Watch Sessions from CWS 2025!
- Zach L Shelley
- Oct 14
- 4 min read
At the 2025 Christians Working in Sports Conference, we were blessed with amazing speakers and panelists. Each session brought challenges, authenticity, and most of all, a demonstrated reliance on Jesus Christ.
We've outlined each session below with a few key takeaways. We've also provided links to our session recordings, which are accessible for free on our USG YouTube channel.
For more information on the Christians Working in Sports Conference and our forthcoming CWS 2026 Conference, visit us at cws.uncommonsg.org.
We've outlined the sessions in their conference order. We hope that you will both be challenged and refreshed by their messages.
Mayo Sowell – “Living on Mission”
Former Auburn football player and NFL athlete turned pastor, Mayo Sowell, reminded us that we are designed instruments for God. Our calling is not confined to church work—secular work can still be sacred. Watch Mr. Sowell's message on YouTube.
Key Takeaways:
“You are designed to do great things.”
“I’m not qualified” is not an excuse to give up.
Acts 1:15-16 reminds us we are God's chosen instruments.
Instruments don’t play for themselves—they play for others. In the same way, we are here to serve.
“What distraction is taking you away from the purpose God has given you?”
Every Kingdom is progressive—keep growing or you’re falling behind.
Panel 1: Navigating Uncertainty
Athletic Directors Jason Romano, Jamaal Walton, Jamie Boggs, and Graham Neff provided practical wisdom for navigating difficult seasons. Watch the Navigating Uncertainty Panel on YouTube.
Key Takeaways:
Give yourself grace.
Remember who you work for: “Jesus over job title.”
Lean on strong believers within your industry.
Keep asking: Am I still following the Lord’s plan for my life?
Find perspectives from outside the sports industry to stay grounded.
Your job is something…Jesus is everything
Jon Gordon – Leadership and Prayer
Jon brought practical, spiritual encouragement around discipline, prayer, and spiritual warfare. Watch Mr. Gordon's message on YouTube.
Key Takeaways:
“When you’re selfless, you’re fearless.”
Devotion drives discipline.
You’re in a spiritual battlefield—remind yourself of the truth daily.
Connect with God through prayer; it’s the greatest weapon against the enemy.
“ You can't be stressed and Thankful at the same time.”
“A praying leader makes you a positive leader."
“You’re still here because God’s not done with you yet.”
Prayer Formula – P.R.A.Y.E.R.
Praise (Thank Him)
Repent (Ask for forgiveness)
Ask (For strength)
Yield (Surrender to Him)
Expect (Expect great things because he delivers)
Receive (His blessings)
Panel: Managing Competitiveness & Career Ambition
Panelists Jaunelle White, Kyle Stark, and Christina Hovestadt spoke about ambition, leadership, and trusting God through career changes. Watch the Managing Competitiveness & Career Ambition panel on YouTube.
Key Takeaways:
Leadership isn’t about you—it’s about your people.
Know your spiritual standard.
Practice “obscure obedience”— John 4:34.
“The calling stays the same, but the platform may change.”
Obedience over outcome. God cares more about your faithfulness than your results.
“Continue to plant seeds wherever you are.”
Lauren Sisler – “Having bold faith in the workplace”
Lauren shared her journey of loss and resilience, urging us to show up fully present rather than chasing the next thing. Watch Mrs. Sisler's message on YouTube.
Key Takeaways:
“Adversity can be your gift to others.”
“Be where your feet are: Stop chasing what's next, and start showing up for what's now.”
“You are not broken, you are becoming.”
“Let your story glorify God”
“Comfort is the number one enemy of spiritual growth.”
Panel: Pursuing Work/Life Balance
Jason Romano, Lori Krueger, Moses Ehambe, and Matt Marasco challenged us to define what balance looks like under God’s leadership. Watch the Pursuing Work/Life Balance panel on YouTube.
Key Takeaways:
Your first team is your home—prioritize family.
Let the Lord lead your track record.
There’s always a cost to following Jesus, but it’s worth it.
State your goals clearly and live them out.
“Celebrate the small things that God is doing.”
Benjamin Watson – “A Christian Movement in Sports”
Benjamin brought a compelling message about authentic faith and influence in your community and daily life. Watch Mr. Watson's message on YouTube.
Key Takeaways:
“Hold everything with open hands.”
Ask if you’re idolizing anything before God.
Take inventory of the food of God in the midst of the mess.
People crave authenticity, not perfection.
Be a person of response (Spirit-led), not reaction (flesh-led).
“Don’t be afraid to step out of the boat.”
Ephesians 2:8-9 – We are saved by grace, not works.
We hope that you will be blessed by these messages and discussions. For more information about The Christians Working in Sports Conference, hit the link below to visit the conference's website. We'll be announcing more information about CWS 2026 soon. We will hope to see you there.
If you'd like to get more information about USG or CWS or to connect with one of our USG staff, please contact us. We'd love to hear from you.
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