An often neglected part of the conversations surrounding Christian education is the area of athletics. Is there such a thing as Christian athletics? Are sports just something that get tacked on to Christian education in the same way it is for public education, or could it be something more? Sports and competition have the ability to bring fun and life to the person playing or observing the sport, and I believe that Christian athletics is an outward expression of what is happening inside each person—from coaches and athletes to officials and parents and fans. When we live for Christ, our engagement with sports and competition look different, whether we are on the field or in the stands.
For students, athletics at FRCS is an extension of the classroom. The Virtues of a Christian Scholar carry over to the field, as well. (See the Virtues of an FRCS Athlete)
What, then, does this look like for parents? Do we as parents treat sport/competition as something that is being played, enjoyed, and that brings life to our children? Do we pray to see their faith and personal character manifest itself in competition, or do we instead try to relive our “glory days” through our children? What does our engagement with our child’s competition reveal about what’s happening inside of us?
Living vicariously through our children can be dangerous—to them, to our relationship with them, and to their development in their chosen sport. My hope is that Front Range Christian School is known for allowing our student athletes compete as hard as they can while we, as parents and fans, enjoy watching them compete. And off the field, we allow our athletes time to recover from competition both physically and mentally. Our kids need us, their family, to be their biggest fans as they participate in sports, and to be there for them when they experience a heart-breaking loss or a close and exciting win. As Romans 12:15 encourages: “Rejoice with those rejoice, and mourn with those who mourn.” Be there to enjoy this time with your kids.
As a parent to four FRCS students, I am so thankful for this community. I appreciate that at FRCS we strive to let our kids be kids and play the games that they love. As a sports community—athletes, coaches, and parents—we are all working together to make this the best place for our kids. We strive to teach our kids that God is a part of our life 24/7 and we don’t stop talking about God when we start playing sports. Let’s keep up the good work! It is worth it for our kids.
