SUPER BOWL: For 49ers’ Matthews, locker room a place of ministry

The impact of Jordan Matthews on the San Francisco 49ers isn’t something that can be measured by his football performance. The wide receiver has spent most of the season on the inactive list, playing in only three games and catching four passes. But that’s OK with him — because Matthews knows that the eternal impact […]

Tabernacle members cheer success, character of Clemson QB Lawrence

Their proximity to the University of Georgia — about 100 miles away — would naturally lend itself to Georgia football fandom. But for the members of Tabernacle Baptist Church in Cartersville, Ga., a transformation of sorts has taken place over the past couple of years. “It’s funny, we live in the heart of Bulldog country, […]

‘Grace-filled’ Warner selected to Hall of Fame

After coming up short in his first two years of eligibility, Kurt Warner is finally a Pro Football Hall of Famer. The former NFL quarterback, often known for being outspoken about his Christian faith, was picked for the honor on Saturday by the 48-member selection committee. He was selected along with LaDainian Tomlinson, Terrell Davis, […]

Olympics: U.S. diver abandons chase of fame, pursues Christ

Diver David Boudia had accomplished his life’s dream when he captured a gold medal in the men’s 10-meter platform competition at the 2012 Olympics in London. U.S. men’s diver David Boudia, who won gold in the 10-meter platform competition in London, is looking to add to his medal count in Rio de Janeiro in both […]

Olympics: ‘Thy will be done’ is shooter’s prayer

In Sarah Scherer’s competitions, the slightest movement — even an errant breath — can be the difference between winning and losing. It’s understandable that such circumstances can cause times of nervousness and tension during a shooting competition. That’s why the Olympic shooter a few months ago decided to start reciting the Lord’s Prayer to herself […]

Team USA flag bearer Phelps’ rehab ‘Purpose-Driven’

Michael Phelps, Team USA flag bearer at the Olympics opening ceremony Aug. 5 in Rio De Janeiro, was heavily influenced by Rick Warren’s “The Purpose-Driven Life” during rehab after his second arrest on a drunken driving charge. “It’s turned me into believing that there is a power greater than myself, and there is a purpose […]

FCA founder Don McClanen lifted sports into ministry

Don McClanen, who founded Fellowship of Christian Athletes in 1954 after enlisting the support of several Christians in sports, died Feb. 16 at age 91. More than 60 years after its founding, FCA is a worldwide ministry headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., with 1,200 staff members who use athletics as a means of reaching the […]

Alabama-Clemson matchup about more than championship

For many, it could be difficult to imagine a College Football Playoff National Championship between two more quintessential Bible Belt teams than tonight’s (Jan. 11) Alabama and Clemson matchup. Exhibit 1 and Exhibit 1A for fan bases that love God and football, with that order sometimes up for debate. Talk to those in the know, however, […]

Pastor: Swinney’s actions back up profession of faith

Ryan Goodroe couldn’t believe what he saw when he took his kids to play baseball in Clemson, S.C. When he showed up for one of the first practices, he noticed Thad Turnipseed, recruiting director for the Clemson University Tigers football team, coaching one of the teams. Goodroe, pastor of Utica Baptist Church in Seneca, S.C., […]