Event Recap: 2026 Christians Working in Sports Conference

This past weekend, the 2026 Christians Working in Sports (CWS) Conference gathered roughly 200 believers working throughout the sport industry. This year marked the conference's fourth year and was hosted at Cornerstone Church in Nashville, Tennessee. 

This conference aims to connect Christian professionals working in athletics, encourage them in their walk with Christ, and equip them to live out their faith boldly while navigating the demands of a career in the sport industry. These goals were accomplished through a series of intentional keynote speeches and panel discussions by a lineup of distinguished guest speakers, small group discussions, and intentional moments of fellowship. 

The event kicked off on Friday, June 26th, at 3:00 pm. The first session featured a keynote message from Pastor Mike Linch on living the Christian life as a team sport. Mike addressed the importance of having a community of believers to support, guide, and encourage us through our walk with Christ and the challenges we face as believers. 

Following this encouraging message from Pastor Mike Linch, a panel of speakers took the stage to discuss "channeling ambition for God’s purposes". The panel was hosted by Jason Romano and included Dan McDonnell (Head Coach of Louisville Baseball), Carol Varonyak (Founder of Leading the Way Talent and former ESPN analyst), and Chris Redhage (Co-founder and minority owner of Nashville SC). The discussion focused on how ambition should be used to pursue the goals the Lord has in store for you rather than your own worldly accolades. 

Before dinner, Jason Romano returned to the stage to interview Ted Crews III (Special Advisor to the President/CEO & CAO of the Chicago Bears) about personal transformation and the influence of gospel in sports. Ted shared some insights from his own faith journey and how God has allowed him to influence his organization with his faith.

Following dinner, five individuals were honored with awards that reflect their faithfulness to connect, encourage, and equip Christians working in sports. 

• The Rising Uncommon Leader awards went to Carter Stanton and Hope Anderson.

• The Collegiate and Professional Uncommon Leader Awards went to Paul Conner and Kelli Masters Reneau.

• The Barnabas Award- given to someone who models encouragement and servant-hearted leadership- was awarded to Rasheed Flowers.

After the awards were given, we welcomed comedian Brian Bates to the stage. What better way to conclude Day 1 than with lots of joy and laughter? 

On Saturday morning, everyone gathered again for a worship session to start the day. This was followed by a keynote message from esteemed speaker and author Jon Gordon. Jon spoke on the topic of positive habits, offering the audience practical tips and applications for building a positive lifestyle and being a positive leader.

Following this, Jason Romano led another panel discussion on spiritual formation for sports professionals. This panel included Benthany Miller (Senior Director of Athletics at Biola University), Juliana Smith (General Manager of Baylor Women’s Basketball), and Joseph Pun (Director of Spring Training Operations for Athletics). 

After lunch, attendees had the opportunity to attend a couple of the breakout sessions offered. While some listened to topics such as the theology of suffering, others heard about women in sports, practical ways to evangelize, and even the impact of a faithful coach. 

After the breakout sessions, attendees returned to the main auditorium for another panel. This panel was hosted by CBS broadcaster Clark Kellogg and included Joni Taylor (Head Coach of Women’s Basketball at Texas A&M), Tim Whang (VP of Global Partnership Activation for the Atlanta Hawks), and Tina Ruffin (VP of Engagement, Tennessee Titans). The panel centered on servant leadership in sports and its impact on the lives of players, co-workers, and friends.

Following this panel, conference host Karlie Flowers came on stage to interview Christian Hovestadt. Christina gave a powerful message about finding joy in uncertainty and the hidden moments in life and in a career in sports. This message was followed by an emotional call to action as numerous attendees flocked to the front of the stage to receive prayer and encouragement. 

Finally, Wayne Simien (Associate AD for Engagement at KU Athletics) delivered a moving keynote address on leading under lordship. This was an excellent conclusion to the event as he reminded the audience to submit to the Lord first before leading others.

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Gathering over 200 Christians from across the sports industry under one roof to glorify Christ is a unique and special privilege. Watching the church within sports come together to grow, connect, and leave encouraged was a joy—and we’re excited to see how God will use the seeds planted during this conference to expand His Kingdom!

If you missed this year’s conference—or if you attended and can’t wait to return—make plans now for the 2027 CWS Conference in Dallas, Texas, June 25- 26, 2027. Registration is already open, so click here to register! See you next summer in Dallas!