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The Association of Related Churches Reveals Surprising Similarities Between Coaches and Pastors
At first glance, the role of a sports coach and a church leader may seem worlds apart—one calls plays from the sidelines, while the other preaches from a pulpit. But dig deeper, and you’ll discover striking similarities in their purpose, impact, and calling. In a recent episode of UNSCRIPTED with the Association of Related Churches’ Executive Director Dino Rizzo, longtime coach and ministry leader Tommy Kyle shared insights he’s gained from a life spent investing in both sports and spiritual development. His story underscores a profound truth: Coaches and pastors are more alike than we think.
Shaping More Than Just Skills
As the Executive Director of Nations of Coaches, Tommy Kyle has spent years equipping coaches to embrace their deeper calling—not just to win games, but to shape lives. “One coach will impact more people in a year than the average person will in a lifetime,” Tommy said, quoting Billy Graham. That kind of influence mirrors what ARC churches aim to empower in their pastors; they want to build leaders who don’t just preach sermons, but who walk alongside people through the highs and lows of life.
Whether you’re a coach on the court or a pastor with the Association of Related Churches, leadership is about relationships, consistency, and trust. Both roles carry the responsibility of mentoring, encouraging, and shaping character. As Tommy puts it, “Ministry is about showing up, loving people, and not wanting anything from them. That’s when they start to trust you.”
Coaching the Coaches, Pastoring the Pastors
Through Nations of Coaches, Tommy and his team have placed over 500 full-time character coaches and chaplains into college basketball programs—including six of the top 10 schools in the country. These character coaches often come from local churches and pastoral backgrounds, acting as spiritual mentors for players and staff alike.
Tommy’s model closely aligns with the mission of the Association of Related Churches. ARC churches don’t just support church planters—they develop leaders who live out the Gospel in every area of life, including sports, schools, and communities. Many ARC pastors now serve as character coaches, seeing it as a natural extension of their ministry. “The greatest thing I’ve ever done,” one pastor shared, “is being the character coach for that team.”
An Invitation to Get in the Game
Tommy believes churches have an incredible opportunity to serve college campuses right in their own backyards. From offering prayer support to adopting teams, there are countless ways churches can engage with athletic programs and invest in the next generation of leaders.
“The pressure on coaches and student-athletes today is overwhelming,” Tommy shared. “But when churches step in—not to take, but to give—we see real transformation.” ARC churches have already been instrumental in helping Nations of Coaches meet both the spiritual and practical needs of coaching families, including during seasons of job loss or transition.
A Shared Mission, A Higher Calling
Both coaches and church leaders are culture shapers. They lead with vision, invest in people, and leave a legacy of influence. And when they join forces—like ARC churches partnering with campus programs—the impact multiplies.
As Tommy says, “We want to reach every college team in America. But we can’t do it alone. We need churches in every city to say, ‘We’re here. We care.’” It’s a call to action that echoes the heart and vision of the Association of Related Churches: empowering leaders to carry the message of Jesus everywhere—one relationship at a time.
For more information on how your church can get involved with the Association of Related Churches, visit www.arcchurches.com.
About the Association of Related Churches (ARC):
The Association of Related Churches (ARC) represents a collaborative network comprising independent congregations from various denominations, networks, and backgrounds. Its primary mission is to provide essential support and resources to church planters and pastors, enabling them to effectively share the teachings of Jesus Christ. ARC’s operational approach revolves around empowering and equipping church leaders, thus helping them foster the widespread dissemination of Christ’s life-changing message. Established in 2000, ARC has evolved into a worldwide entity and has played a pivotal role in facilitating the establishment of over 1,100 new churches globally.
Here's something you might be interested in.
The Association of Related Churches Reveals Surprising Similarities Between Coaches and Pastors
The Association of Related Churches Reveals Surprising Similarities Between Coaches and Pastors
At first glance, the role of a sports coach and a church leader may seem worlds apart—one calls plays from the sidelines, while the other preaches from a pulpit. But dig deeper, and you’ll discover striking similarities in their purpose, impact, and calling. In a recent episode of UNSCRIPTED with the Association of Related Churches’ Executive Director Dino Rizzo, longtime coach and ministry leader Tommy Kyle shared insights he’s gained from a life spent investing in both sports and spiritual development. His story underscores a profound truth: Coaches and pastors are more alike than we think.
Shaping More Than Just Skills
As the Executive Director of Nations of Coaches, Tommy Kyle has spent years equipping coaches to embrace their deeper calling—not just to win games, but to shape lives. “One coach will impact more people in a year than the average person will in a lifetime,” Tommy said, quoting Billy Graham. That kind of influence mirrors what ARC churches aim to empower in their pastors; they want to build leaders who don’t just preach sermons, but who walk alongside people through the highs and lows of life.
Whether you’re a coach on the court or a pastor with the Association of Related Churches, leadership is about relationships, consistency, and trust. Both roles carry the responsibility of mentoring, encouraging, and shaping character. As Tommy puts it, “Ministry is about showing up, loving people, and not wanting anything from them. That’s when they start to trust you.”
Coaching the Coaches, Pastoring the Pastors
Through Nations of Coaches, Tommy and his team have placed over 500 full-time character coaches and chaplains into college basketball programs—including six of the top 10 schools in the country. These character coaches often come from local churches and pastoral backgrounds, acting as spiritual mentors for players and staff alike.
Tommy’s model closely aligns with the mission of the Association of Related Churches. ARC churches don’t just support church planters—they develop leaders who live out the Gospel in every area of life, including sports, schools, and communities. Many ARC pastors now serve as character coaches, seeing it as a natural extension of their ministry. “The greatest thing I’ve ever done,” one pastor shared, “is being the character coach for that team.”
An Invitation to Get in the Game
Tommy believes churches have an incredible opportunity to serve college campuses right in their own backyards. From offering prayer support to adopting teams, there are countless ways churches can engage with athletic programs and invest in the next generation of leaders.
“The pressure on coaches and student-athletes today is overwhelming,” Tommy shared. “But when churches step in—not to take, but to give—we see real transformation.” ARC churches have already been instrumental in helping Nations of Coaches meet both the spiritual and practical needs of coaching families, including during seasons of job loss or transition.
A Shared Mission, A Higher Calling
Both coaches and church leaders are culture shapers. They lead with vision, invest in people, and leave a legacy of influence. And when they join forces—like ARC churches partnering with campus programs—the impact multiplies.
As Tommy says, “We want to reach every college team in America. But we can’t do it alone. We need churches in every city to say, ‘We’re here. We care.’” It’s a call to action that echoes the heart and vision of the Association of Related Churches: empowering leaders to carry the message of Jesus everywhere—one relationship at a time.
For more information on how your church can get involved with the Association of Related Churches, visit www.arcchurches.com.
About the Association of Related Churches (ARC):
The Association of Related Churches (ARC) represents a collaborative network comprising independent congregations from various denominations, networks, and backgrounds. Its primary mission is to provide essential support and resources to church planters and pastors, enabling them to effectively share the teachings of Jesus Christ. ARC’s operational approach revolves around empowering and equipping church leaders, thus helping them foster the widespread dissemination of Christ’s life-changing message. Established in 2000, ARC has evolved into a worldwide entity and has played a pivotal role in facilitating the establishment of over 1,100 new churches globally.
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