fca360sports

Q&A: Teige Morrell–Perth Lynx

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 00:31:45 GMT

Q & A: Teige Morrell - Perth Lynx

Teige Morrell played college basketball for the Nevada Wolf Pack (Teige Zeller), and after graduating, moved to Australia to play ball professionally in the Women’s National Basketball League. The power forward was involved with FCA during her school years in the United States and connected with FCA Australia Leader Jim Dayhew when he began forming ministry around the country and has seen God move in her life in incredible ways when she and her husband took a leap of faith and moved across the world.

FCA: How did you end up playing basketball in Australia?

Australia was my dream place to play, but we thought I would end up in Europe. After six months of waiting and multiple opportunities from Europe falling through, I received an email from a man by the name of Mike Osborne saying he got my info from Athletes in Action and heard I may have an interest in playing in Australia. As soon as I read it, I knew this was what the long wait was for!

FCA: What was a challenge for you first moving there?

The biggest challenge was getting used to shopping centers closing at 5 PM on the weekends! But we had great people around us who helped us with all the tiny details like phones, bank accounts, health insurance, etc. We came to fall in love with Australia and the way of living here, so it wasn’t too much of a challenge. It also helped heaps that I had my husband on the adventure with me. Yes, we missed family, but we were having the time of our lives and continue to love it here to this day.

FCA: How have you seen God at work in your life through your time in Australia?

A major theme was Ephesians 3:20: “Now to him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us—"

There are too many things to mention of God’s fingerprints all over this journey, but one beautiful example is how, after prayer and counsel, my husband David left everything he knew, including a very secure teaching job in the States, to do life with me in Australia. He had no job lined up at the time, but he quickly got included as my team’s assistant coach that season. Three years later, we moved across the country from Adelaide to Perth for his own coaching job! I just know God continues to bless us because of his obedience.

FCA: How do you give glory to God through basketball?

I’m outspoken about my faith. We look for any opportunity that presents itself to speak about our faith within our circle of influence.

With social media these days, I think it’s also important to use your platform intentionally for giving God glory. I love to do that as much as possible. Most importantly, I try to give God glory by ensuring that I am truly playing for Him and Him alone. It’s not easy, but it is God’s design for us. To bring God glory through our sport, it is essential to get off the emotional rollercoaster ride and, instead, keep our eyes focused on Christ’s perfect love for us.

FCA: How did you connect with FCA?

I first discovered FCA as a middle schooler in New Mexico—it was one of the most exciting things to know there is such a strong organization supporting Christian athletes, so I latched on quickly. My dad worked at the high school, and we helped get a Huddle started there. When I was a freshman, I became vice president. We started another Huddle when we moved from Grants to Los Lunas, New Mexico. The FCA community at Nevada was a huge draw for me when I chose what university to attend, and I became involved with FCA there as well, helping with the UCLA camp my junior and senior years and leading a women’s FCA Bible study.

When David and I came to Australia, it was only natural for us to keep it going. Basketball is our mission field, and I know we are here for the Kingdom!

FCA: What are you currently doing with FCA?

My husband and I have been running the Perth FCA Huddle since March 2023. Every last Wednesday of the month, we meet for dinner and Bible study to help encourage Christian athletes all across Perth. We have been able to build deep friendships and even see an athlete accept Christ and get baptized! There is also potential to partner with a local club which will help us not only have a home to branch out from, but some massive support in promoting our presence around the city. We would love all the support via prayers we can get for growth and continued guidance, as we are expectant of big things in 2025!

FCA: Is there any advice you’d give to an athlete who wants to further their basketball career?

“Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2

This verse is truly everything for a Christian athlete wanting to glorify God through their sport and further their basketball career for the Kingdom. I don’t think it’s possible to be on mission for Christ as an athlete and not face serious spiritual warfare, but the only way to conquer and the transformation journey that Christ intends for us is to not conform to the world and not allow the sporting culture to infiltrate our Kingdom-minded goals. How do we do this? By staying connected to God and constantly renewing our minds with the truth of His Word, “that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6). Trust His good, pleasing and PERFECT will and you cannot go wrong!

If you feel like God is calling you to play a sport, join your local FCA community and do everything in your power to attend the Huddles, engage with that community and be encouraged along your journey. I know it will be extremely impactful to your sport and life.

-FCA-

Mechanics in Ministry - Knowing your HOW

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 00:48:28 GMT

Mechanics in Ministry - Knowing your HOW

In the last blog, I shared about the need to know our WHY – the driving factor in shaping any ministry or worthwhile endeavour. Simon Sinek’s book Start with WHY includes the Golden Circle, pictured above.

Our WHY, directs our HOW, and results in our WHAT.

We have clarity about our WHY - to grow disciples in the world of sport, focusing on coaches and athletes and those who support them, such as parents. Knowing our WHY allows us to focus on what is most important to achieve it, so we can say YES not just to good things, but to the BEST things.

Let’s look at the Discipline of HOW – our strategy . There are many ways to skin a cat, and many plays to score a goal, but we have a solid framework which shapes our work. Consider the ligaments in our body that support bones and other organs. They are connective, fibrous tissues which have collagen for strength and stability, and elastin for flexibility. No wonder ligament injuries in athletes are so detrimental – they are crucial for performance! Stability with flexibility is what our HOW framework provides.

The FCA E3 describes a disciple-making strategy that aims to Engage, Equip, and Empower. This process is designed to make disciples through sports by first building genuine relationships (Engage), then providing Biblical training and tools (Equip), and finally empowering those disciples to make other disciples (Empower). The E3 model provides a simple, repeatable strategy to execute Jesus' mission of making disciples.

The Three E's

· Engage : This stage involves building authentic relationships with coaches and athletes and using those connections to share the Gospel. The goal is to connect with people at whatever stage they are at on their spiritual journey.

· Equip : Once people are engaged, they should become equipped with God’s Word, spiritual understanding, and practical tools to grow in Christ.

· Empower : The final stage is to empower these equipped individuals to then engage, equip, and empower others to grow in Christ, thus multiplying the process of discipleship.

Key Aspects of the FCA E3 Model

· Biblical Foundation : The strategy is rooted in the discipleship principles and patterns of Jesus, as outlined in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).

· Sport-Focused : The model applies to the sports environment, using relationships with coaches and athletes as a chance to share and live out the Christian faith.

· Reproducible Strategy : E3 is a simple, repeatable process that helps believers make disciples who can make more disciples.

· Impactful : By equipping individuals through the E3 process, FCA aims to see individuals transformed by Jesus Christ and then transform others through the influence of coaches and athletes.

Would you like to join us in discipling those in the world of sport? Check out the free E3 course at fca.org/e3 . Reach out via our contact link at fca360sports.au.

Playing f or More!

Jim Dayhew, Executive Director – FCA 360 Sports Australia

Motivation In Ministry - Knowing your WHY

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 00:28:19 GMT

Motivation in Ministry - Knowing your WHY

I am often asked, "What does FCA 360 Sports do?"

We do lots of things, such as mentorship for athletes and sports leaders, small Huddle bible study and fellowship groups, athlete development programs, coach education, and camps. We are also the world’s 2nd largest distributor of bibles! While these are all worthwhile, WHY do we do what we do?

Simon Sinek wrote the bestselling book titled: Start with WHY. In it, he outlines three components which makes up The Golden Circle: What, How and Why.

Our WHY, is to grow disciples in the world of sport. We focus on coaches and athletes, and those who support them such as parents. In life, knowing your WHY allows you to have a laser focus on what is most important, so you can say YES not just to good things, but to the BEST things.

We find such a focus in Jesus, Jesus explained his WHY in John 17:1-2:

“When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him.”

Jesus’ WHY was to glorify his Father by bringing people to Him. In the face of his own death, he was crystal clear about his WHY.

As a ministry, we must hold firm to this purpose, amidst the temptations to do everything or compromise our mission.

The WHY of Jesus is not just a motivational pep talk, but heartfelt at the deepest level of his being. In Matthew 9:35-38, this is clear:

“Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

When we consider the sports fields, courts, stadiums, pools, tracks, do we really get the depth of compassion that Jesus did? Do we have the urgency for the mission of Jesus?

Will you join us in going into this mission?

Jim Dayhew, Executive Director, FCA 360 Sports

Be on Guard - Ashes Cricket and Christianity

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 08:25:01 GMT

Be on Guard

For 32 days over June and July the Australian Over 60s cricket team went to England to defend the Grey Ashes. We played 16 games in this time with ODIs against Scotland and Wales and 5 against England (45 over matches). Over this time the Lord was teaching me how to intercede and witness to my both my team and England.

Being on the front foot with my faith meant my reputation proceeded me. However, the religion of performance certainly got tongues wagging and ears wanting to hear what I had to say. I was happy to oblige. Opposition players wanted to know what made me tick and the gospel of Jesus was front and centre.

Scoring over 500 runs from 11 games played and taking 23 wickets at 13.5 runs, including 2 centuries, certainly turned heads. The tour was a standout for me earning 5 Man of the Match performances. The team was amazing in talent and depth with a camaraderie second to none.

All ODIs are found on YouTube under Grey Ashes England. Being 2 all, the final match can be seen on the link below. I bowl at 1 4 171 and I bat at 2 4 7. https://www.youtube.com/live/apyBpRwH_Mw?si=CkZMfMnix98DV2zn

I had many conversations with team and opposition members about the gospel, even people in the street or churches I went to. Playing cricket at this level, at my age, is a great privilege. As always, the opportunity to share Jesus is at the foremost of my mind, and God honours that with the interest of my teammates and opposition.

One of my teammates and I were talking about the state of the world and he couldn’t believe how bad humans could treat each other. I said, "We are sinful beings and this is only the outward result of what is our hearts." He looked at me funny. "Yep, that includes me", I said. "But thanks be to Jesus, if I repent and believe, I can be free of sin and its judgement." He replied, "Well, how's that I don't know much about what you believe Darren?"

I replied, "Jesus paid the penalty for us on the cross for our sins. That faith in what He did and me wanting to submit to His Lordship in my life gives me access into heaven for all Eternity." Again, he could see the strength in my words and actions with the conviction I had. He said, "I admire your conviction, and I'll have to look into this more," and I left him at that.

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.
1Co 16:13-14

By Darren Smith, Australia Over 60s Cricketer and FCA 360 Sports member

Taking the Plunge

Mon, 26 May 2025 19:29:45 GMT

Taking the Plunge

Outgoing and relational, Jim Dayhew’s ability to connect with people has been beneficial in cultivating long-term relationships throughout decades of coaching and serving. The latest endeavor for this former rugby and cricket player is establishing FCA in his native country of Australia.

Dayhew’s 30-year ministry began when he went on his first mission trip in 1990 to New Zealand. As a student, he got plugged into the global sports scene. Dayhew was introduced to ministry in college, where he got involved in Athletes in Action (AIA) at Sydney University and met his wife Jenny at a Bible study.

He became a physical education teacher and coached, and during this period something clicked. He wanted to connect the influence of sports and the lives of young athletes for a deeper meaning. “You kind of know, ‘I think this is what God’s made me for,’” he said. Dayhew dove into sports ministry, connecting with organizations and ministries across the globe and traveling to conferences for connections and further education.

In 1996, he was in Atlanta for the Olympics with AIA. Dayhew was heading to Kansas City as part of his trip, and a friend from Sydney who lived in the area took him to visit FCA’s Support Center. “I was like, ‘What’s FCA?’” he said. Dayhew was already immersed in the sports ministry world, serving full-time with AIA and then Scripture Union until 2003, and in 2009 when, as a full-time teacher, he connected back with the Sports Movement (formerly the International Sports Coalition) at a conference in Orlando. There, he met former Chief Field Officer Dan Britton and the late Barry Spofford, who gave him FCA Coach’s and Athlete’s Bibles. They stayed in touch over the years.

When Dayhew wanted to host a sports camp in 2020, he remembered the Bibles and wondered if FCA could provide not only materials, but people. So, he contacted Britton, who connected him to the Rockies Region and State Director Aaron Frude.

COVID-19 hit, and everything shut down, but Frude and Dayhew continued to talk. Frude mentioned the region had been praying for someone to help pioneer the ministry in Australia and asked if he’d consider. “I remember saying to him, ‘Aaron, there's no way I'm going to leave a well-paid senior teaching position to go and raise support again,” said Dayhew. “And as soon as I said that, I could just sense God at work inside me.” It took a few years, but Dayhew’s perspective began to shift. In September 2022, he launched an FCA 360 Australia Facebook page. People came on board quickly, thanks to the connections Dayhew had throughout his own personal community and his coaching and sports ministry background.

Things were gaining traction, and Frude and East Global Division VP Jin Kang were paying attention. They invited Dayhew to join them in Abu Dhabi for the International Capacity Conference and meet leaders from around the world. Dayhew could see puzzle pieces coming together, but he was still hesitant to jump in full-time. “I could see where it was going, but I was married and wanted to make sure I brought my wife Jenny into the process as well. At that point, I was 50/50 on whether I would commit to FCA.”

Dayhew visited the Rockies Region in July 2023, experienced a camp in Northern Colorado and visited Frude and his wife Stacy in Wyoming, and then traveled to Kansas City for Boot Camp, which offered training for support raising. During his stay in the States, God’s next step for Dayhew became clear and he could no longer deny the trajectory of ministry. He was in his mid-fifties, at a point in life where he really wanted to be intentional with the choices he made that would shape the remainder of his working years. There would be a cost to this new commitment, but Dayhew and Jenny went in with eyes wide open.

“I took a few different avenues like teaching and chaplaincy, even as a minister in the Anglican Church in Sydney, but I think I always knew in my heart it was sports ministry,” he admitted, noting that sports ministry had always been something he did on the side throughout the decades. Dayhew’s drive to make a transformative difference to sport in Australia ultimately led him to retire from teaching and take the plunge into full-time work with FCA. “There's no doubt about FCA; it's an exciting ministry. But at the end of the day, you have to be in the ministry day in, day out. And if it's not that very clear of a calling and you're not 100% committed to it, that isn’t going to last,” he said. “You've got to be in it for the long haul.”

His maturity and wisdom over decades working with coaches and athletes while ministering for the Gospel has brought Dayhew a deeper understanding of the urgency of the mission. In Australia, there’s an openness to spirituality, but it can quickly be replaced by the sports culture. “Australia is sports mad; it's a religion,” he shared. “For us, it’s probably an unhealthy obsession, yet we can redeem the goodness of sport in God's creation to try to bring some order from the chaos that sport becomes and be ambassadors for Christ.”

It’s a daunting task for the solo staff person in the country. But Dayhew is savvy and resourceful, and his maturity will help him navigate. “I’ve been around the sports world for 30 years and I'm ambitious for FCA. I have a lot of capital, relationally and with institutions that I’ve accrued over the years. There's probably a hundred schools where I've got some positive relationship with teachers and ministers, so there are a lot of people who orbit my interest in sports ministry.”

Those connections are already serving him well. His Board Chairman is a man Dayhew helped lead to Christ when he was working for Campus Crusade for Christ at Sydney University, and other board members have all known Dayhew over the decades. “These people have come together and are highly capable who have shared a vision and really trust me. That's the number one foundation,” he said.

Dayhew, his board and team of volunteers are focusing on three points of impact:

1. Partnering with churches, schools and clubs to assist them to minister to athletes and coaches.

2. Engaging and equipping young elite athletes and their families.

3. Developing coaches through 3D Coaching and 360 Coach with an understanding of the whole athlete.

“I just feel like God's bringing together all that we need to be established to set the strong foundation, but also to thrive,” said Dayhew, “and that's a really exciting place to be.”

Dayhew is a connector. He and New Zealand Director Gary Visitacion have committed to supporting each other and ministry between the two countries, praying for one another and brainstorming ways to host one another and events together. It’s this kind of collaboration that Dayhew deeply appreciates, as even though he’s the first staff in Australia, he has never once felt on his own.

“FCA is tremendously generous. I have found support through Jin Kang and the Rockies, through Aaron Frude and others that has been so encouraging. They've been praying for years and contributing financially and visiting us. I don't feel alone; I feel connected to the global movement of FCA.

“You've got to understand that God's vision is always bigger than your own.”

Pray for Jim and Jenny Dayhew as they continue to raise support for ministry and establish the foundation for FCA in Australia. Also pray for God to raise up workers who can come alongside them and cover more ground in the country.

To support FCA 360 Sports Australia either, go here or click the donate button above. Contact us to arrange regular giving.

To follow Dayhew and ministry, visit the Facebook group .

Footy, ferocity and faith

Tue, 13 May 2025 01:20:30 GMT

Learning from our Pacifika team-mates in Christ

I remember being on the receiving end of a “Samoan sidestep”. I was the last line of defence at fullback with a young inside centre barrelling towards me. I knew my technique well – get down low, aim for the little teardrop-shaped spot just above the knee cap, drive the shoulder, wrap the arms and down he will come… in theory. The reality was he ran straight over the top of me and went in to score a 5 pointer just beside the posts. I was left lying on the ground thanking Christ I hadn’t damaged my head in the process. As fierce young Sione (his name I learned after the game) came back past me, he smiled, bent over to give me a hand up and said, “God bless you, brother!” Sione, meaning “graced by Yahweh” or “God is gracious,” is a name is often given to those raised in homes where faith is a big part of life. This Tongan and Samoan name helps the growing child to embrace not only their faith but also their rich culture. Although on opposite rugby sides that day, we were team-mates in Christ.

I think back on that incident now as an Associate Professor who researches athlete wellbeing. It’s been a delight to see the key role that faith plays, particularly in my research with Pasifika athletes, in developing and sustaining their wellbeing. Yes, a traditional Pasifika model of wellbeing (called ‘Fonofale’) 1 includes spirituality and culture as key pillars, but the way rugby league and rugby union players have expressed their personal connections between faith, family and culture in the strength they bring to a game and in the way they care for community is a point of learning for all of us. Like Leilani, who knows her God-given talents, and wants to play strong to use them for His glory. Like Ratu, who points out to coaches how important church is when coaching problems never look at the spiritual side. Lane, Hall and Gower 2 identify how players draw support from family and community, and Gina Hawkes 3 emphasises the acts of family and community service that are central to faith for footy players, including sending money back to their home countries. This giving and receiving of support through faith, family and community not only helps build identity, but many players believe it also makes them better on the field. Ferocity and generosity are a grand combination in the lives of the faithful and is a great lesson we can learn from our Pasifika team-mates.

Whether we’re on the giving or receiving end of a Samoan sidestep in life, our faith gives us room to live strong, play hard, be kind, and make a difference to the world.

By Dr Neil Hall

Associate Professor of Social Work, Western Sydney University and FCA 360 Sports Mentor.

References:

1. Pulotu-Endemann, FK. (2009). Fonofale Model of Health. Pacific models for health promotion forum held at Massey University, Wellington on September 7, 2009.

2. Lane S, Hall NR & Gower D. (2023). Mental health experiences of Australian National Rugby League (NRL) athletes: a phenomenological study, The International Journal of Sport and Society, 14 (2), 201-218.

3. Hawkes, G. (2023). Football, faith and family for the Australian Pacific Island diaspora: the role of the vā (‘space between’) in rugby league, Sport in Society, 26:9, 1530-1548.

Beyond the Game: Growing in Christ Through Sports Ministry

Mon, 05 May 2025 10:11:38 GMT

Beyond the Game: Growing in Christ Through Sports Ministry

FCA’s upcoming camp offers a holistic experience for families, athletes, and coaches, blending spiritual growth with sport.

In a world where sport often takes center stage in many lives, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) shines as a beacon of faith and mentorship.

Key points

FCA 360 Sports uses the universal appeal of sport to foster Christian discipleship and community.
Mentorship and grounding in faith help young athletes navigate the challenges of professional sport.
FCA’s upcoming camp offers a holistic experience for families, athletes, and coaches, blending spiritual growth with sport.
Listen to the full conversation by clicking the link below.

Listen Here

More Than a Moment: Making Disciples Through Sport

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 03:12:39 GMT

More Than a Moment: Making Disciples Through Sport

I get so excited when someone decides to say yes to following Jesus. It's amazing to be part of anyone's journey—from not knowing God to making that commitment. I've been privileged to walk with some of the footy guys I've coached as they journey towards Christ and then guided them through the sinner’s prayer. But the sad reality is that some of those guys who once made a decision aren’t following Christ today.

I have really wrestled with this. Did I need to be more intentional? Should I have given more warnings about temptation? Was I too full-on for them? I don’t know. I started telling myself, the road is narrow (Matthew 7:13-14), some seeds will be taken by birds (Matthew 13:4, 19), the weeds will choke them out (Matthew 13:7, 22). And yes, I believe these things can be true. But I also realised we can always learn to do things better and be more effective from our failings.

Here are some of the things I have learned:

1. Jesus Said, "Make Disciples," Not Converts

Why does this matter? I used to focus on getting people over a line—if I could just get them to say this prayer, my job was done. But Jesus didn’t say to make converts; He said to make disciples. When we focus on making disciples, we focus on relationship, not just moments.

When were Jesus' disciples converted? Was it when He said, Follow me? (Matthew 4:19) When He breathed the Holy Spirit on them? (John 20:22) When He died and rose again? (John 19:30, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4) Or when the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost? (Acts 2:1-4) The truth is, we don’t really know.

I used to focus on getting guys to say the sinner’s prayer—a single moment. But I’ve realised that you can say something without truly meaning it. Romans 10:9 talks about how those who make Jesus Lord will confess with their mouths and believe in their hearts—meaning that when people truly decide to follow Jesus, it will come from their own conviction, not from us pushing them.

I took this approach with one of the guys I was walking with from the football club. We read the Bible together, and I could see God working in his life. One day, while driving to his mum’s house, he called me and said, I’m going to tell my mum and uncle about Jesus. That verse came alive for me—they will confess with their mouths. (Romans 10:10)

2. It’s Not My Job to Change People—I'm Just the Messenger

Paul says, some will plant, and some will water (1 Corinthians 3:6-7). If we remember that God is the one doing the work, we won’t put pressure on ourselves to force results. We also need to be careful not to rush ahead of Jesus. Some people are hostile toward God, and we can push them even further away if we’re not sensitive to the Spirit. Our role might be just preparing the soil for the next person God brings along.

A great way to prepare soil is by asking great questions. In the Gospels Jesus asks many more questions than he answers. To be precise, Jesus asks 307 questions. He is asked 183 of which he only answers 3. Asking questions was central to Jesus' life and teachings. (Matthew 22:15-22, Luke 10:25-37, Mark 10:17-22).

One footballer I caught up with was an atheist and asked me what my thoughts were about evolution. I asked him a question back, “who do you think created the big bang?” I think back to the conversations in the past where I tried convincing people that they were wrong. After the question, this guy messages me the next day saying he believes God created the world. Another guy I remember chatting with in the park was very open to the Bible. We had a great conversation, and I asked if he’d like to read the Bible together regularly. He said no and started to walk away, but then he turned around and said, you’re not the first person this week to ask me about reading the Bible. That reminded me—God was already working. My role wasn’t to force anything but to be obedient in that moment.

3. Pray and look for the "Person of Peace"

Jesus tells us to pray for the harvest (Luke 10:2) and to look for the person of peace—someone open to the Kingdom, willing to listen, or even willing to serve you. (Luke 10:5-7)

This doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll come to where your church gathers when you invite them. Our goal isn’t to get people to a service—it’s to bring them to Jesus and yes, as they are discipled, they will be part of the church.

I once sensed God was working on one of the footy guys. So, I went up to him and asked, what are your thoughts on God? He said, I’ve been thinking about God a lot lately. Another guy I felt prompted to invite to our Sunday gathering where our church meets. I knew this was God because this is not my natural response—I’d usually grab a coffee or have dinner first. He said yes. That was a reminder to me: God prepares hearts, and we just follow His lead.

4. Stay With Them—Discipleship is Life on Life

Once we find that person of peace, Jesus says to stay with them. (Luke 10:7) He even tells His disciples to eat with them. I really believe food is central to discipleship.

Jesus came eating and drinking, and the religious leaders thought He was a glutton because of it. (Luke 7:34) But meals create space for real relationships, and discipleship is about imitation, not just information. It’s not just taking someone through a seven-week study—it’s about doing life together.

Discipleship means letting people into your life, into your family. Yes, we can read the Bible with them, but the goal isn’t just content—it’s transformation. Jesus said to stay with them. For how long?

Until they can feed themselves—and then help feed others. (2 Timothy 2:2)

I’m still learning and growing in this, but my heart is shifting from chasing moments to investing in relationships. When we walk with people, meet them where they’re at, and trust that God is doing the work, we’ll see true discipleship take root—not just decisions, but lives transformed for generations to come.

Kade Klemke

Impact Dinner

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 03:36:50 GMT

THE PATHWAY TO IMPACT

A summary of my address at the IMPACT Dinner, 24 March, 2025

I - Identity

M - Motive

P - Platform

A - Availability

C - Credibility

T - Testimony

IDENTITY

Everything in our lives is built or erodes based on our sense of identity, how we see ourselves. Everything starts with identity. Everything rises and falls based on our experience of unconditional love. I was building my entire identity and purpose on being a rich and famous footballer. Over 20% of young athletes in some surveys have revealed a mental health battle, more than likely from the issue of trying to achieve a performance-based identity.

To have IMPACT, we have to operate from our true self, our true identity.

We need to flip the narrative from seeking a performance-based identity to seeking an identity-based performance. The basis of who we are, what we do, and why we do it is based on our identity which flows from being in Christ.

"To all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God." John 1:13-14

MOTIVE

Our true identity is the pathway to discovering our purpose, the why or MOTIVE in our heart. The Bible mentions our ‘heart’ over 800 times. The motive in my heart was for gratifying self and the pursuit of fame & fortune. Only when I realised God created me on purpose for His purpose did I understand the higher purpose that God had for me in sport.

Our MOTIVE, our purpose or WHY for doing what we do in and through sport changes dramatically when it goes from focus on SELF to focus on purpose beyond self, God’s purpose or His heart for us in sport.

"Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?" Mark 8:34-37

PLATFORM

The biggest defining moment of my faith journey came when I found myself in a mini depression, fearful of losing my football career. God rescued me from this horrible time through 2 amazing people, my wife Linda and football club Chaplain Dean Davis. I came out of this battle knowing that God was setting a platform for me to share his love and good news. 7 years later I won the Norm Smith Medal when our team won the AFL premiership and I was able to thank Jesus for his saving grace in my life.

"Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20

AVAILABILITY

When we understand the platform God gives us for IMPACT, we become available to God to minister through and to others. You see, God meets us right where we are at, he knows our failures and flaws, but he comes with unconditional love to welcome us, value us, rescue us and raise us up. There is such a harvest waiting for us in sport. These days I realise the ability to be available to people allows us to build relationship and trust.

"After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. "Luke 10:1-2

CREDIBILITY

When we make ourselves consistently available, we build CREDIBILITY, we build trust that we are there for others in all circumstances. Deep relationships open hearts to vulnerability and deep sharing. God is there for us on the mountains and in the valleys. He turns up so we should turn up!

"Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well; Surely you remember our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you." 1 Thessalonians 2:8-9

TESTIMONY

Finally, when we build credibility with people, God opens the doors of their hearts to hear our testimony of His goodness.

His unconditional love

His forgiveness

His freedom

His Glory

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16

We can have significant IMPACT when we follow the I.M.P.A.C.T pathway.

Identity

Motive

Platform

Availability

Credibility

Testimony

Let’s Go team FCA 360 Sports.

Welcome!

jdayhew@360globalsport.com (Jim Dayhew) — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 00:25:48 GMT

I'm Jim, and it's my great honour and privilege to serve you through FCA 360 Sports Australia. Our heart as a ministry in sport is to help people like yourself to grow in your relationship with Jesus Christ and His church, and to connect with other Christians who are interested in sports. We cater for people at all levels and involvement in sport.

What is sport to you? You may be a novice in one sport, and a pro in another. It may be that you are an athlete, or a coach, a parent / carer, mentor, or supporter.

Lowrie McCown and Valarie Gin (2003) explain it with the following six categories. Which one/s are you?:

SPECTATOR: You are among the millions who watch sport. You may be a casual observer or a passionate follower. I-was-there (!!) the day my beloved Wests Tigers won the 2005 NRL competition, which led to tears and days of celebration – what a distant memory that is now, but we live in hope!

NOVICE: Perhaps you are a novice, trying out a new sport? Your skill level is very low, like when learning to drive. Competition isn’t the most important, but the pursuit of a new activity is. Those air swings at golf are all a part of the attraction!

LEISURE: As a participant, you are looking for some fitness, fun and friendship. If you are a beginner, you are building your foundation, perhaps becoming more skilful over time. Some 30-year veterans continue to drag their bodies out with other weekend warriors. Winning and losing may be of interest, but won’t make or break you and are soon forgotten.

McCown and Gin explain that these three areas don’t involve ‘playing for sheep stations‘. Sport is entertainment and recreational. One’s identity is formed outside of sport. However, the next level of involvement is a significant shift, where Sport is Life: it is about achievement, and identity is shaped and sustained through continued success. I add that these are generalisations, and do not reflect those who have been able to effectively integrate their Christian faith into their world of sport.

That’s where we come in – helping you to learn how to honour your athletic ambition while knowing that the real game is glorifying God. In relative terms of importance, the Apostle Paul wrote:

“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”

1 Timothy 4:8

McCown and Gin call that next level the player, elite and high-profile participants. How does identity and sport work for them?

PLAYER: You could be like me, a ‘player’ who takes sport seriously and plays to win, but sport was never going to be my day job, despite some fleeting moments of brilliance and childhood hopes to the contrary! You train hard, make sacrifices, what I call ’serious mediocrity’.

ELITE: A small percentage compete at a high-level in amateur or professional sport, heading towards the goal of your respective sporting pathway. A performance pathway such as a state or national competitor or representative, or an Olympian or pro circuit player.

HIGH PROFILE: Very few become household names, national icons or even heroes to a generation. Athletes like Michael Jordan, Serena Williams, Nathan Cleary, and his special friend, Mary Fowler. Their every error and expression are scrutinised. They live life under the spotlight as public property, devoted to and despised in equal measure. It is an ‘unreal’ life.’

No matter where you are at, we at FCA hope to be an encouragement and support to you in coming to know Christ and grow in Him, while you engage in your world of sport. We want to help you build your identity based on the everlasting relationship with Christ, while still being engaged with your sport at whatever level you are at.

“Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne.”

Hebrews 12:1-2

Playing for more,

Jim Dayhew

Executive Director

Reference:

McCown., L, and Gin, V., Focus on Sport in Ministry. 360 Sports: Marrietta, Georgia.

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