte
IG: @sportstheology85
Jesse Enniss
St. Stephen United Methodist Church, Charlotte
Jonathan LeMaster-Smith
Kairos University and Northbrook Charge
jlemaster-smith.com
FB.com/theruralprofessor
IG and Threads: @Rural_Professor