Religious Freedom in Coaching

When the United States of America was founded, the framers of our Constitution were intentional in ensuring that every citizen had the freedom of religion. But what exactly does that mean—and how should it impact the way we coach?

Freedom of religion is more than just the right to attend church on Sundays. It’s the right to live out our faith in every area of life. It includes how we raise our children, how we lead our businesses, and, for us as coaches, how we lead our teams. It’s not confined to private belief or moments of worship—it's a freedom to let our faith guide our actions, decisions, and leadership.

Over the years, I believe many coaches—myself included—have become hesitant to fully integrate our Christian beliefs into our coaching, especially in environments where social acceptance feels at odds with faith-based living. We’ve quieted our convictions in the name of being “neutral” or not offending others. But part of being a B3rd coach is living a life where God is first, always. If He truly holds the number one spot in our lives, then He should be evident in everything we do. That doesn’t mean preaching at every practice or becoming a sideline evangelist—but it should be clear to our athletes that we are people of faith.

So how do we do that, especially in public institutions where overt faith expressions can be challenging? One of my favorite authors and speakers, Matthew Kelly, says we should be “walking billboards for the Christian life.” That idea has always challenged me. If you have a player who has no faith at all, would they still look at you and think, “I want what they have”? Are you living in a way that reflects the heart of Jesus—through your patience, your integrity, your attitude, and how you treat others?

I’ll be the first to admit, I don’t always get this right. There are days when I’m worn down, frustrated, or emotionally drained before I even reach practice. On those days, the joy I felt during my morning quiet time seems to vanish under the weight of daily stress. Other times, my competitive nature takes over, and my actions don’t reflect the faith I profess. These moments are difficult, but they’re also opportunities. Owning our mistakes—especially in front of our players—can become some of the most powerful lessons we ever teach. When a young person sees a coach humble enough to apologize, to admit failure, and to model repentance, they witness the gospel in action.

Being a B3rd coach doesn’t mean being soft. Biblical toughness is real—Jesus Himself was both compassionate and bold, humble and strong. Being a B3rd coach means allowing your faith to guide everything: your decisions, your discipline, your encouragement, and your leadership. It's about being consistent in who you are and Whose you are—regardless of the setting.

Let’s not take for granted the religious freedom we’ve been given. The founding fathers were intentional in protecting our right to live out our faith—not just in private, but in public as well. As coaches, we have a unique platform and a sacred responsibility. Let’s steward it well, living and leading in a way that leaves no doubt—we are followers of Christ.