USG Community Impact: 2025 NACDA Convention

"And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.” John 12:32''

The Word says that every knee should bow at the name of Jesus. Sports are no exception. From athletic administrators to stadium custodial staff members, EVERY knee will bow. Regardless of the nation, tribe, sports team, or tongue, Jesus Christ is Lord.

The gospel was preached, and Jesus' name was exalted at the 2025 National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) Convention in Orlando, Florida. The Lord moved as believers gathered to worship, fellowship, and be encouraged.

On Monday evening of the conference, 50-plus people came together in one room after a day packed with meetings to enjoy the Lord's presence. We started the evening by introducing, praying, and delivering the gospel message. Then, thanks to the leadership of Jesus Films' Seth Irby, we sang songs unto the Lord. This time was filled with sweet refreshment (we even had desserts on deck).

Following worship, Orlando Magic's head athletic trainer, Ernest Eugene, gave an inspiring message on work-life balance, with his wife Jackie and three children in attendance. That opened the conversation for Q&A and round-table discussions about prioritizing spending time with God first daily.

After the discussions, Angela Marin, Director of Athletics at UT Dallas, and Paul Conner, Associate Director of Development at Florida State, shared testimony of how the Lord is moving in their lives and through Uncommon Sports Group. This was powerful. Revelation 12:11 says, "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony." This holds true!

To wrap up the evening, we closed in prayer, commissioning, and plenty of socialization. We're so grateful to the World Center Marriott Resort staff for extending our stay and giving us space for added fellowship.

It was a quick turnaround, as alarms went off early Tuesday morning for the ADs4Christ devotional. Once again, over fifty believers gathered before conference meetings to hear an encouraging message from Curtis Janz, Director of Athletics at Arkansas-Fort Smith. He spoke on the necessity of boldness in our Christian walk and freeing our minds from the noise.

"What are we doing to make ourselves available to hear the whisper of God..." - Curtis Janz

Following the devotional, many gathered in the hallways and conference rooms to carry a heart awakened to Jesus to the sports realm, one handshake at a time. I'm leaving Orlando believing that princess castles and Mickey ears cannot compete with a small gathering of believers who live surrendered to the Holy Spirit, advancing His Kingdom on the earth.

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Thank you for reading and learning more about USG, the NBA Chaplaincy, and our outreach. If you'd like to know more about Uncommon Sports Group, Clean Out for a Cause, or our programs, please contact us. We'd love to hear from you.