Russell McCrory, minister to students at First Baptist Church, Montgomery, recalls hearing the community express frustration six years ago over the behavior and actions of young people and problems in local schools.
Wanting to make a difference, McCrory approached Alabama Fellowship of Christian Athletes directors John Gibbons and Eric Armster, who helped the church form a partnership with nearby Sidney Lanier High School.
Love and support
Through that partnership McCrory realized hundreds of students were within one mile of the church who needed love and support from their community.
The church began providing pre-game meals and words of encouragement, and while student athletes were not required to attend the spiritual events, McCrory said most did.
“We shared about the hope of Jesus Christ,” he said.
“And we used many of these messages to share about what it means to be real men who make a difference in the community and in the lives of others,” he explained.
“We walked weekly through the ‘Fruit of the Spirit’ one season and watched the guys grow each week as they embraced love, joy, peace, etc.”
As team chaplain, McCrory traveled to every game and had an effect on the players.
“When [athletes] saw someone from outside of their school actually with them on a road game, that was a big turning-point in the connection. They knew that I wasn’t just there to shove the Bible down their throats,” he said.
“I was there, our church was there first and foremost to love and support them. And as they saw that consistent love, they became more and more open to hear about where that love came from — Jesus.”
McCrory considers the FCA partnership one of the most meaningful ministries in which he has ever been involved.
“It’s changed me more than I could have ever imagined,” McCrory said. “It’s given me more of a heart for the lost, for the poor, for the beaten down. It’s helped me understand that just because something isn’t happening to me, it might be happening to someone else.”
Clay Crum, pastor of First Baptist Church, Luverne, said serving as Luverne High School team chaplain has helped him build bridges to reach student athletes.
“Sometimes they’ll come to church, but more than that it gives us an opportunity to build some rapport and to lay the groundwork for them to talk to us,” Crum said.
FBC Luverne supports the school by hosting “Fifth Quarter” events after home football games, providing food, devotions and fellowship for the team, and through prayer walks and donations of supplies.
Shoal Creek Baptist Church, Deatsville, partners with Holtville schools, where church staff members Gene DeVaughn and Tony Scarbrough lead a weekly devotion and serve as chaplains to the football, baseball and softball teams.
Fostering relationships
DeVaughn, associate pastor of education and youth for Shoal Creek Baptist, said the church collected backpacks and supplies for students, and over time the support fostered a relationship of trust, opening doors for church members to speak into the lives of area student athletes and coaches.
DeVaughn has seen both groups make professions of faith in Christ.
“We are completely open and honest about the gospel,” DeVaughn said. “A lot of times [athletes] don’t go to church. If they have questions about spiritual things, we’re the only guys they know, so of course they come to us.”
And DeVaughn said the whole church has connected to offer support, hosting athletic banquets and serving at senior breakfasts.
Schools need support
Those efforts will look different this year due to COVID-19, but DeVaughn said schools still need support through prayer and practical measures.
“It’s hard enough in a given year, but especially now. Schools are trying to keep our kids safe,” DeVaughn said. “We can pray for coaches as they make some very hard decisions.”
Brandon Matthews, college ministry coordinator for Bush Baptist Church, Troy, agreed, noting the way to help schools is to be intentional and available.
“Have a ‘heart posture’ willing to serve these kids, these athletes,” Matthews said. “We as a church have the answer to all this, through Jesus Christ. What an opportunity to really go in there and teach [students] the truth and to live out the gospel in front of them.
“Reach out to coaches, be extremely intentional because there are things they need help with.”
Share with others: