Global Christian sport event thrives

The fourth Global Congress on Sport and Christianity was held at Baylor University, Texas, from 31 July to 2 August, drawing over 250 chaplains, coaches, athletes, administrators, media members, ministry leaders, and scholars from ten countries.

Launched in 2016 at York St John University, the congress exists to bring together academic scholars and practitioners to share research and ideas on the intersection of sport and Christian faith.

After meeting at Calvin University in Michigan and Ridley Hall, Cambridge (2022), this year’s gathering marked its first return to the United States in six years.

Across three days, delegates heard keynote presentations (main talks), joined panel discussions, and networked with others engaged in sports ministry and scholarship.

The opening keynote came from Dr Graham Daniels, General Director of Christians in Sport, presenting his PhD research on identity formation in Christian professional footballers. He stressed that an athlete’s identity is received from God rather than achieved through performance, illustrating his points with case studies from his research.

“We aim to take research from the library to the locker room,” Daniels said, “making sure rigorous theological reflection reaches where ministry happens face-to-face."

Further keynote speakers included philosophers, ethicists, and former professional athletes.

Among the 40 panel sessions were discussions on Sport as Worship, Rethinking Muscular Christianity, Catholic Theology and Sport, Youth Sport and Sundays, and an examination of how translations of 1 Timothy 4v8 shape views on bodily training: "For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come" (NIV).

This year also featured a pre-conference for women in sport, reflecting on leadership in male-dominated contexts and addressing common challenges faced by female leaders in sports settings.

Author Jonny Reid, who attended and presented on the need for theological depth in sports ministry, observed: “Sport is one of the largest cultural engagers in the world and takes on an almost teaching role in many areas. In the UK, millions are involved in sport each week, whether as players or fans. Deep theological reflection on how Christians engage in this space is essential for the long-term health of the church.”

The next Global Congress on Sport and Christianity will be held in Vancouver, Canada, in 2028.