The Final Four: More Than Meets The Eye

No person can even argue that March Madness is the most wonderful time of the year.  If you disagree with that statement - stop reading right now.  I'm only joking - KEEP READING!  I promise you that this will be worth your time.

As a basketball coach and someone that is a member of the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC), I have the privilege of attending the Final Four every year for their annual convention. Although this convention is intended for professional and personal development, the question that is most often asked to me is, "do you get to go to the games?!"  I understand that it is only natural for people to ask that question when they hear I will be at the Final Four, but I always count it a blessing when I get to inform them that there is more than meets the eye when it comes to the Final Four.

Despite the countless clinics, sessions, parties, dinners, and meetings that the NABC provides, there is also an emphasis on ministry with coaches.  Organizations such as Nations of Coaches, Athletes In Action, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes really do an outstanding job of providing coaches with the most important things that fit their needs.  Whether they know it or not, coaches need Jesus in their programs and they need biblical truths pumped through the hearts of their athletes.  These ministry groups spend countless hours mentoring and training people to help equip coaches with the necessary tools that will change their programs forever.  The sessions and panel discussions that are put on by these ministries are valuable resources for developing a biblical worldview in relation to coaching.

If you ever get a chance to come to a Final Four, or if you are a coach and have never heard of any of these events, I urge you to check them out sometime.  There's no greater experience than building relationships with other coaches that share the same heart beat as you.  They love basketball and everything that comes with it, but ultimately they love Jesus more and desire for their players to know Him.  Coaching is more than X's and O's and the time spent learning how to develop men of character will help make your program a TRUE success.

I am so thankful and appreciative of the people that have invested into my life as a young coach.  While some people view the Final Four as an opportunity to network, find a job, and party with their coaching buddies, I view it as an opportunity to grow in my walk with Jesus Christ and help develop me into a better husband and father.  No vocation influences as many lives as coaching does, and I am blessed to be a part of something that will impact lives forever through the game of basketball.

Some upcoming events to check out if you are in Dallas this weekend:

SATURDAY

FCA Coaches' Luncheon - 12:30 pm | Dallas Ballroom

It's Gametime! - 5:00 pm | Dallas Ballroom

SUNDAY

Coaches' Bible Study - 8:30 am | Press Club

Worship Service - 10:00 am | Dallas Ballroom

Nations of Coaches

Lately, I have been very encouraged by the coaches ministry, Nations of Coaches.  I was first introduced to this ministry in the Summer of 2010 and have been greatly impacted since.  Their goal is to give coaches the resources they need to lead their families and teams all while making an impact for the glory of God.  I have met some outstanding people who are involved with this ministry and have been truly blessed by their relationships.  Every year at the Final Four, they conduct ministry events that focus directly on worship and the discipleship of coaches.  Although the games and networking are fun, these ministry workshops are the reason I want to go to the Final Four every year.  In the mean time, however, Nations of Coaches conducts a weekly conference call to, "encourage and strengthen coaches to use their God-given talents for His glory and to discuss relevant issues coaches are dealing with."  These conference calls feature several godly coaches from across the country who share 30 minute devotionals and challenge us in numerous areas.  I would strongly recommend for you to tune in sometime and see just how impacting these things are.  The conference calls take place on Sundays at 8 PM CST.  For information regarding the "Victory Call," visit their website, Nations of Coaches.  If you would like to listen to past "Victory Calls," a direct link to the archives is "Victory Call" Archives.  I hope that you find this ministry an encouragement to you as you begin the final stretch toward the end of the season.