Higher Purpose
CRANBERRY TWP — The Fellowship of Christian Athletes does not believe God and sports should ever be separated.
“Worshipping when I play is giving God glory in everything that I do,” said Andrew Stimmel, Grove City College men's lacrosse coach.
Dutilh United Methodist Church in Cranberry Township hosted an FCA event Sunday for lacrosse players and other athletes.
Tim Holt of Cranberry Township felt the need for this type of event for student athletes in the area.
“I saw the excitement and the energy in my son after going to an FCA lacrosse camp,” Holt said.
Stimmel is part of the FCA and the Coalition of Christian Outreach.
He spoke to students, athletes and parents about what it means to be successful.
Stimmel was a star player for Ohio State University when a reporter asked him about his success during the last months of his college career. He realized he was basing his success in life on how well he did in sports and not what truly mattered — his faith.
Stimmel said sports were created by God, and while playing, athletes should give thanks.
He explained sports are not about the team or individual's success, but it should be joyous and refreshing.
“Sports are a great way to display Godly character,” Stimmel added.
Athletes should not be too proud. They should be humble when taking directions from coaches and remember the game is not just about “Andrew,” but the team.
Stimmel encouraged athletes to play to serve, such as passing the ball as opposed to shooting.
Stimmel also said everyone needs to destroy idols.
He gave examples of grown men crying when the Steelers lose or taking a week off work. Also, people yelling at the television sets, calling players by their first names.
“You're not playing the game,” Stimmel said. “We don't know them.”
Stimmel said everyone needs to find their identity and base their success in Christ, rather than athletics, GPAs, video games or physical appearance.
Dan Britton, senior vice president of ministries for the FCA, congratulated those in attendance for their dedication and missing Sunday's Steelers game.Britton is a former professional lacrosse player and discussed game-changing plays.“Sports are defined by those plays,” he said.But Britton was not just talking about the game-winning pass or unbelievable tackle, but also the game-changing events in life.His game-changing event came at a lacrosse camp when he was encouraged to give his life fully to Christ.The preacher, Pastor Blue, encouraged all who accepted Christ to throw a tiny woodchip into the billowing fire pit.“I bawled my eyes out,” Britton said.Britton said the prayer to accept Christ and moved on with his life.Years later, when he was accepted to the University of Delaware lacrosse team, Britton felt like the only Christian out of 45 men.“Lacrosse players are crazy,” he said. “They're sick. They're always over the edge.”He watched his teammates and at times joined in with their antics.Britton started to feel conflicted. He was a Christian, but were his teammates more real than him?“What you saw is what you got with them,” Britton said.He was claiming to be a Christian, but not necessarily living as one.Britton said being a Christian is more than just words — it's action.He encouraged athletes to go “All in.” Be a better Christian on the field and off.Denny Hyland, Western Pennsylvania director for the FCA, said events like these are important to have throughout the community for different sports.“The kids are taught a lot of things,” Hyland said. “They are taught the fundamentals of their sport; a lot of them have their own personal trainers now; a lot of them have nutritionist, but a lot of them don't have any spiritual guidance.”
