Tomorrow, a group of thirteen from Uncommon Sports Group, eleven members and two staff, will take off to Jerusalem, Israel for a twelve-day Impact Trip. Each summer, Uncommon Sports Group offers a fully-funded international trip for its members to experience life, faith, and community outside of their normal context. USG members apply for international trips and are selected based on a set of criteria that the USG staff has outlined. This year’s Israel team features members from across the sport industry, including Louisiana State University athletics, the University of Houston athletics, Jacksonville University, Florida Atlantic University, Northern Kentucky University, Florida State University, the National Football League, the University of Oklahoma, New York Knicks, and the University of Kansas. In this blog, a few of the attendees and staff share their past international experiences, as well as what led them to desire to be a part of this year’s Israel trip. Shanya Richburg- Outreach Specialist at the Trust (Powered by the NFLPA) Question #1: What led you to want to be a part of this trip to Israel? Answer #1: I had such a positive experience during the Kenya trip in 2021 and that trip left me wanting more. So, for me, it was an opportunity to be impacted but also to impact lives in Israel, so why not? That was my motivation for applying. Question #2: Have you been on an international trip before? If so, how will this trip compare? Answer #2: Yes, I have. I went to Kenya in 2021. I think they will look a lot different, which I’m excited about. Experiencing different cultures is something that I was previously ignorant of. As I prepared for this trip by reading some of the materials that were given to us by USG, it really opened my eyes. I’m sure it will be a completely different experience [from Kenya], which I’m excited about. Garrett Sons- the University of Oklahoma Question #1: What led you to want to be a part of this trip to Israel? Answer #1: Having gone to Kenya last summer, it was a great start to my own personal journey, and I learned a lot about myself and what I wanted to do, and what I wanted that to look like. Israel is a great next step to go having an expectation of what I need to bring to the trip, but then also getting to practice that with other people and get better at doing it myself along the way. I get a second opportunity to grow, and I’m excited for that part. Question #2: Have you been on an international trip before? If so, how will this trip compare? Answer #2: I think that it’s totally different. I’m excited to see how things are the same and also how the culture is different. I’m trying to go in with limited expectations because I don’t want to be in shock because it’s not what I expected. Amanda Roth- Engagement Associate at Uncommon Sports Group Question #1: What led you to seek out a job that offers opportunities for international travel? Answer #1: I was interested in international trips because I have a little bit of background in it, and I enjoy seeing different parts of the world, and it opens your eyes to different perspectives. To be a part of that is really something that I’ve been interested in since college and it can be really powerful. Question #2: Have you been on an international trip before? If so, how will this trip compare? Answer #2: I’ve only been to Africa and Europe, so I haven’t experienced this part of the world. Everywhere we go, it will be a different culture and people, so I don’t know how it will compare until we get there. I’m not sure how it will be different! Follow along on our blog and social media to see what our group is up to in the Holy Land! If you’re unfamiliar with Uncommon Sports Group, 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!

This week, USG’s Impact Trip in Israel began with a group of eleven of its members from across the sport industry. Over the course of the group's first week in the Holy Land, they have worked alongside a group of young children through sports camps. Thanks to Uncommon Sports Group’s generous donors, the group provided a local children’s day camp with sports equipment from soccer balls, to pinnies, to footballs and more! The group has provided coaching, mentorship, and friendship through the camps with the children. In this blog, we will continue with our interviews from the previous Israel blog post and share more responses from our attendees and staff! Shanya Richburg- Outreach Specialist at the Trust (Powered by the NFLPA) Question #3: What are some of the things that you are most excited about for this trip specifically? Answer #3: Seeing the Jordan River! You can be so overwhelmed and excited about where you are that you can be overtaken by those emotions without resting in the experience and enjoying it. I hope that I can enjoy it and not be distracted! Question #4: What are some of the fears and anxieties that you are experiencing? Answer #4: There’s a lot going on in the world that can cause concern about safety, especially for a black woman going to Israel. I trust that the research that the USG team has done is good and that we will be safe, but during my mission trip to Kenya, people looked like me. In Israel, that will not be the same. That is one of the things that I have thought about and how I would deal with that. I’ve been praying through that as I’ve prepared. Question #5: What are some of the ways that you hope to impact the children that you will work with during the sports camps? Answer #5: I have a special place in my heart for children. I want them to feel comfortable and safe under our care, which will take vulnerability from us as attendees. I want them to experience genuine love from us as we interact with them. Garrett Sons- the University of Oklahoma Question #3: What are some of the things that you are most excited about for this trip specifically? Answer #3: First off, the cultural aspect for me is really cool. I had family living in the Middle East when I was growing up, so I think being able to see some of that culture in person would be really cool. It will be cool to see the Holy Land in person. It will put everything in perspective from the standpoint of seeing these historical landmarks personally. You hear about places like Jerusalem, but it doesn’t quite feel real until you go. Question #4: What are some of the fears and anxieties that you are experiencing? Answer #4: I think this will definitely be a place that is religiously diverse. I don’t know what that will be like. That can be nerve-wracking because you have to be cautious in what you are doing not to offend anyone. Question #5: What are some of the ways that you hope to impact the children that you will work with during the sports camps? Answer #5: I’m going to go into this trip very relationship oriented. My last mission trip was more about experiencing the culture, but this time I plan on going on with a focus on building those relationships with the children and learning how to go about that properly. Amanda Roth- Engagement Associate at Uncommon Sports Group Question #3: What are some of the things that you are most excited about for this trip specifically? Answer #3: I think it is always exciting to meet new people. Usually, that is the best part of anytime you travel. You usually meet someone that you connect with well, which I love. I also love traveling with a team because you bond in different ways because you spend so much time together. Building relationships within our own team is exciting because that’s what I value a lot. Question #4: What are some of the fears and anxieties that you are experiencing? Answer #4: Anytime you’re traveling, there is always the unknown because you haven’t been to that place before. There can be anxieties about things you don’t know, but it can open up a space to trust what you are doing. I think anytime that you go on a trip, you have expectations that are natural in your mind, but you get to the place and realize that things are much different, which can be a challenge. Sometimes things can come up where you will need to adjust based on your expectations and reality. Question #5: What are some of the ways that you hope to impact the children that you will work with during the sports camps? Answer #5: I would like to walk alongside the children in things that they enjoy doing, which in this case will be sports. So, being a part of that will be really cool! Mikey Carpenter- Senior Engagement Associate at Uncommon Sports Group Question #3: What are some of the things that you are most excited about for this trip specifically? Answer #3: Having been on so many international trips, it’s always having the opportunity to connect and do life with a different group of people, some that I know very well and some that I don’t know super well. A lot of these USG members have only done a couple of events with us, and we as a staff have not had extended time with them, so this is an opportunity to do that. I’m looking forward to encouraging this group amidst the ups and downs that these trips can often bring. Really growing in community is a blessing of USG, and my hope is that after this trip our group is really unified. I’m excited about the Holy Land sightseeing as well! Question #4: What are some of the fears and anxieties that you are experiencing? Answer #4: Nothing too significant, having been on this trip before. I feel that I have a good idea and gauge of what to expect. I would say it’s a little different with the tensions in Israel right now, but nothing I’m really fearful about. I would say for the crew, I’m anxious about losing bags because last trip, we had some individuals lose their bags. We’ll have to roll with the punches and go with the flow, but it will all work out. I think this will be a transformative experience that they will always come back to for the rest of their lives. Some people will be nervous about the food, but I love hummus and pita. I could eat that all day, so I’m excited about that. It’s funny, I’m not really anxious or fearful, and it’s really a special place to be. Question #5: What are some of the ways that you hope to impact the children that you will work with during the sports camps? Answer #5: With the camps, we have an opportunity to show love to the kids in how we treat them and come alongside them in the opportunities that we will have! Follow along on our blog and social media to see what our group is up to in the Holy Land! If you’re unfamiliar with Uncommon Sports Group, 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!

On June 23-24, Uncommon Sports Group hosted an Impact Weekend alongside the Christians Working in Sports (CWS) Conference in Minneapolis, MN. The group of twenty-two young professionals in the sport industry went through USG’s eight-week Academy experience, which aims to provide Christ-centered training and professional development for its participants. The Impact Weekend is a fully funded in-person event that helps participants put what they learned over the course of the eight-week Academy into action. In this blog, we’ll share some highlights from the group's weekend in the Twin Cities! First Day of Impact Weekend The group flew into Minneapolis on Friday, June 23rd, and kicked off the Impact Weekend at the CWS Conference venue in Chaska, MN. The first session put the group through a Gallup CliftonStrengths activity that allowed them to know more about one another and their unique gifts and abilities. During the virtual Academy, participants are required to take the Gallup CliftonStrengths assessment and do a coaching session with a USG staff member. This activity is an opportunity to put the results from the assessment into action even further. After the strengths session, the group then joined the Christians Working in Sports (CWS) Conference. The conference's first session was led by Baltimore Raven's chaplain, Johnny Shelton, who shared the purpose of why the attendees were gathered and the importance of living out your faith in the sport industry. Following the conference's first session was a panel discussion on the importance of community in the sport industry. This panel was hosted by the Director of Media at Sports Spectrum, Jason Romano. It featured the Vice President of Government Affairs with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Amilyn Pierce, the former Executive Associate Athletics Director for External Affairs, Jay Jacobs, and the Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer with the Minnesota Timberwolves & Minnesota Lynx, Tru Pettigrew. Once the Friday conference sessions were finished, the group joined the CWS attendees at Uncommon Sports Group’s headquarters for a dinner and social event, where a group of USG members was recognized for their outstanding efforts to live out the core values that USG highlights in the Academy. To close out the night, the Impact Weekend group heard from a panel of USG members about the various opportunities that exist when becoming a member of USG and the impact of those opportunities. Second Day of Impact Weekend The group began the day on Saturday with a Discovery Bible study over Acts 2:42-47. During this time, the participants were able to reflect on the purpose and value of a Christ-centered community and, specifically, the local church body. Once the Bible study wrapped up, the group joined the morning sessions of the CWS Conference, which featured some powerful sessions! The first speaker of the morning was well-renowned author and speaker Jon Gordon, who talked about living a life filled with loving, serving, and caring for others. After Jon’s message, the Impact Weekend group gathered to reflect on the sessions with intentional discussion. After the breakout group, followed the second session by Kelli Masters, who shared on living on mission within the sport industry. Followed Kelli Master's message was an awesome panel discussing navigating trials within the sport industry. The panel was hosted by Jason Romano once again. It featured an experienced lineup of speakers, including NCAA basketball coach Tom Crean, the inaugural women’s hockey coach at the University of Minnesota, Laura Halldorson, Denver Nuggets Assistant Coach Ryan Saunders, and Orlando Magic Forward Jonathan Isaac. After the panel discussion, the group heard from Mike Linch, who is presently the pastor at NorthStar Church in Kennesaw, GA. Pastor Mike shared on making disciples in the sport industry. The group took some further time of discussion over the afternoon sessions before attending the final speaker of the day, Jonathan Isaac, who commissioned the group with a powerful message on living boldly as Christians working in sports. Tour of the Minnesota Vikings Training Facility In the final event of Saturday’s Impact Weekend activities, our group headed to the Minnesota Vikings practice facility in Eagan, Minnesota, to receive a tour from their Director of Equipment Services, Mike Parson. Mike showed us the facility and shared some of his career highlights with our group. It is a priority for USG to provide Impact Weekend attendees with hands-on experience with present leaders within the sport industry and see the operation firsthand. The Impact Weekend rounded out on Sunday morning with a prayer gathering and service at Grace Church in Eden Prairie, MN, and a team lunch at the Mall of America. It was a joy to see this group of Christ-centered future leaders of the sport industry develop authentic community with one another, grow in their knowledge and love for God, discover their purpose as Christians and sports, and leave feeling encouraged and equipped to be lights for Christ in the sport industry. We look forward to continue walking alongside this group as members within the USG network! Learn more about the USG Academy, Impact Weekends, or membership! If you have any questions, contact a USG staff member here!

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to coach at the highest level of sports? In this episode of the Uncommon Podcast, Minnesota Timberwolves Player Development Coach Moses Ehambe talks about his unlikely journey to becoming an NBA coach, how he has learned to coach millionaires, the role that his faith plays in his coaching, and 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 follow our podcast to get alerts when new episodes are released! Curious about Uncommon Sports Group and what our ministry has to offer? Contact us to learn more here! 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 weekend, Uncommon Sports Group hosted the first-ever Christians Working in Sports (CWS) Conference in Minneapolis, MN. Over the course of the weekend, attendees were challenged by powerful speakers, breakout sessions, and fellowship. You can read more about the conference with the link here. Check out the testimonies from the conference to see how the Lord impacted the attendees! “Women’s basketball is a really dark space, but I have a heart and deep desire to come to know Jesus through it, so I was really encouraged this weekend by the fact that the job isn’t done. God isn’t done moving in the sport industry and part of my story is choosing to leave college basketball thinking that I would never be back, but he’s allowed me to be back in that space. I’ve been really encouraged by Jonathan [Isaac] and coach [Tom] Crean sharing that it’s time to speak up. If you are in this space, we need to speak up and live out the truth because that’s real love. So, I’m really encouraged and on fire to go back to my workplace and work as a team chaplain to show people true love through Jesus.”- Ashton Hopp, Ole Miss Women’s Basketball “To whom much is given, much is required. We’ve gotten so much in the past day and a half. How could we not go back and do what was shared earlier, yes we wear the gear of our school and we’re the Troy Trojans, but really I’m a minister inside. So, I just appreciate everything from the weekend, I will not go back the same.”- Chanda Rigby, Troy University Women’s Basketball “It’s definitely encouraging for me that we are all unique and have our own awesome abilities to really impact where we are planted. Being here together and seeing the impact of what people can do just starting small encourages you to go out and do the same. As a body of believers, we have to continue to check-in and encourage people to do those little things and be bold in the small ways. We’ve got to continually build up each other because we can get so isolated.”- Will Bale, Production Assistant with Virginia Tech Athletics It was encouraging to see the way that the Lord used the speakers, conversations, community, and fellowship to impact the attendees at the first-ever CWS Conference. We are already looking forward to seeing how the Lord will continue to impact those who attended as they head back to their respective teams and organizations across the sport industry.

In the past four blogs of our Habits of Grace blog series, we’ve discussed the spiritual disciplines of sabbath and fasting and how to practically live those out as Christians working in the sport industry. Most Christians are familiar with sabbath and fasting, but a less common spiritual discipline is Scripture memory. On the surface, Scripture memory can seem daunting and challenging, but it is a discipline that provides believers with an arsenal of God’s Word that can go with them no matter where they go or what situation they are in. In this blog, we will discuss the benefits of Scripture memory and why it can be a game changer for our lives as Christians. The “Why” Behind Scripture Memory Dallas Willard, professor of Philosophy at the University of Southern California, wrote, “Bible memorization is absolutely fundamental to spiritual formation. If I had to choose between all the disciplines of the spiritual life, I would choose Bible memorization, because it is a fundamental way of filling our minds with what it needs. This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth. That’s where you need it! How does it get in your mouth? Memorization” (“Spiritual Formation in Christ for the Whole Life and Whole Person” in Vocatio, Vol. 12, no. 2, Spring, 2001, p. 7). These are powerful words from Professor Willard and challenges the Christian to consider the importance of memorizing God’s Word for themselves. In an article that he wrote in 2006, pastor John Piper shares six reasons why scripture memorization is an essential part of walking with Jesus. These six reasons are conformity to Christ, daily triumph over sin, daily triumph over Satan, comfort and counsel for people you love, communicating the gospel to unbelievers, and communion with God in the enjoyment of his person and ways. Conformity to Christ If you wanted to become like LeBron James, what would you do? You would watch, inspect, dissect, and imitate his every move. In the same way, if we as Christians desire to become more like our Savior, Jesus Christ, we must watch, inspect, dissect, and imitate His every move. How will we do that if we do not spend time in His Word, in which God reveals Himself to us? This is why Scripture memorization is a vital aspect of becoming transformed into the image of Christ. In John 17:17, Jesus prays, “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” The word sanctify literally means to be set apart for a purpose. When Jesus prays to His Father that His followers would be sanctified, He asks God to sanctify them by the truth, which Jesus states is God’s Word. Therefore, God’s Word carries much power because not only is it His personal revelation, but it is the truth that we, as believers, are called to build our lives on. As Christians, Scripture memorization is essential in keeping us in a continual state of transformation into the image of Christ because we know and remember God’s Word as we go about our lives. Daily Triumph The Christian life is a daily war against the temptations of the flesh and the devil. It is not by accident that Jesus states in Luke 9:23 that His followers must pick up their cross daily and follow Him. The Christian life is a daily battle, and in that battle, it is important to carry ammunition. Pastor Piper gives us a picture in his article of sin tempting the body into sinful action, and the ammo that we as believers can have against that sinful temptation the moment it occurs is God’s Word. Scripture memorization reminds us of God’s value and commands the moment we need them. If we do not have Scripture memorized, we have no ammunition to fire back at our temptations. Similarly, Scripture memorization is a weapon that can defeat the temptations of Satan. This idea comes directly from Jesus’ ministry when He was tempted in the wilderness in Matthew 4. Each time that Satan tempted Jesus with a different sin, the response of our Savior was a passage of Scripture. Memorizing God’s Word protects us from the enemy's lie that temporary sinful choices are better than obedience to Christ. Comfort and Counsel for People You Love There are plenty of moments when the people we love could benefit from the goodness that God’s Word offers. However, we do not always have our Bible handy to give our loved ones that Word. Therefore, Scripture memorization can be a tool that spurs our loved ones along in their faith as they need it. Proverbs 16:24 says, “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” In moments when our loved ones require gracious words, there is no better way to provide that than with God’s Word. Communicating the Gospel to Unbelievers More often than not, the opportunities that God provides us to share the gospel are not when we conveniently have our Bible on hand. Similarly to Piper’s last point, if we do not have Scripture memorized, specifically gospel-related Scripture, our evangelism will not be as effective. 2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.” The best way to communicate the gospel is by sharing God’s Word with unbelievers. This is where the importance of Scripture memorization truly hits home because practicing this simple spiritual disciple can open the door for a lost soul to be saved. Communion with God in the Enjoyment of His Person and Ways In his final reason for why Scripture memorization is so important, pastor Piper shares that Scripture memory is an essential part of a believer's communion with God. We commune with the invisible God through meditating on His attributes, expressing our gratitude to Him, seeking His help in times of need, and sharing our love for Him. Keeping this in mind, we can see how important Scripture memorization is in communion with God. If we do not have His word stored in our minds, then it becomes more difficult to express these things to God because we may forget His attributes, why we are grateful, how He can help us, or why we love Him. As we continue to draw closer to our Savior in this life, it is important to keep His word at the top of our minds so that we can glorify Him continually. Conclusion As daunting as Scripture memorization can seem, it is evident that this often-forgotten spiritual disciple is one of great value and importance. In our next Habits of Grace blog, we will discuss how you can practically apply Scripture memorization to your life! 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!

This past weekend, Uncommon Sports Group hosted the first-ever Christians Working in Sports (CWS) Conference in Minneapolis, MN. The conference's goal was to connect believers across the sport industry together and leave them feeling encouraged and equipped in their faith. The conference brought together over a hundred Christians working in college and pro sports to hear from a wide variety of speakers who provided insights into living a Christ-centered life amidst the challenges of working in sports. The conference officially kicked off on Friday, June 23rd, at Southwest Christian High School in Chaska, Minnesota, with an opening message from the Baltimore Ravens chaplain, Johnny Shelton. Johnny’s message covered the purpose of why the attendees were gathered and the importance of living out your faith in the sport industry. After Johnny’s message, the attendees heard from an exceptional panel of speakers that discussed the significance of community. The panel was hosted by the Director of Media at Sports Spectrum, Jason Romano. It featured the Vice President of Government Affairs with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Amilyn Pierce, the former Executive Associate Athletics Director for External Affairs, Jay Jacobs, and the Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer with the Minnesota Timberwolves & Minnesota Lynx, Tru Pettigrew. After the sessions wrapped up, attendees were bussed to Uncommon Sports Group’s headquarters for a social event, which featured dinner and an opportunity to connect with one another. The second day of the conference started early Saturday morning with worship and a powerful message from well renowned speaker and author, Jon Gordan, on loving, serving, and caring for those around you in the sport industry. After Jon’s message, each participant was sent out into a breakout session to discuss the message that Jon delivered, as well as build authentic relationships with one another. Once breakout groups wrapped up, everyone headed back to the auditorium to hear from the Founder & President of KMM Sports, Kelli Masters, for a message on living on mission within the sport industry and how each participant can be doing that practically in their roles. After Kelli’s message and a lunch provided by a local Chick-Fil-A, the afternoon portion of the day was kicked off by another amazing panel on navigating trials within the sport industry. The panel was hosted by Jason Romano once again and featured an experienced lineup of speakers, including NCAA basketball coach Tom Crean, the inaugural women’s hockey coach at the University of Minnesota, Laura Halldorson, Denver Nuggets Assistant Coach, Ryan Saunders, and Orlando Magic Forward Jonathan Isaac. This panel was especially impactful and covered trials such as being let go, battling cancer, losing a loved one, and more! After the panel session, attendees were able to hear from Pastor Mike Linch of NorthStar Church in Kennesaw, Georgia, for a message on making disciples in the workplace! After Mike’s message, attendees were sent back into their breakout rooms for a time of discussion and connection before coming back together for the final commissioning message given by Orlando Magic Forward and author of the book Why I Stand, Jonathan Isaac. Jonathan’s message discussed the importance and power of being a bold Christian in your workplace and standing firm on your beliefs. It was a tremendous way to round out the conference before sending the attendees back to their respective workplaces. It was a blessing to see months of prayer, planning, and preparation turn into a conference that connected, encouraged, and equipped over a hundred sport industry professionals in their faith journey. Our hope is that the messages that were heard and the conversations that were had will be the springboard for the gospel to be lived out, preached, and heard across the sport industry. We cannot wait to gather again next summer for the second annual Christians Working in Sports (CWS) Conference! Follow along on Uncommon Sports Group’s social media pages for updates on registration for the 2024 CWS Conference.

I was asked to do a blog on the importance of having a sports chaplain to be on the staff of a team/organization. I have had the honor of serving in sports ministry for over two decades. I’ve served as a chaplain on both the collegiate and the professional levels during that time. My prayer is that reading this will show the “Heart Of A Chaplain” and the important role that it serves for athletes, coaches, and sports staff around the world. The work being done from the hand of a chaplain in the lives of incredible young athletes and gifted coaches is so critical. It’s an honor and privilege to serve them on a daily basis. It’s a blessing to get to know the people who I serve on a personal level. I’m happy for them, their families, and the communities that they are from, and in which they currently live. A great faith, compassion, humility, integrity, wisdom, life experience, and most of all, a great passion for the Lord combined with a desire to lead others to Him; all combine to make a Sports Chaplain, God’s hand-picked perfect choice to serve a team/organization. Sports Chaplaincy is important to teams/organizations because, as Chaplains, we willingly carry with us the burdens of those which God has entrusted to our spiritual care, and those burdens mount up. My prayer for chaplains everywhere is that when those burdens mount up or when the enemy, the father of lies, attacks at the most unexpected times, we are quick to remember that we are not in this alone. God always has our back, and you have friends like me who pray for you daily. Walking in faith, much like football, is a team sport; God is the head coach, and your brothers in Jesus Christ are your teammates. I guess the only difference is that faith is a team sport with eternal consequences for us and for those we are called to shepherd. Sports Chaplaincy is about “The Ministry Of Presence” This “presence” builds relationships that lead to building the trust of the athlete/coaches in the chaplain, so they can learn to trust God. As the relationship grows with the chaplain, they will see the beauty of and necessity for a personal relationship with God. My experience has been that the ones who convince themselves they need God the least are actually the ones who need Him most. When I think of Sports Chaplaincy, I’m reminded of the scripture in Matthew 20:28 that says, “Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” A sports chaplain is important because we are NOT A FAN!!! We are here to GIVE. With training camp right around the corner, and a whole new batch of young guys coming in, some for a few weeks until they shake out, some for the whole camp, some for a season or two, and some for a career. Sports chaplains have a chance, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to impact each of them, even if it’s only for a single interaction. Rest assured that the chaplain will have an impact on them. See, the chaplain's role is important because the responsibility is the action, but not the outcome; that part is up to the ones we are serving and to the one true God. In closing, I'd like to share with you a letter that was sent to me from a young man that I had the honor of discipling a few years ago. I pray that it encourages you as God continues to order your steps in ministry. GOD BLESS YOU!!! Dear Chaplain, Hi, it’s us The fallen, the broken, the discouraged, the hurting. The ones who sit alone at home or feel alone in the middle of a big gathering. The ones that few others see. Except you. You have a gift. You see beyond the façade to understand much of what we can’t express. You sense that you are called to speak up, reach out, and draw us in. But we can imagine that it’s not always easy. We know. We’re us. Sometimes when you reach out, we might not respond in a way that fully affirms the value of what you offered. We’re sorry for that. We’re not always aware of how broken we are and how broken our responder is. We wonder if the enemy uses our broken responses to downplay the importance of what you do. In case you’ve doubted yourself lately, we think there are a few things you need to hear. 1. When you tell us, “I’m praying for you,” it’s not just words. Don’t ever think you sound trite and simply polite or even worry that you sound too “spiritual.” Posting, texting, messaging, calling, writing. However you do it – whenever you do it. It matters. It matters. Sometimes it’s the one thing that helps us fight back that next round of tears or wave of panic. Your words carry behind them the power of heaven when you pray for us. And then, when you tell us, you remind us that heaven heard our pleas. And that’s really it. When you tell us we are on your heart and that you’ve been prompted to pray, we know that means the Spirit has been moving you, interceding for us. And we are reminded that we are not alone. Not only are there others on this earth who care, but God is marshaling His army of warriors on our behalf. 2. You are a nighttime ninja. When the daylight fades, and the darkness takes over, our weakness is magnified. We are scared of what the future holds. Yes, we may act brave and talk of God’s goodness and faithfulness when you offer sympathy, but we really aren’t that brave. We do believe that God is good and He is faithful, but when the night creeps into our bedroom, that knowledge somehow stops informing our heart. Knowing the truth and feeling the truth are two different things. And so. When you reach out just before you go to bed with a Scripture or a prayer or a simple “I care,” it’s like you made a Star Trek move and teleported to our bedside to let us borrow your shield and sword and fight off the lies of the enemy. With that in mind, here’s a passage that has comforted many of us. We never get tired of being reminded of this truth. “He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day. Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. Psalm 91:4-6 (NLT) 3. You don’t have to fix it. You don’t have to have something big or profound to say. Just saying, “I’m so sorry. I know this must hurt,” is a great start. Every word and action you offer to us when we are down is multiplied and magnified. We hear so much more than is actually said. You hold power in your hands when you pick up that phone to send a text or type a message that speaks truth and life, and comfort. It’s not as much about the actual words as it is about knowing you care. So don’t fear that your words aren’t perfect. And please don’t let the enemy convince you they aren’t necessary. Dear Chaplain …BE ENCOURAGED!!! This is kingdom work. It’s ministering to the least of us at times when few others even know you did. You will likely never even know your impact. But we know. And more importantly, God knows. And we imagine that when He looks at you, He thinks, “Well Done” If you are a young professional in the college or professional sport industry aspiring to be a Christ-centered leader, apply for our Academy and receive a development experience that will leave you feeling equipped and encouraged both spiritually and professionally! If you want to get in touch with our staff, contact us here!

In our previous blog on Sabbath, we discussed an overview of the Sabbath and its importance in our walks with Jesus. The blog writer, USG staff member Amanda Roth, wrote, “God instructed us to rest one day of the week (Exodus 20:8-10, also see Hebrews 4:1, 9-11). Although it’s debatable whether or not Sabbath is considered a command that all Christians should follow, it is clear that those who have begun consistently practicing Sabbath have reaped the benefits of a slower, more focused life that allows for greater awareness of God’s presence and voice. “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27).” In this blog, we’ll highlight some tips from the USG Academy Playbook on the best ways to apply Sabbath in your life as a sport industry professional. The Sunday Sabbath Most often, the Sabbath is associated with Sundays, which is interesting because God commanded the Israelites in the Old Testament law to keep the Sabbath on the seventh day (Exodus 20:8-10). The seventh day of the week is, Saturday, and not Sunday; therefore, the Sabbath traditionally was kept on Saturday. However, we know that Jesus was executed on the Roman cross on Friday and was raised to life on the third day, which was Sunday. Because of this reality, the early church began to gather together on Sundays because the Savior was risen on Sunday (Acts 20:7). So, it makes sense that we would associate the Sabbath with Sunday. However, working in the sport industry can make it very difficult to take an entire Sunday as a Sabbath day. First, it is important to note that Sabbath rest is not about when you do it but why. As a professional in the sport industry, it may work best for you to take a Sabbath rest on a different day of the week, which is totally ok! Furthermore, it may not be possible to take an entire day off to rest. In that case, find a morning or a night of the week where you can rest in the Lord. Either way, the goal on Sabbath is to step away from the busyness of life and take some time in the presence of our Father in Heaven. The Sabbath To-Do List In Exodus 20:10, God commands the Israelites to do no work on the Sabbath day. The Scripture reads, “But the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it, you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns.” This was not a suggestion from God to His people but a command that He wanted them to obey. This command was not given arbitrarily, but because God knows our need for rest and our desire to always be doing something. While we are not bound by the Old Testament law any longer (Romans 7:6), the principle of God’s command in Exodus 20:10 still remains. When taking a Sabbath day to rest, it is important not to be tempted into checking off the to-do list. This includes doing laundry, going grocery shopping, mowing the lawn, etc. If we do these things, we make void the rest we sought to achieve in taking the Sabbath day! Resting in God’s Presence In Jeremiah 29:13, the Lord says to His people Israel who are exiled in Babylon, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” In a time of great difficulty for the people of Israel, the Lord desired that they would seek Him, and when they did, He promised that they would find Him. This truth is the same for us as twenty-first-century believers. As we go through this life and face great difficulty, we must seek the Lord, and in that seeking, we will find Him. This is why it is important to make an intentional effort to seek the Lord’s presence during your Sabbath rest. Practically, this can be done in a variety of ways. We can seek the Lord through prayer, reading His Word, or a book that helps us better understand His Word, or worshiping through enjoying His creation of nature, music, or other activities. Whatever you do that draws you near to God would be a great thing to set aside for a Sabbath day. Conclusion The bottom line is that the Sabbath day is an opportunity to rest. Plain and simple. There are few guidelines to follow because, as Jesus said in Mark 2:27, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” As you continue to follow Jesus as a professional in the sport industry, make it a habit to seek Him through the rest that a Sabbath day offers! 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!

In the Christian life, it is almost a guarantee that burnout will occur at some point along the way. The question is, how can that burnout be avoided, and how can Christians remain passionate about Christ and His purpose in the world? In this episode of the Uncommon Podcast, Noah talks through four different reasons that you may be experiencing burnout in the Christian life and how to avoid falling into a state of burnout. Some of these reasons include putting the principles of Christianity above the personal relationship with Jesus, having tunnel vision, and elitism. 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 follow our podcast to get alerts when new episodes are released! Curious about Uncommon Sports Group and what our ministry has to offer? Contact us to learn more here! Do you want to join the largest community of future Christian leaders of the college and pro sport industry? Apply to join here!

Jalen Stone is presently an Assistant Equipment Manager at the University of Michigan and a long-time supporter of Uncommon Sports Group's funding operation titled Clean Out For A Cause®. In this blog, Jalen shares why donating to Clean Out For A Cause® is a beneficial and worthwhile investment. "Uncommon Sports Group has a special place in my heart for one simple reason. My relationship with Jesus is the most important thing in my life, and I love sports. USG has provided an intersection of both of these loves in my life. The organization has helped me grow both professionally in the field of college athletics and, more importantly, with my daily walk with Christ. From the relationships I have formed through USG, to the training program, to the doors and opportunities that God has opened up for me through USG I have many reasons why I choose to donate, but simply put God has blessed me so much through this organization. Secondly, I have found that for me there are various ways that I can donate through USG. Whether it is through the Clean Out for a Cause® program, where I can donate the old apparel that I no longer need in my closet, or if it is raising money for a mission trip for the organization, or donating my time to help mentor students going through the USG Academy, engaging in a weekly book study with equipment managers around the country, or donating monetarily to staff. There are countless ways that I have found over the years that I can donate to USG, and I am so grateful that I do. This organization strives to help lead young people in the sports industry to strengthen their relationship with Jesus and reach their own personal and professional goals. The organization's leaders have always been strong allies of mine and have been huge supporters of me in times of trials and tribulations. How could I not pour back into an organization that has poured so much time, energy, and love into me and my relationship to Jesus? I love getting to tell others in the sport industry about USG and what the organization's mission and purpose is. I love getting to help shepherd young people in the industry in their walk with Christ. I love the relationships that I have formed through USG. I absolutely love USG, and for these reasons, I donate back." Learn more about how you can support Uncommon Sports Group's mission to develop Christ-centered leaders of the college and pro sport industry by visiting our Clean Out For A Cause® website. If you are a young professional working in the college or pro sport industry, discover how to get involved with USG's nationwide community of Christians working in sports by clicking here or contacting a staff member!

Introduction In a world where sports often take center stage, a unique organization called Uncommon Sports Group (USG) is making a lasting impact by combining faith, leadership development, and the world of athletics. Having had the privilege of attending a domestic outreach trip in San Diego and now serving as the Chair of the Board of Directors, I am excited to share my personal journey with USG and why I am deeply passionate about their mission to develop Christ-centered leaders in the sports profession. The Domestic Outreach Experience My initial encounter with USG took place during a transformative domestic outreach trip to San Diego. Truthfully, I had hoped to participate in one of USG’s overseas mission trips. In hindsight, the selfishness of wanting to travel abroad was unfortunately apparent. However, by staying here in the US, I was able to see the need for Christian outreach in every community, including the local ones in which we are planted. As a participant, I witnessed firsthand the powerful intersection of faith and sports, as well as the profound influence these two elements can have on individuals and communities. Through sports clinics, mentorship programs, and community engagement initiatives like laundry events, passing out food to those in need, and sharing the Gospel through street evangelism, USG demonstrated its commitment to cultivating leaders who not only excel in their athletic careers but also embody the values of Christ-like character and servant leadership. It was such a moving experience that I reached out to the USG team to ask, is this really the end? Fortunately, there was more for USG. Commitment to Christ-Centered Leadership One of the core tenets that sets USG apart is its unwavering commitment to Christ-centered leadership. Recognizing the influence and platform that sports provide, USG encourages sports stakeholders, from athletes to support staff, to become ambassadors of Christ, exemplifying humility, integrity, and compassion in all areas of their lives. While the former name of USG, Managers on a Mission, implied a focus on mission work, the new name of Uncommon Sports Group and the launch of a formal training program laid the groundwork for increased impact. How? By equipping this next generation with the necessary spiritual foundation, USG empowers them to be a positive force for change, both within the sports profession and beyond, locally and globally! How awesome. Personal Growth and Leadership My involvement with USG has been a transformative journey, personally and professionally. As I transitioned from being a participant in the outreach program to serving as the Chair of the Board of Directors, I have been able to witness the organization's continued impact and contribute to its strategic growth. Through my involvement, I have gained invaluable insights into effective leadership, teamwork, and the power of combining faith and passion to bring about positive change in the sports industry. I’ve also gained lifelong friends that are more like family. And they are. They are my brothers and sisters in Christ! Looking Ahead As I reflect on my journey with USG, I am filled with a sense of excitement and hope for the future. The need for Christ-centered leaders in sports has never been greater, and USG is at the forefront of this movement. I am eager to see the organization continue to expand its reach, impacting more lives and transforming the sports profession through its unique approach. The launch of the Christians Working in Sports (CWS) Conference is an easy example of this hope! Conclusion Uncommon Sports Group is an organization that holds a special place in my heart. Through its commitment to developing Christ-centered leaders in the sports profession, USG is bridging the gap between faith and athletics, creating a positive and lasting impact. My journey with USG has been both rewarding and inspiring, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to their mission. Together, let us champion this vision and empower the next generation of leaders who will transform the world through the power of faith and sports. If you are a young professional in the college or professional sport industry aspiring to be a Christ-centered leader, apply for our Academy and receive a development experience that will leave you feeling equipped and encouraged both spiritually and professionally! If you want to get in touch with our staff, contact us here!