Uncommon Sports Group seeks to develop Christ-centered future leaders of the college and pro sport industry. A large part of how USG develops future leaders of sport is by funding its members to attend conferences, conventions, and events that develop them spiritually and professionally. Earlier this month, USG attended the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Convention in Phoenix, AZ, with a group of ten of its members. The NABC Convention offers aspiring and present college basketball coaches the opportunity to expand their knowledge of the game, develop their skills as coaches, and network with coaches nationwide. Two of our attendees from the trip were Josh Decker, aspiring to work in men's college basketball, and Brady Flynn, an Assistant Coach with the men's basketball team at Crowley's Ridge College. Below are testimonies from Josh and Brady on their experiences at the NABC Convention: "I’m very thankful for the opportunity to have been able to go to Phoenix and the NABC Convention with USG. I got to meet lots of new people and also reconnect with friends & coaches I met last year. This trip provided the unique ability to grow professionally while also growing in my faith with other believers. Our group went through a Bible study in the book of James and had intentional time of fellowship throughout the week. Being able to dive into Scripture together and encourage one another was one of the highlights of the trip for me. We also went hiking at Camelback Mountain one day, which was a fun time hanging out and enjoying the Lord’s creation. Getting to hear from Christian coaches at speaking panels throughout the week was great and allowed me to connect with other coaches in the industry. Very grateful to have been able to go on this trip with USG and a great group of guys!"- Josh Decker, USG member and aspiring college basketball coach "Getting to attend the Men’s Final Four in Phoenix, AZ, was an amazing experience. USG was able to serve me by mainstreaming my travel and lodging expenses. Had it not been for USG, my experience would have looked a lot different. There are so many great people involved in USG and they make the fellowship on trips like this so much more impactful on my life. Spiritual growth for me, starts with the people I’m around. USG serves a common purpose and that is bringing people in the sport industry together. There is evident planning and coordination among the people working at USG, and that’s why experiences like the Men’s Final Four turn out the way they did. I’d highly recommend becoming a USG member because I’m living proof that it can have a lasting impact on your life!"- Brady Flynn, USG member and Assistant MBB Coach at Crowley's Ridge College Seeing how the Lord impacted this group of future Christ-centered coaches at the 2024 NABC Convention is encouraging! If you're interested in learning more about Uncommon Sports Group and how we can support you as a Christian in the sports industry, click here to contact us or click here to see how you can get involved in our community.

It is difficult to know what God calls us to do in our professional lives. Many young people lack clarity in their career direction and desire to receive direction from the Lord. In this episode of the Uncommon Podcast, renowned sports agent and founder of KMM Sports, Kelli Masters, shares her story about receiving a calling to become a sports agent and how young people can gain clarity as to where God is calling them in their professional lives. A new episode of the Uncommon Podcast is released every two weeks. You can find it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, right here on our website, or wherever you get your podcasts. Check out this week's episode, and be sure to subscribe to our podcast to get alerts when new episodes are released! Do you want to join the largest community of future Christian leaders of the college and pro sport industry? Apply to join here!

This past week, Uncommon Sports Group hosted a group of ten members at the NABC (National Association of Basketball Coaches) in Phoenix, AZ, alongside the men’s college basketball Final Four weekend. Each of the USG members who attended is presently working or desiring to work as a college basketball coach. Because of the many faithful Clean Out For A Cause® donors, USG was able to provide funding for the travel and lodging expenses of each member who attended the convention. The NABC Convention was held in downtown Phoenix at the Phoenix Convention Center from April 4th to April 8th. The convention offers aspiring and present college basketball coaches opportunities to expand their knowledge of the game, develop their skills as coaches, and network with coaches from across the country. The convention kicked off on Thursday, April 4th. Uncommon Sports Group partnered with Athletes in Action (AIA) to share a booth in the exhibitor’s area of the convention. USG staff members Noah Weiss and Michael Carpenter were stationed at the booth to share about USG with prospective members and to steward relationships with present members and friends of the ministry. On Friday, April 5th, Uncommon Sports Group had the opportunity to host a ministry event in the convention center titled NXT Up Coaches: Equipping the Next Generations of Christ-Centered Coaches. This was the first time that USG hosted a ministry event during the NABC Convention and Final Four weekend. The panel featured four Christ-centered and experienced college basketball coaches: Leonard Hamilton, Head Coach at Florida State University; Jayson Gee, Associate Head Coach at Coastal Carolina University; Chris Flegler, Director of Basketball Operations at St. Joseph’s University; and Chelsea Mangino, Chief of Staff at Liberty University. The panel was hosted by Jason Romano, the Director of Media at Sports Spectrum. The discussion centered on “living on mission as a coach with an eternal mindset.” The panelists challenged, equipped, and encouraged those who attended to make their career in coaching a ministry for Christ and to coach with an eternal purpose, as opposed to the common pattern of coaching with a temporal purpose. USG's group attended the Athletes in Action (AIA) John Wooden Keys to Life breakfast on Saturday, April 6th. AIA presents the Coach John Wooden “Keys to Life” Award each year at this breakfast. The Coach Wooden “Keys to Life” Award is presented to a player or coach who best exemplifies character, leadership, and faith in the home, on the court, and throughout the community. This year's recipient was former NBA head coach Lionel Hollins. The breakfast also provides a space for Christ-centered coaches within the college basketball space to be vocal about their faith. At the end of the breakfast, Grand Canyon University’s head basketball coach, Bryce Drew, shared the gospel message with those in attendance. Some other highlights from the week in Phoenix included the devotional time through the book of James that provided a space for our members to intentionally study God’s word together and be challenged in their personal walks with Christ. The group also had an opportunity to connect with one another during our Camelback mountain hike on Sunday, April 7th. Finally, the week wrapped up on Monday, April 8th, with a group service project at Feed My Starving Children in Mesa, AZ. As each attendee heads back to their respective locations, they are equipped and encouraged to be lights for Christ in their roles as coaches, graduate assistants, and student managers. We are excited to see these young men and USG members continue to be Christ-centered leaders within the college basketball world! If you want to have an experience like this one and join USG’s community of Christians working in college and pro sports, tap this link to learn how to get involved. If you want to learn more about our organization, contact a staff member here!

Earlier this month, Uncommon Sports Group hosted a group of two members at the WBCA (Women's Basketball Coaches Association) in Cleveland, OH, alongside the women's college basketball Final Four weekend. Each USG member who attended presently works or desires to work as a college basketball coach. Because of the many faithful Clean Out For A Cause® donors, USG was able to provide funding for the travel and lodging expenses of each member who attended the convention. The WBCA Convention was held in downtown Cleveland at the Huntington Convention Center from April 3rd to April 6th. The convention allows current and aspiring women's basketball coaches to connect with peers, learn from the best, recognize coaches who excelled during the season, and grow as coaches. USG had eight members who attended the event, two of whom were fully funded and are all currently coaching women’s college basketball. The convention allowed people to connect with friends and coworkers they haven't seen in a while, learn from some of the best coaches, and grow and learn different ways to mentor and coach their players. The convention offered breakout sessions to expand their knowledge on different ways to train and coach players, how not to get burnt out, and how to stay grounded while coaching. A lot of our members were able to network with coaches from all over the country who were willing to give them advice and help them navigate their future in the industry. On Friday morning, USG partnered with a few other sports ministries to put on a morning prayer gathering for coaches to join. We met at a local YMCA for an hour on Friday and prayed for the sport industry, the coaches, and the players. The Director and Manager of the YMCA came in and talked to us for a while, and they felt God leading them to sing a worship song with us. USG shared a booth with Athletes in Action (AIA) at the convention, allowing us to collaborate and make connections. We had the opportunity to touch base with current members at USG, whom we were able to get to know better and encourage as they continue their journey through the industry. We also spent time with some of the members outside of the convention for a meal during the women's Final Four games. On Saturday Morning, we had another Prayer Gathering where a few more people could join us. We had a moment to relax and reset in small groups, and one of the AIA members led us through a verse, some conversation, and prayer time. It was a cool opportunity for present leaders and coaches in the industry to speak about the lives of future coaches, encourage them, and pray for each other's needs. As each attendee heads back to their respective locations, they are equipped and encouraged to be lights for Christ in their roles as coaches, graduate assistants, and student managers. We are excited to see these young men and women continue to be Christ-centered leaders within the women's college basketball world! If you want to have an experience like this one and join USG’s community of Christians working in college and pro sports, tap this link to learn how to get involved. If you want to learn more about our organization, contact a staff member here!

The Easter weekend always begins with Good Friday. Before the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection on Sunday, believers spend Friday reflecting on the barbaric death that He had to face on the cross. So, what makes Good Friday good if the entire day is centered on remembering the unjust and gruesome death of the Lord Jesus Christ? In this blog, we’ll share why Good Friday is good and the vital role that the death of Christ plays in the Easter Sunday celebration. Obedience Good Friday is only possible because Jesus was obedient to the will of God the Father. Isaiah 53:10 states the will of God the Father for His Messiah, “Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the Lord makes his life an offering for sin, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand.” From the beginning, 700-plus years before Jesus was even born, the Scriptures made it clear that the Messiah would be crushed for the sins of mankind. Jesus affirmed that His purpose as Messiah was to be crushed during His earthly ministry when He predicted His death on the cross three distinct times (Matthew 16:21, Mark 9:30-32, Matthew 20:17-19). In each prediction, Jesus shared that He would suffer, be mocked, be crucified, and be raised from the dead on the third day. How does this help us see the goodness in Good Friday? Well, it encourages us that though the death of Christ was brutal and unjust, it was a part of God’s sovereign plan for the Messiah. From the words of Isaiah to the predictions of Jesus, it is evident that the cross was not an accident but a purposeful plan that God the Father had put into place for God the Son to accomplish. Though Jesus knew His earthly ministry would be encapsulated in death on the cross, it still required His obedience. It is important to remember the essential elements of the doctrine of incarnation, which states that Jesus was both fully God and fully man during His time on earth. Hebrews 4:14-16 teaches us that because Jesus took on a human nature, He dealt with the same temptations that we face, and therefore, He can sympathize with us. So, it is safe to assume that Jesus experienced temptations to avoid the difficult task of obedience to God the Father's will for His life. Philippians 2:8 tells us, “And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death- even death on a cross.!” We get insight into the mind of Jesus the night before He died while praying in the garden of Gethsemane in Matthew 26:46. In these verses, we see Jesus battling in prayer with His Father about the difficult task that He knew was coming. He prayed twice to the Father that the cup of suffering would be taken from Him, but not that His will would be done, but the will of the Father (Matthew 26:39). The beauty of Good Friday is that Jesus was obedient to the point of death! He did not deny His Father's will but walked in perfect obedience throughout His life, which makes it glorious because it was this final act of obedience that accomplished salvation for all those who believe in Him. Atonement As important as the obedience of Christ to the point of death was, it truly is what was accomplished through that obedience that makes the obedience noteworthy! The Scriptures reveal that mankind has a sin problem. The unrighteous acts of man cause separation from God and put them under His righteous judgment. Romans 3:23 teaches that all people have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God. Therefore, if all have sinned, all are under the judgment of God. This is a frightening reality if we consider the consequences of God’s judgment. The situation is hopeless without intervention from God Himself. This is why Good Friday is so good. It is the death of Christ that satisfies the wrath and judgment of God against the sin of mankind, providing atonement for all past, present, and future sins for all those who believe. Isaiah 53:5-6 predicts Christ's atoning work: "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” On the cross, Jesus was given the punishment that we should receive for our sins. He was crushed for our iniquities. A key attribute of the God of the Bible is that He is just, and because He is just, He cannot leave sin unpunished. Therefore, because there had to be a payment for the sins of mankind to restore us to a right relationship with God, He offered His Son as the once-for-all atonement for sins. The cross was where that atonement happened, and it was on Good Friday when that hefty price for our sin was paid in full. Hope John 19:30 says, “When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” It was at that moment that Jesus finished the work of atonement on Good Friday and finished the work that God the Father commanded Him to do. In these last words from Jesus, we are once again reminded why Good Friday is so good. Jesus Christ, through His work on the cross, paid the price for sin. Romans 5:8-9 says, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!” These two verses teach us that Good Friday gives us hope. While we were still sinners, unable to achieve righteousness on our own, Christ did the work to pay the debt we owed God for our sins and impart His perfect righteousness onto us (2 Corinthians 5:21). Furthermore, we have been justified and saved from God’s wrath through the work that Christ did on the cross. We are no longer bound to the punishments that our sins deserve and are subject to the wrath of God, but rather, we are saved from it and are justified as righteous in His sight! Conclusion Good Friday is a time to remember what Jesus had to endure to reconcile sinful people, like you and me, back to God. His death was brutal and unjust, but it was a part of God’s sovereign plan of salvation. Jesus was obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross (Philippians 2:8). Through His obedience, we can deem Good Friday to be great because it is only through Good Friday that we can celebrate Easter Sunday. If Christ does not die, we are still in our sins and are of all people most to be pitied (1 Corinthians 15:19). So, as we reflect on this Good Friday on the death of our Lord Jesus Christ, let us not mourn but be grateful for the atonement that Christ provided for all those who believe. If you’re unfamiliar with Uncommon Sports Group, its programs, or its ministry, get connected through the form on our home page or check out the Uncommon Podcast. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’d love to hear from you!

Sports betting has grown exponentially since its widespread legalization across the United States. According to research by Statista, the online sports betting market is expected to achieve $9.65 billion in revenue this year and the number of users in the market is projected to reach 52 million people by 2028. As sports betting increases in popularity, Christians who are working in sports or simply fans of sports are faced with the question, “Should I be involved in sports betting as a follower of Jesus?” In this blog, we will look to God’s eternally perfect Word to provide an answer to this question and help guide professionals to make a God-honoring decision regarding this difficult topic. Contentment The Scriptures do not specifically mention gambling in the way that we know it in the 21st century. However, there are a plethora of verses that help guide us in spending money, which can be applied to gambling. In 1 Timothy 6:6-8, Paul teaches on contentment. “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.” Contentment is a theme throughout Paul's teachings. His most famous teaching on contentment is found in Philippians 4:12-13, in which he states that he has learned to be content in every situation, being strengthened by Christ to endure all things. Paul’s teaching in 1 Timothy 6:6-8 applies a similar principle: the Christian must learn and practice contentment. It is obvious that the goal of sports betting, or any form of gambling, is to increase wealth. You place a bet in hopes that your return will be higher than your investment. The question that the Christian must ask is, why am I engaging in sports betting? If we apply Paul’s teaching to our lives, we can conclude that our goal should be to live in a constant state of contentment for what the Lord has provided us with. Verse 6 says, “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” While the goal for those who engage in sports betting is to receive financial gains, the goal of the Christian should be contentment for all that the Lord has provided us with. Paul states in verse 8, “But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.” Our contentment honors the Lord because it displays faith in His provision with no extracurricular efforts of our own. Furthermore, contentment displays to non-Christians the great joy and satisfaction of a relationship with Christ. The Root of All Evil In 1 Timothy 6:9-10, Paul teaches, “Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” Paul provides a clear warning for those who desire to become wealthy. A love for money is a trap and temptation that leads to ruin. Furthermore, Paul warns that an eagerness for money has caused people to wander from faith in Christ and become pierced with many griefs. In light of this warning, the Christian should be cautious in their approach to sports betting. Does the euphoria of sports betting cause me to fall into the trap that Paul speaks of? Does my love for sports betting cause me to wander from my allegiance to Christ? Does my love for sports betting lead me into sinful behaviors that will not only hurt myself but others? Followers of Christ should heed Paul’s warning in 1 Timothy 6. Desires for monetary wealth conflict with our allegiance to Christ and lead us into an idolatry that will never satisfy but rather lead us into harmful desires and many griefs. When considering sports betting, Christians should consider Paul’s warning, as well as recognize that the love of money is the root of all evil. Stewardship Psalm 24:1 reminds us that everything on the earth belongs to the Lord, including our finances. Therefore, it is a responsibility for the Christian to be a good steward of the finances that God provides. In Matthew 6:24, Jesus says, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” As followers of Christ, we acknowledge that He is the Lord over our lives. He is our Master in everything, including being the Master of our wallets. If that is the case, then the manner in which we use our finances should reflect devotion to the Lord and His purposes in the world. The simple question we should be asking ourselves as Christians in relation to sports betting and financial stewardship is, “How does placing bets on sporting events benefit the kingdom of God?” If we are honest, sports betting does not advance or serve God’s kingdom and purposes in the world. Considering our responsibility to be good stewards of our finances, Christians must submit their spending to the Lord and allow Him to be the Master over their finances. In doing this, our spending will become eternally focused and responsible, honoring the Lord and the gift of finances that He has provided us with. Conclusion Sports betting has gained immense popularity as of late, and its impact is sweeping the sport industry for better or worse. As Christians, our foremost mission should be to honor the Lord Jesus in our actions. Considering sports betting, our desire should be to have contentment in the finances that God has provided us with, to avoid the temptation and danger of desiring money, and to be faithful stewards of the earthly riches that God has provided us with. Be encouraged that God has called us to live righteously before Him for His glory and to do so in every area of our lives, including sports betting. If you struggle in this area, do not be discouraged! The Scriptures are clear that there is grace for every believer who falls short of God’s glorious standard (Hebrews 4:14-16). Approach His throne of grace with confidence and a desire to live righteous lives before Him. If you’re unfamiliar with Uncommon Sports Group, its programs, or its ministry, get connected through the form on our home page or check out the Uncommon Podcast. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’d love to hear from you!

The NBA All-Star Weekend is an annual event that brings basketball fans and players together to celebrate the best the sport has to offer. While the focus is primarily on the players and the games they play, there is a group of individuals who work behind the scenes to provide faith-based support and guidance to the athletes during this high-intensity event - the Professional Basketball Chaplains (PBC). Uncommon Sports Group had the privilege of coming alongside these Chaplains while they served not only the NBA but the city of Indianapolis as well. It was an honor for USG to help this service-minded group while they set out on a mission to share how much Jesus loves us all and how that message can be shared, regardless of the logo on your shirt. The weekend kicked off with the NBA All-Star Weekend Gospel Celebration hosted by the Madam Walker Legacy Center. It featured gospel artists Dante Brown, Koryn Hawthron, Kelonte Gavin, and an outstanding session by Angella Christie on the saxophone. This event centered around honoring God and included testimonies from Oscar Tshiebwe from the Indiana Pacers, locals Kyra and Mike Epps and Andre Iguodala, and mother Linda Shanklin on how their belief and the persistent pursuit of a relationship with God has been vital throughout their many achievements.. It was an inspiring night knowing that the NBA has so much more to offer than the game of basketball. Taking time to serve the NBA All-Star Game host city of Indianapolis through various outreach efforts was a priority for the NBA Chaplains and its partners..  This included visiting three blocks of inmates at the Marion County Jail alongside the Fathers & Men of Professional Basketball Players. These visits were marked by time in prayer and testimonies of encouragement and hope. Uncommon Sports Group's service time with the NBA Chaplains included a free laundry and gear distribution event. We aided many community members in covering the costs of their laundry while providing some inspiration and conversation during their time at the facility. The time spent in between loads of laundry and sharing life experiences with locals who were able to brave the six inches of snowfall was an encouraging experience for everyone involved. We were also able to hand out over 100 lbs of apparel that we’ve collected through our Clean Out For A Cause (COFAC) program. Thanks to our generous Clean Out For A Cause supporters and our hosts at Laundry and Tan Connections, we distributed over 100 pounds of apparel to individuals in need. On the penultimate day of All-Star Weekend, we continued celebrating what the Lord is doing in the NBA while attending the Athletes In Action All-Star Breakfast and the PBC Chaplains Luncheon. Both of these events honored past and present members of the NBA community for their faithfulness in honoring the Lord while serving their communities.  These events featured great testimonies from NBA legends like Jerry Colangelo and Bobby Jones, as well as current athletes like Cody Zeller and Oscar Tshiebwe. The 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis is just a glimpse of the invaluable work performed by the Professional Basketball Chaplains. Through their dedication, the chaplains provide an essential foundation of faith, support, and inspiration to the NBA players during one of the most exciting events of the basketball season. Their presence and contributions not only impact the players' performance on the court but also foster an environment of mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Uncommon Sports Group is thankful for the opportunity to come alongside these unsung heroes and be a part of such an inspiring weekend. If you'd like to know more about Clean Out for a Cause of the community of Uncommon Sports Group, please contact us. We'd love to hear from you!

On the weekend of February 14-16, Uncommon Sports Group hosted ten USG Academy participants in Dallas, TX, for an Impact Weekend! USG offers a fully-funded Impact Weekend for every individual who completes the eight-week virtual USG Academy. These weekends allow Academy graduates to put what they have learned in the virtual Academy into action, such as networking with present leaders of the college and pro sport industry, fellowshipping with other Christians in sports, and being challenged to grow in their walks with Christ. Read a full recap of our latest Impact Weekend to Dallas here. One of our participants during the Impact Weekend, Laura Leist, is presently working with NBC Sports Next in Minneapolis and coaching soccer with Twin Cities Rush. Below is a testimony of her experience during the Impact Weekend: "I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the Dallas Impact Weekend in February 2024. I just want to thank USG for facilitating this weekend for us and working hard behind the scenes to set up the itinerary, figure out logistics, and being gracious hosts while we were in Dallas. We were able to experience a great mix of collegiate and professional athletic spaces and network with other USG members in the Dallas area at our Friday night networking event. We also served with a local non-profit, and that was a highlight for me! We had a Bible study, a short message that USG leaders prepared for us, and a strengths session. We ended our weekend by attending a Sunday morning church service, which was a great way to end our time together. My experience with USG thus far has been great. I think the best part of the program for me has been the career development and networking aspects. We met people who were a few steps ahead of us or a couple of miles ahead of us in their careers and who were able to give us advice, encouragement, and challenge us. Everything we do is through a faith-based lens, which has been really cool to experience the sports world with like-minded believers. In my own experience, it’s a difficult space to be in as a follower of Jesus at times. However, it’s also an incredible opportunity and privilege. I think some people are called to become pastors, worship leaders, theologians, or missionaries and they will make a huge impact for the kingdom of God. I also know there are people who will never step foot into a church setting, but we get to meet them on the field, the court, the rink and introduce them to the love of God. I get emotional talking about it because I have seen lives changed through sports. It’s an incredibly powerful tool to build relationships, and when you build those relationships and that trust, your relationship with the Lord and the joy and love He has for you and those He’s intentionally put you around is going to make an impact. I think the biggest takeaway from this weekend was the stories of life change that people working in sports have seen happen because of their obedience to go where God’s called them and living out their faith authentically. If anyone is on the fence about joining USG, I say do it! The community USG has built is a great resource, and having a massive group of people rally around you as you continue your career in sports is so rare and special." Seeing how God used this Impact Weekend to challenge, encourage, and grow the participants in their faith and careers was so encouraging. We are grateful to Laura for her testimony and commitment to serving Christ through the sport industry. If you're interested in learning more about Uncommon Sports Group and how we can come alongside you as a Christian in the sport industry, click here to contact us or click here to see how you can get involved in our community.

What does it look like to implement a Christ-centered coaching philosophy? In this episode of the Uncommon Podcast, the volleyball head coach at the University of Northwestern St. Paul, Beth Wilmeth, discusses her coaching journey and how she has worked to implement a coaching philosophy that both honors Christ and produces results. A new episode of the Uncommon Podcast is released every two weeks. You can find it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, right here on our website, or wherever you get your podcasts. Check out this week's episode, and be sure to subscribe to our podcast to get alerts when new episodes are released! Do you want to join the largest community of future Christian leaders of the college and pro sport industry? Apply to join here!

In the tapestry of faith, there are threads of prayer—moments where our hearts pour out to God, seeking His guidance, intervention, and provision. As Christians, we are encouraged to bring our requests before the Lord with faith and persistence, trusting in His goodness and sovereignty. Yet, amidst our fervent prayers, there are times when we are met with silence, and our petitions seem to echo back unanswered. The experience of unanswered prayers is a universal aspect of the Christian journey, one that has been grappled with by believers throughout history. It's a paradox that challenges our understanding of God's character and His ways. How do we reconcile the tension between our heartfelt prayers and the apparent silence of heaven? The Reality of Unanswered Prayers For many of us, the experience of unanswered prayers can be disheartening and perplexing. We may wrestle with doubt, questioning whether God hears us or if He truly cares about our concerns. In moments of desperation, we may plead for answers, searching for reasons behind the silence that seems to envelop our prayers. Finding Comfort in Scripture In times of uncertainty and unanswered prayers, we find solace and guidance in the timeless truths of Scripture. The Bible is replete with accounts of faithful men and women who experienced seasons of unanswered prayers. From the lamentations of the psalmists to the cries of prophets and the struggles of Job, we see real life examples of human emotion and spiritual longing. One of the most poignant examples is found in the life of Jesus Himself, as He prayed fervently in the Garden of Gethsemane, asking for the cup of suffering to be taken from Him. Yet, in submission to the Father's will, Jesus ultimately surrendered His own desires, saying, "Not my will, but yours be done" (Luke 22:42). Trusting in God's Sovereignty At the heart of wrestling with unanswered prayers lies a foundational truth: the sovereignty of God. While we may not always understand His purposes or timing, we trust that He is working all things together for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28). Our finite understanding is limited, but His ways are higher, and His thoughts are beyond our comprehension (Isaiah 55:8-9). In the midst of unanswered prayers, we are invited to relinquish control and surrender to God's perfect will. It's a posture of faith that acknowledges His wisdom and goodness, even when our circumstances may suggest otherwise. As we yield our hearts to Him, we find peace in knowing that He is always with us, walking alongside us in every trial and uncertainty. Embracing a Spirit of Persistence and Hope While unanswered prayers may test our faith, they also invite us to persevere with hope and trust. We are encouraged to continue seeking God earnestly, knowing that He hears the cries of His children and that His timing is perfect. In the waiting, we are called to draw near to Him, finding strength and comfort in His presence. As we journey through seasons of unanswered prayers, may we cling to the promises of Scripture, trusting in God's faithfulness and resting in His unfailing love. Though the road may be fraught with uncertainty, we walk by faith, confident that He who began a good work in us will bring it to completion (Philippians 1:6). In the struggle of dealing with unanswered prayers, may we discover the beauty of faith refined, the strength of perseverance, and the unwavering hope that anchors our souls in Christ. For in Him, even amidst the silence, we find the assurance of His presence and the promise of His unfailing love. If you’re unfamiliar with Uncommon Sports Group, its programs, or its ministry, get connected through the form on our home page or check out the Uncommon Podcast. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’d love to hear from you!

An often forgotten member of college and professional sports teams is the mascots. While they are often an integral part of the marketing of university and professional sports teams, the positive impact of mascots is not clearly seen. In this episode of the Uncommon Podcast, Assistant Director of Digital Content Strategy and handler of Butler University's live mascot, Evan Krauss, discusses the impact that Butler's Bulldog mascot "Blue" has had on athletics, how he got involved in Butler's live mascot program, and much more! A new episode of the Uncommon Podcast is released every two weeks. You can find it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, right here on our website, or wherever you get your podcasts. Check out this week's episode, and be sure to subscribe to our podcast to get alerts when new episodes are released! Do you want to join the largest community of future Christian leaders of the college and pro sport industry? Apply to join here!

Anyone involved in sports is well aware that where we fix our eyes changes everything. “Keep your eye on the ball!” is perhaps the first phrase anyone playing sports has engrained into their head. Whether it’s trying to hit a ball or catch it, the most foundational element we learn is to keep our eyes on it. It’s funny how this seemingly simple instruction is easier said than done. It’s often not necessarily because we don’t trust our coaches, but because we can become quickly distracted by the things happening around us, or thoughts about what we will do next once we catch the pass or make the hit. In Hebrews 12, God provides us with a similar charge to this foundational piece of sports advice. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” - ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭ Notice the crucial words in the middle of this passage - “looking to Jesus.” Followers of Christ are called to fix their eyes upon Him. Amidst the busyness and uncertainty that constantly surrounds us, God is the steady horizon providing peace. In the words of Corrie Ten Boom, “If you look at the world, you'll be distressed. If you look within, you'll be depressed. If you look at God you'll be at rest.” Unfortunately, just like the principle in sports, this is often easier said than done. We are prone to wander and find ourselves fixing our eyes elsewhere. Later in this passage in Hebrews 12, the author warns of how things like bitterness and sexual immorality can lead us astray. We are idol-making factories who must continuously assess where we are fixing our eyes. Two areas that have been most impactful in helping me fix my eyes back on Jesus are remembering my salvation and my purpose. 1. My salvation. Even after accepting Jesus as Lord and acknowledging that it’s only by God’s grace we are saved, we can still become like the “foolish Galatians” and quickly find ourselves forgetting that we are only saved by God’s grace, not any of our own works or good deeds. Let us remember that we were once dead in our trespasses. There is nothing a dead person can do to save themself. It’s only by God’s grace that we have been raised to new life in Him. Jesus alone is our Savior, not ourselves or anyone else. 2. My purpose. The many pleasures and instant gratification all around us can make it easy to fall into believing that life is about us, and “our” kingdom. Instead of satisfying us however, a life focused on ourselves ultimately leaves us further and further away from the purpose for which we have been created. Followers of Jesus are invited to leave behind our self seeking pursuits that will always leave us wanting, and now live for a much higher calling of living for God’s glory. Where are you fixing your eyes? Our answer to this question changes everything, and our Salvation and our Purpose can only be found in our Creator & Savior, Jesus. Therefore, let us join David in his declaration in Psalm 16:8, “I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” If you’re unfamiliar with Uncommon Sports Group, its programs, or its ministry, get connected through the form on our home page or check out the Uncommon Podcast. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’d love to hear from you!