The relationship between God and Lipscomb students is a cornerstone of the university, but there are unique possibilities for developing that bond when dealing with athletic competition.
No one understands that better than Chris Klotz, director of spiritual formation in athletics.
“We talk about competition all the time, and how much of a gift it is to compete,” Klotz said. “We want to enhance that competitiveness by looking at how God would view that as well.”
Klotz also said he views his official job title as an inaccurate description of how he helps athletes on campus with their faith.
“It’s not my job to form anyone spiritually, that is the work of God,” Klotz said. “I get to be a part of that journey and process with the athletes and coaches. And there is no greater opportunity than to help with that as God does the heavy lifting.”
Along with helping athletes on a daily basis, Klotz has created programs such as the 5-5-5 campaign that involves praying for five athletes, five minutes a day, five days a week.
“Essentially we put all of the athletes on cards, five at a time, and email them out to the university, family, friends, and anyone connected to athletics,” Klotz said. “We ask them to commit to this pledge of praying for these athletes and how personal and important it can be to connect with them on a spiritual level.”
Lipscomb women’s soccer player Katia Hanger came to Lipscomb for the spiritual aspect and sees how integrated it is on her team.
“Everyone is in different places in their faith journeys, but we’re all running in the same direction,” Hanger said. “When the foundation of your relationships are with Christ, it makes them that much stronger and deeper than just on the soccer field.”
Overall, Klotz said he sees the impact the growing spirituality he helps nourish has on the athletes and seeing their relationships grow.
“The hope is that in these four years they have taken great steps to get to know the heart of God,” he said.
“That journey will look different for everyone. But just watching the faithfulness of God take a hold of them, it’s really easy to get up in the morning and go to work.”
With the backing of Klotz’s support, Hanger and the women’s soccer team travel to Knoxville to play the Tennessee Lady Vols in the first round of the NCAA College Cup 5 pm local time Friday.
Photo courtesy of Lipscomb Athletics