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We get sport from the inside.
Our resources are specially designed for Christians active in competitive sport. Find what you need here, put it into practice, and watch God at work.
What a cricket bat taught me about Christmas
A story as old as time itself
Why stay involved in adult competitive sport?
Reflections ahead of a huge weekend for the Rugby World Cup
Why team golf gives us a glimpse of God's design for sport
Why church really matters for university students
6 top tips for kicking off your time at university
How to make the transition well
An open letter to players at the FIFA Women's World Cup
Delighting in an awesome summer of women's sport
Should Christians compete in combat sports?
England’s cricket revolution shows us something about how sport was meant to be played.
Does what you wear for sport really matter?
Both winning and losing are gifts from God...really?
It's one of the toughest challenges parents face
How do I reach my teammates with the gospel as uni ends?
It's even greater
Why the day Jesus stayed dead is good news for sportspeople
Sport often hurts, where is God in the pain?
What does it mean to 'give God the glory?'
It’s not always easy to be a woman in sport. But do you know what? It’s worth it.
“I can’t help you become a racing driver, but I can help you meet Jesus Christ.”
Are activity-sharing apps helpful for Christians?
A personal and biblical reflection
Wrestling with being benched every week
Is the Bible the place to find motivation for sporting pursuit and thus sporting greatness? Am I really able to do “all things” with the strength of God as my enabler?
For pro athletes Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year.
A Psalm for the hurting
Dear Friend, it’s Game Day in the World Cup.
How can God's word shape the way we respond to a controversial tournament?
Where is God amidst serious disappointment in sport?
Supporting children in elite sport can be really tough on families
What principles can guide our approach?
Is it OK for a Christian athlete to see a sports psychologist?
How much should I get involved? Should I even go?
Four top tips when joining a new team.
It is one of the most visceral images in sport you will ever see.
AskCIS is your chance to have your questions about sport and faith answered. This week we're looking at whether God cares about winning or losing in sport.
60% of women report that their period affects their performance in sport yet the world of sport is almost silent on this issue. But the Bible is not...
Gospel community in the cutthrouat world of professional football coaching
It’s the biggest match of your lives. It’s the match you’ve been building up to for years. But it’s a match that doesn't define you.
Three encouragements from the book of Daniel for when sport takes you away from home.
What have Ben Stokes' retirement, LIV golf and the introduction of five subs in football got in common? It's all about work... and rest.
The world of professional sport offers little comfort to players amid contract negotiations despite this being an incredibly testing time.
At 2am, in a Glasgow nightclub, Dougie was out with his university football team when he asked Campbell, his teammate, whether he could go to church with him on Sunday...
Our Father does not need us to win. Our Father does not need us to make him look good. Our Father doesn’t shame us into working hard. No. We have a Father unlike any other.
What have we learnt about retirement over years of working with elite athletes and how does the Bible shape our thinking?
40 days after Easter Christians remember and celebrate Jesus ascending into heaven. But what on earth does this have to do with sport? Why is the ascension good news for sportspeople?
As sportspeople, our relationship with sport and exercise shapes how we live. Training, competing and socialising with sports friends might well take up the bulk of your time, but have you ever stopped to think about your relationship with exercise itself?
Three reasons the local church is so good for sportspeople.
Your value, your worth does not lie in what you have done, or what you will do, on and off the sports field.
Every September forty trialists line up at Oxford University Boat Club for their shot at ticking off one of rowing’s hottest bucket list items – victory at The Boat Race. This year one of those hopefuls was Chris Rimmer, a Vicar in training at Wycliffe Hall.
The inclusion of transgender athletes in women's sport is a prominent debate. The sporting world is re-evaluating the balance of fairness and inclusion in competitive sport. As Christians in the world of sport it's important to understand how the Bible helps inform how we engage in this conversation.
That is the story I want to be able to tell you. I guess that’s what I imagined my story would be. Maybe it’s yours. But it’s not mine. That’s not my story.
"My main reflection was that it’s so exciting to follow Jesus, it’s thrilling when we take seriously the truth that we are completely secure in him and so we’re free to take risks."
Whether it’s putting kit on in a certain order, always getting changed in the same place or having to enter the pitch last - sport is full of quirky routines. So why is it that sport is full of superstition? Can we look at the make-up of the world to find out? Does the Bible have any answers for us?
What does it mean to be a Christian in Sport during a lockdown that takes sport away? University of Exeter trampolinist, Natalya, shares her story.
Two time Olympian Adam Pengilly shares his Winter Olympic story.
What is the Christian competitor to do when they are being sent to countries accused of human rights abuses?
What does it mean to have your identity in Christ? How does this change the way we play sport?
Racism in cricket has caused sports headlines to jump from the back pages to the front in recent weeks, as the state of the game comes under intense, and necessary scrutiny. How can we respond rightly?
As Cyrille Regis stepped onto the turf at Wembley on the 23rd of February 1982 he was blazing a trail that transcended football.
Anna Tipton (nee Sharkey) helps us understand what it's like to be a Christian in the Paralympic sport of goalball
A letter to all Olympians as they prepare to experience the rollercoaster of the Olympic Games.
Olympic squads are being finalised. What can you say to someone who has worked 4 years to not get the call up?
This weekend saw the thrill of the British Olympic trials. The ecstasy and the agony of sport was palpable as athletes saw years of training for one plane ticket decided by centimetres and seconds. What help can God bring at times like this?
Last year Lancs took his first steps to discovering the virtual pulls and mysterious pushes of Strava. Nearly 12 months on, what’s the verdict? Strava - friend or foe?
For long years I could not conceive of conceiving because of what it would mean for my body and my sport. But, my body, don’t you see that something wonderful is happening to you?
The current pressures on elite sportspeople are growing. How can we support them at this time?
In a year full of sporting difficulties, how can a Christian say they have joy this Christmas?
Preparation and waiting. The majority of sport is spent in these two states. This time of advent for the Christian sportsperson is no different. So what does it look like to prepare well this Christmas time?
What should I do? How much is enough? Should I get involved or not?
Ever wondered what our work with elite athletes consists of? Men’s golf worker Kenny Crawford helps us step into the world of staff supporting and serving those in elite sport with the gospel.
As recreational cricket returns, Rob reflects on why he loves to play cricket and be part of a team, as the only Christian in his club.
Matt Dickinson writes in The Times about professional football, faith and mental health during the Covid-19 pandemic
With the uncertainty that Covid-19 has brought us sports people it’s inevitable that we’ve asked questions of our life, our faith and of our God.
Sally and her husband Peter have four children, all of whom have competed and trained within elite sporting pathways. What are some of her top tips for those supporting a sporty family?
In this Sunday Sport blog we chat to Ian Lancaster, one of the leaders of Town Church Bicester, to break down how he haa approached the tension of sport and church.
In the lead up to International Women’s Day, be encouraged by some key lessons from the career of Christian and international coach and sportswoman Jane Powell.
A recent article in the Daily Mail outlined the large number of British athletes struggling with mental health problems following their retirement. Speaking with UCB Radio on this topic, here is a summary of our conversation.
What’s it like on the inside the elite environment of top level sport? How would it be to seek to play for Jesus in the world of pro rugby?
Last night the news hit of the death of US Basketball legend Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and seven others in a helicopter crash in California. The Christian faith is realistic and it makes sense of the world we live in. And at the heart of the Christian faith is an understanding of life’s frailty.
As a New Year rolls around again, we go back to the 18th century for some inspiration.
Three university graduates write to their former fresher selves about making the most of university.
Kipchoge's amazing sub two-hour marathon was an amazing feat and one which cannot help but let our minds wander to Hebrews 12 and the call to "run the race."
Distance runner Gill Bland reflects on her experience of individual sport and faith, and how she has grown in courage evangelising to fellow runners.
How can we, as Christians in sport, make the most of the new opportunity joining a club provides? Jesus’ great commission in Matthew 28 to make disciples remains the same, but the place we are doing that, our club, has changed.
For a sportsperson, their identity, their sense of worth can be completely wrapped up in their performance. What does it then mean to have sport in its right place, to help our identity be solid and secure in Christ and not based on performance?
The highs of the conquered climb, the sting of 21 days in the saddle, the buzz of the crowds. What an epic sporting contest the Tour de France is! But what can it tell us about the Christian life?
With the Women's World Cup, the Netball World Cup and loads more women's sporting events on this summer, there's a huge buzz around women's sport. In all this excitement, is this a bandwagon Christians should be jumping on?
It’s been a rollercoaster to reach the final of the World Cup for England, with pressure from all sides. Pressure isn’t unique to Morgan’s squad - it’s universal across competitive sport, so how are Christians to respond in these clutch moments?
On Sunday evening Tiger Woods won the Masters for the fifth time and his 15th major. Even as remarkable as that statement is it doesn’t come close to capturing the full significance of what happened and is possibly the greatest comeback in sporting history.
If you follow rugby at all then it couldn’t have escaped your attention that there’s been a furore around Israel Folau’s provocative Instagram post and then Billy Vunipola’s subsequent ‘like’ of the post and expression of support for it.
What does it look like to fully integrate our faith and sport as we seek to encourage sportspeople to believe in Jesus?
Prayer is an essential feature of the Christian life and it is something we quickly turn to in times of trouble or when in need of guidance. So why do we often struggle to pray consistently?
Some of us change so much when we compete that we worry that we shouldn’t compete at all. How can we compete in a godly way in our sport?
It’s good to look for every opportunity to speak of Jesus with our sports friends, and inviting them to events where a speaker will proclaim the gospel message can provide you with a good starting point to begin conversations.
What does your behaviour in your sports club say about who you now are in Christ?
One of the reasons we don’t share the gospel may be because we don’t really know it! Here's a helpful framework to help you explain it to a sports mate.
Most of us find it easy to initiate a conversation about sport, but the prospect of speaking to a sports friend about Jesus can be daunting.
With the season coming to an end, it’s time to rest and reflect on what has been. Yet a danger comes when we do the same with our faith and our willingness to share Jesus with our sports friends. How do we best approach the off-season as Christians?
It’s great when a sports friend wants to become a Christian, especially if this is off the back of reading the Bible with them. However, we want to make sure our sports friends are ready to take this commitment and fully understand what they are committing to.
The world of sport is vast, but the majority do not believe in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. How do we go and speak to them?
The pressure to perform in sport will have been felt by all of us at some point or other. Whether it is the pressure of a coach, a parent, the crowd. How do we handle pressure as Christians?
God’s Word is powerful, and it will do His work in the lives of sportspeople. Our best thoughts, ideas or opinions, though useful, are still those of ourselves, of humans. They cannot compare to the Word of God in either power or influence.
In the heat of competition, we can react negatively both in what we say and in how we act towards an official who has penalised us or - in our eyes - acted unjustly. How are we to understand a godly attitude towards sports officials?
There will always be disappointment in sport. But how we navigate these as Christians in competitive sport is an important witness to our faith in Christ.
To make disciples of the vast world of sport is a huge challenge that can feel daunting and overwhelming. What’s our motivation for such a task?
In sport, coaches, parents and other teammates can encourage us to be proud. Sometimes this is for encouragement but at other times it is done deliberately to inflate our ego. But how should I view my sporting talents and achievements as a Christian?
Without opponents, our sport wouldn’t exist. But how do we love them as our neighbour rather than hate them as our enemy in opposition?
When sportspeople ask questions, we want to try and do more than simply answer them and move on. Often there is something behind their initial question, motivating it or hiding a deeper heart issue. How can we answer them well?
Our friends need to trust us if we are to expect them to explore questions of faith with us. In order to build this trust, alongside spending time with people, we need to be authentic in how we live our lives.
We love to share good news. So why do we sometimes find it hard to share the Good News of the gospel?
For many of us, we struggle to stand out consistently for Jesus Christ in our sports club. Sometimes we lose sight of the spiritual/eternal implications of knowing Jesus. Why should we share the Good News about Him?
What is our role and what is God's role in helping sportspeople come to know Jesus? Understanding your role is crucial as you look to speak and live for Jesus in your sport.
How is playing my sport different as a Christian?
We are often caught between Sunday services and sporting events as, more and more, sport in our culture clashes with timings of church. How do we get the balance right?
In our culture, our looks and our bodies and our diets seriously matter. How do we live distinctly as Christians in this world?
An open letter to one of our readers
Psychology is a big deal in modern sport. From Steve Peters' now famous 'chimp paradox' to the in-house sports psychologists employed by many professional clubs. Now it is almost as common to have a therapist as it is a personal trainer. What are we to make of this from a Christian point of view?
As the Christian mother of four children who love the Lord and love sport I have found myself living through a very real dilemma. The structures of Church and the structures of sport seem to be poles apart and pulling in opposite directions creating a gap!
Sport on a Sunday and the conversation parents and pastors need to have.
How can I make the most of my sporting talent as a Christian? Can I strive to get to the top, while still following Jesus? `
You want to be part of the team on and off the field, but you know the alcohol might be flowing and getting drunk will be the name of the game. If you’re a follower of Jesus, how should you react?
There are few harder things to deal with in sport than injury. So how can we approach this perennial enemy as Christians in sport? What does the Bible say about injury?
It has been amazing to see how God has grown the work of supporting professional and elite-level footballers. Here, two members of our Performance Team explain how they are encouraging the next generation of UK footballers.
It has to be one of the most coveted prizes in sport, let alone golf...but it's a prize that is only temporary.
We can all think of great sporting captains and leaders. But what should it look like when a follower of Jesus steps up to lead?
Sport has a love-hate relationship with justice and fairness. On one hand it cannot function without it, but so much debate circles around the many unfair decisions and outcomes. So what does the Bible say about fairness?
The legendary American football coach Vince Lombardi once said “Winning isn’t everything, but wanting to win is”. This might be overstated but have you ever had the nagging feeling that wanting to win is inherently ‘un-Christian’.
Should Christians be those who recite the old amateur mantra ‘It is not about the winning, but the taking part’? Does ‘turning the other cheek’ mean that we shouldn’t even want to win in the first place?
Turn to the back pages at the moment and it is difficult to get away from doping scandals. How as Christians should we think about these issues?
The Bible says lots of things...but what, if anything, does it say about sport?
A short film explaining the gospel for sportspeople
There’s no doubt that the tension between Sunday sport and Sunday church services is a significant problem for the church. How do we decide what to do? Well we need to be clear on the biblical principles at stake here.
