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Competing for Christ Podcast

Sports & Recreation Podcasts

Spreading the Gospel through relevant topics, stories, and lessons learned in sports. https://www.competingforchristpodcast.com/

Location:

United States

Description:

Spreading the Gospel through relevant topics, stories, and lessons learned in sports. https://www.competingforchristpodcast.com/

Language:

English


Episodes

Hip Replacement to Homecoming Queen with High School Athlete Kenzie Burke

3/27/2024
On this episode, we are talking to someone that has faced a lot in her life. Today I had the honor of talking with Clay High School volleyball/flag football player, homecoming queen, and one of my sisters, Kenzie Burke. Kenzie has lived a lot of life as an athlete and as a person even though she is just 18. In this conversation, we get to hear about how she has dealt with a massive obstacle in her life: having a hip replacement at 13 years old. Throughout the injury process, understanding why God brought her through that, and learning how to play sports again after that, she continues to represent the mercy and grace Jesus provides. Listen as we discuss: NEW MERCH IS NOW AVAILABLE!! Check out the official podcast store for brand new Competing for Christ Podcast merch including trucker hats, sweatshirts, and coffee mugs! From every sale, half of the proceeds will go to Christian sports organizations that are making a difference for Christ in the world of sports. Use discount code CFC20 to get 20% off your order TODAY! Subscribe to the show and share this episode! https://www.competingforchristpodcast.com/ Need encouragement or want to come on the show? Text me: (904) 463-5917 Email me: competingforchristpodcast@gmail.com

Duration:00:25:45

Being A Christian In The NFL with Detroit Lions Long Snapper Scott Daly

3/20/2024
Detroit Lions long snapper Scott Daly joins us to talk about how he lives his faith out in the National Football League (NFL) and his unique story from someone that was the #1 long snapper coming out of high school. While he attended Notre Dame in college to play football, he says that this is where his faith became a real relationship. He has played on a variety of teams in the NFL, AAF, and XFL until eventually securing his spot on the Lions. As he has had to trust in God's timing through not playing, getting cut, and through an injury he suffered this past season, Scott gives advice for all athletes that proclaim Christ as their savior. Listen as we discuss: NEW MERCH IS NOW AVAILABLE!! Check out the official podcast store for brand new Competing for Christ Podcast merch including trucker hats, sweatshirts, and coffee mugs! From every sale, half of the proceeds will go to Christian sports organizations that are making a difference for Christ in the world of sports. Use discount code CFC20 to get 20% off your order TODAY! Subscribe to the show and share this episode! https://www.competingforchristpodcast.com/ Need encouragement or want to come on the show? Text me: (904) 463-5917 Email me: competingforchristpodcast@gmail.com

Duration:00:33:31

Understanding Christ’s Call with North Carolina FC Player Rafa Mentzingen

3/13/2024
How can we discern what God’s calling is for our lives? For all of us that are born again believers, we all have a call to proclaim the Gospel to the nations and show Christ’s love to everyone we come in contact with. But there’s also the other callings that we have in our lives, such as being an athlete, what job you’re going to do, who you’re going to marry, and so many other things that God calls us into. But that big call that we have as believers never changes. For Rafa Mentzingen, he heard a call from God to come to the US from Brazil in order to chase his dream of being a professional soccer (or football) player. Now, as someone who is actually living out that dream with North Carolina FC of the USL League One, Rafa is showing Christ through how he plays on the soccer field. Today we get to talk with Rafa about his story and how he understood God’s calling to come to the US to pursue this dream. Even through some really challenging times, he never questioned what God had in store for him. Listen as we discuss: NEW MERCH IS NOW AVAILABLE!! Check out the official podcast store for brand new Competing for Christ Podcast merch including trucker hats, sweatshirts, and coffee mugs! From every sale, half of the proceeds will go to Christian sports organizations that are making a difference for Christ in the world of sports. Use discount code CFC20 to get 20% off your order TODAY! Subscribe to the show and share this episode! https://www.competingforchristpodcast.com/ Need encouragement or want to come on the show? Text me: (904) 463-5917 Email me: competingforchristpodcast@gmail.com

Duration:00:23:42

Handling The Spotlight with Wisconsin Football Player Darryl Peterson

3/6/2024
Today we’re talking about how to handle the spotlight as a Christian in sports, because whether you realize it or not, being an athlete comes with some level of notoriety no matter what country or culture you may find yourself in. You can be a high school athlete or you could be suiting up to play in the NFL or the Premier League, but at some level you’re going to have to learn how to represent Christ while on the stage of your sport. That is why today I invited on University of Wisconsin football player Darryl Peterson. Darryl plays in front of tens of thousands of people every single week in the fall, and it is clear to me and everyone who watches him that he is a force on that field. It is also clear who he is portraying in Christ. Throughout this interview you’ll learn: NEW MERCH IS NOW AVAILABLE!! Check out the official podcast store for brand new Competing for Christ Podcast merch including trucker hats, sweatshirts, and coffee mugs! From every sale, half of the proceeds will go to Christian sports organizations that are making a difference for Christ in the world of sports. Use discount code CFC20 to get 20% off your order TODAY! Subscribe to the show and share this episode! https://www.competingforchristpodcast.com/ Need encouragement or want to come on the show? Text me: (904) 463-5917 Email me: competingforchristpodcast@gmail.com

Duration:00:18:03

Battling Sin with Former Collegiate Baseball Player and Influencer Zach Dehn

2/28/2024
How do you navigate sin? How does it affect you as an athlete? What does the Bible say about sin? Well today we are going to go in-depth on what it means to not only battle against sin, but also realizing that we are all broken, sinful people that need a savior in Jesus. Today I invited on former collegiate baseball player, influencer, and podcaster Zach Dehn to talk about this topic and things that he has learned from sin that he has battled throughout his life as an athlete, specifically in college. Zach is fully transparent and I appreciate that because as he is sinful just like everyone in this world, he trusts in Christ now more than ever and gives his sin to Him. Today we talk about: Hey God Podcast Check out the Hey God Podcast and Zach's inspirational videos on TikTok and Instagram! NEW MERCH IS NOW AVAILABLE!! Check out the official podcast store for brand new Competing for Christ Podcast merch including trucker hats, sweatshirts, and coffee mugs! From every sale, half of the proceeds will go to Christian sports organizations that are making a difference for Christ in the world of sports. Use discount code CFC20 to get 20% off your order TODAY! Subscribe to the show and share this episode! https://www.competingforchristpodcast.com/ Need encouragement or want to come on the show? Text me: (904) 463-5917 Email me: competingforchristpodcast@gmail.com

Duration:00:27:47

11 Lessons From 100 Episodes of the Competing for Christ Podcast

2/21/2024
When I set out to start the Competing for Christ Podcast, I had no idea that nearly 3 years later, I’d still be doing it. To be honest with you, I didn’t know what to think. I had maybe a handful of topics to discuss in mind and only 3 people that I wanted to interview. Never could I have imagined that I would get to 100. But over and over again I have seen God move in ways that are unexplainable. I have seen Him reach people across the world with a simple, yet profound message: glorifying Christ through sports. I wanted to blend together my love for Christ and my love for sports because I felt like there wasn’t a resource out there where athletes could go to learn, discuss, and share about how to bring Christ into any sport that you play. Little did I know that it would make it this far. With individuals from nearly 50 countries that have tuned in, thousands of downloads, and hundreds of people that I have gotten to meet through this podcast, God has taken it further than ever expected. Today we dive into 11 major lessons that I have learned from from 100 episodes, including: NEW MERCH IS NOW AVAILABLE!! Check out the official podcast store for brand new Competing for Christ Podcast merch, celebrating 100 episodes! From every sale that we get, half of that money is going to Christian sports organizations that are making a difference for Christ in the world of sports. Use discount code CFC20 to get 20% off your order TODAY! Subscribe to the show and share this episode! https://www.competingforchristpodcast.com/ Need encouragement or want to come on the show? Text me: (904) 463-5917 Email me: competingforchristpodcast@gmail.com

Duration:00:33:17

Experiencing Christ Through Challenges with Abilene Christian Football Player Anthony Egbo Jr.

2/14/2024
When you’ve gone through a challenging time in your life, you may find it quite hard to experience Christ through that time. Or you could be on the other side of the spectrum where you feel God’s love so deeply during this challenging time. For myself and our guest today, we have both been on either side of that coin. But how do we navigate this topic when you are pursuing a relationship with Him, and want to feel Him in your life and while you pursue your dream as an athlete? Today we get to talk to Abilene Christian University football player Anthony Egbo Jr., and throughout his life, he has faced numerous challenges that we will discuss today. But as someone that continuously pursues Christ, even outside of his sport, Anthony has not only become a better athlete, but has transformed his perception of Christ and what His plan is for Anthony’s life. From being a walk-on to becoming a captain of the ACU football team, he replicates Christ and knows what it means to experience God through anything he goes through. Listen out for these topics: PODCAST MERCH IS NOW AVAILABLE!! Check out the official podcast store for Competing for Christ hats, shirts, hoodies and more. From every sale that we get, half of that money is going to Christian sports organizations that are making a difference for Christ in the world of sports. Use discount code CFC20 to get 20% off your order TODAY! Subscribe to the show and share this episode! https://www.competingforchristpodcast.com/ Need encouragement or want to come on the show? Text me: (904) 463-5917 Email me: competingforchristpodcast@gmail.com

Duration:00:32:55

Lessons Learned as a D1 Christian Athlete with Lipscomb University Softball Player Joie Giarrizzo

2/7/2024
Today we are talking with Lipscomb University softball player Joie Giarrizzo about her softball career, her faith, and a what she has learned as a Division 1 Christian athlete. Joie is entering her 4th year of Division 1 collegiate softball and she has been living for Christ on and off the field during those years. There are many things that you learn as a college athlete, but maybe even more so if you follow Christ throughout. Joie gives her thoughts and opinions on many different topics, including: PODCAST MERCH IS NOW AVAILABLE!! Check out the official podcast store for Competing for Christ hats, shirts, hoodies and more. From every sale that we get, half of that money is going to Christian sports organizations that are making a difference for Christ in the world of sports. Use discount code CFC20 to get 20% off your order TODAY! Subscribe to the show and share this episode! https://www.competingforchristpodcast.com/ Need encouragement or want to come on the show? Text me: (904) 463-5917 Email me: competingforchristpodcast@gmail.com

Duration:00:28:09

Who Is Jesus? with Charleston Southern University Associate Athletic Director Mike Vigue

1/31/2024
Who is Jesus? The Bible says a lot about who He is, was, and will be. John says that He is the bread of life. Colossians says He is the firstborn of all creation. Luke says that He is the Son of Man. There are so many ways to describe who Jesus is and what He means to so many that put their faith in Him. What should that mean for athletes? It should mean EVERYTHING for athletes! That’s why today we are talking to Charleston Southern University Associate Athletic Director Mike Vigue about who Jesus is to him and what Jesus can do for everyone that puts their faith in Him. This conversation was an intriguing one, and Mike brings many helpful insights that can help athletes that are wondering who Jesus really is. Listen out for these topics today: PODCAST MERCH IS NOW AVAILABLE!! Check out the official podcast store for Competing for Christ hats, shirts, hoodies and more. From every sale that we get, half of that money is going to Christian sports organizations that are making a difference for Christ in the world of sports. Use discount code CFC20 to get 20% off your order TODAY! Subscribe to the show and share this episode! https://www.competingforchristpodcast.com/ Need encouragement or want to come on the show? Text me: (904) 463-5917 Email me: competingforchristpodcast@gmail.com

Duration:00:30:22

Life After Sports with Lulu & Ken Burke

1/24/2024
Guess what? Your career as an athlete is going to come to an end. It may sound crazy, but your days as an athlete are numbered. But you have to ask yourself, what’s next? Who are you if you aren’t an athlete? Are you going to rely on Jesus for what's next? Today we are talking about life after sports and what that looks like for Christian athletes. That is why today I invited on someone to discuss what that has looked like for her, what she’s learned since retiring from sports, and how she has been able to rely on Jesus to provide her sense of identity. We get to hear from a former Covenant College softball player and my wife, Lulu Burke. Listen as we try to be serious and discuss: PODCAST MERCH IS NOW AVAILABLE!! Check out the official podcast store for Competing for Christ hats, shirts, hoodies and more. From every sale that we get, half of that money is going to Christian sports organizations that are making a difference for Christ in the world of sports. Use discount code CFC20 to get 20% off your order TODAY! Subscribe to the show and share this episode! https://www.competingforchristpodcast.com/ Need encouragement or want to come on the show? Text me: (904) 463-5917 Email me: competingforchristpodcast@gmail.com

Duration:00:23:59

Mentorship That Shows Christ with The Apprentice School Head Basketball Coach Evan Kee

1/17/2024
When you think of certain mentors in your life, you probably don’t have to think too long before thinking of someone in your time as an athlete that helped mold and shape who you are as a person today. For Coach Evan Kee, he continues to mentor and shape the minds of young men as the Head Men's Basketball Coach at The Apprentice School. The Apprentice School is a very unique Division 3 school, where athletes learn a trade, get paid for it while going to class, and get to play collegiate basketball. Coach Kee strives to be someone that these players can look up to, and someone that continuously points to Christ for his success. Talking points for todays episode include: PODCAST MERCH IS NOW AVAILABLE!! Check out the official podcast store for Competing for Christ hats, shirts, hoodies and more. From every sale that we get, half of that money is going to Christian sports organizations that are making a difference for Christ in the world of sports. Use discount code CFC20 to get 20% off your order TODAY! Subscribe to the show and share this episode! https://www.competingforchristpodcast.com/ Need encouragement or want to come on the show? Text me: (904) 463-5917 Email me: competingforchristpodcast@gmail.com

Duration:00:31:57

Growing Continuously with David Gibson, Founder of Elevation is a Must, Entrepreneur, Speaker, & Former Boxer

1/10/2024
As someone who wants to grow closer to Christ every single day, I often ask myself, “Can I grow closer to Christ while simultaneously growing as a person?” While this may be very challenging to find that balance, as people and as athletes, we always want to be the best version of ourselves while still shining the spotlight on what Jesus has done through us. Today, we talk about consistent growth with David Gibson, founder of Elevation is a Must, providing young professionals with the tools and strategies that help them build, grow, and live out their ideas and visions. He is an entrepreneur, speaker, and former boxer! As we discuss getting better every day while growing continuously with Christ, some topics that come up include: PODCAST MERCH IS NOW AVAILABLE!! Check out the official podcast store for Competing for Christ hats, shirts, hoodies and more. From every sale that we get, half of that money is going to Christian sports organizations that are making a difference for Christ in the world of sports. Use discount code CFC20 to get 20% off your order TODAY! Subscribe to the show and share this episode! https://www.competingforchristpodcast.com/ Need encouragement or want to come on the show? Text me: (904) 463-5917 Email me: competingforchristpodcast@gmail.com

Duration:00:27:30

Maintaining Positivity Through Tragedy with Motivational Speaker & Former Ole Miss Football Player KD Hill

12/20/2023
KD Hill was a football player at Ole Miss and getting ready for the NFL Draft, destined to play with a pro football team. But in an instant, this reality shifted dramatically. KD’s life changed when he got in a car accident that severely injured his leg, and eventually had to get the leg amputated. To most people, this would be seen as a curse and would be stuck asking God, “why me?” But not KD. KD has the most optimistic attitude for someone that is in his position. In fact, he said he’s even thankful that it happened, because it showed him that God has other plans for him besides football. But today we get to talk about his life, his path to get to where he is, and what he plans to do now as a motivational figure and someone that portrays Christ in everything he does! Listen as we discuss: Follow KD on Instagram and TikTok! PODCAST MERCH IS NOW AVAILABLE!! Check out the official podcast store for Competing for Christ hats, shirts, hoodies and more. From every sale that we get, half of that money is going to Christian sports organizations that are making a difference for Christ in the world of sports. Use discount code CFC20 to get 20% off your order TODAY! Subscribe to the show and share this episode! https://www.competingforchristpodcast.com/ Need encouragement or want to come on the show? Text me: (904) 463-5917 Email me: competingforchristpodcast@gmail.com

Duration:00:20:53

A Friendship Formed Through Running with Ultra Runner Matt Burdette

12/13/2023
On this episode, we are talking with Ultra Runner Matt Burdette about a friendship that he has that is one of the coolest things you will ever see. You will hear the background of Matt’s athletic journey, more on him as a runner, but something that we focused on today was his relationship with Kevin DiLegge. Kevin has cerebral palsy, but this does not stop him from being inspirational and just an all around amazing human being. Matt and Kevin actually do races together, like the Boston Marathon and Baltimore Marathon, with Matt pushing Kevin throughout the entire race and over the finish line (Matt will tell you that Kevin actually pushes him more). This friendship is inspiring, and getting to talk with Matt in depth on them racing as a pair is something you can not miss. We touch on a lot today, but here are some key topics discussed: PODCAST MERCH IS NOW AVAILABLE!! Check out the official podcast store for Competing for Christ hats, shirts, hoodies and more. From every sale that we get, half of that money is going to Christian sports organizations that are making a difference for Christ in the world of sports. Use discount code CFC20 to get 20% off your order TODAY! Subscribe to the show and share this episode! https://www.competingforchristpodcast.com/ Need encouragement or want to come on the show? Text me: (904) 463-5917 Email me: competingforchristpodcast@gmail.com

Duration:00:25:41

Being In A Hurry with University of Indianapolis Soccer Player Sam Hevesy

12/6/2023
It seems like everyone is in a hurry nowadays, especially athletes. You are constantly going and going, and a lot of times your faith is the first thing to go on the back-burner. But for athletes, what can we do to slow down while still competing at the highest level and getting everything you need done, all while growing closer to Christ? For University of Indianapolis soccer player Sam Hevesy, this issue has been something that has been on his heart for a while now. Sam is early on in his college career, but the knowledge that he brings to our discussion makes it seem like he’s older than he is! Even through some difficult experiences as an athlete and Christian, you can tell that God is working in his life and brings excellent advice to this conversation about being in a hurry. Listen as we talk about: PODCAST MERCH IS NOW AVAILABLE!! Check out the official podcast store for Competing for Christ hats, shirts, hoodies and more. From every sale that we get, half of that money is going to Christian sports organizations that are making a difference for Christ in the world of sports. Use discount code CFC20 to get 20% off your order TODAY! Subscribe to the show and share this episode! https://www.competingforchristpodcast.com/ Need encouragement or want to come on the show? Text me: (904) 463-5917 Email me: competingforchristpodcast@gmail.com

Duration:00:29:57

Staying Ready for the Moment with Kansas State Football Player Seth Porter

11/29/2023
Today, we’re talking about staying ready for the moment and being ready to not only perform on the field, but perform off the field when sharing the Gospel with someone. Just like when you’re on the bench or getting ready to go in a game, you have to be ready. Jesus even says that we will not know the day or time when He comes back, so we have to be ready at any point. Seth Porter is a Kansas State football player that has so much experience in this area. He prioritizes being prepared to show and spread the Gospel through his words and actions. He’s also had to stay ready for the moment for his entire athletic career for a chance to show what he can do as a walk-on athlete. But when he’s gotten those opportunities, he capitalizes, like scoring his first career touchdown just a couple of weeks ago. Listen to learn more about: special moment PODCAST MERCH IS NOW AVAILABLE!! Check out the official podcast store for Competing for Christ hats, shirts, hoodies and more. From every sale that we get, half of that money is going to Christian sports organizations that are making a difference for Christ in the world of sports. Use discount code CFC20 to get 20% off your order TODAY! Subscribe to the show and share this episode! https://www.competingforchristpodcast.com/ Need encouragement or want to come on the show? Text me: (904) 463-5917 Email me: competingforchristpodcast@gmail.com

Duration:00:24:07

What Athletes Can Learn From Colossians 3:23

11/22/2023
For athletes, working hard is a part of our DNA. It's an essential part if you want to succeed or play to the best of your ability. But what does the Bible say about working hard? How do you know if you're working TOO hard? Is there such thing as working hard for the wrong reasons? Today, I'm going to be talking about what athletes can learn from studying Colossians 3:23, what hard work should mean to an athlete, and why we are called to not only work hard at everything we do, but dedicate that to the Lord. While we may want to impress coaches, teammates, parents, or scouts, we must remember why we love, why we play, and why we are called to the sports that we love. Throughout this solo episode, I'll be touching on: PODCAST MERCH IS NOW AVAILABLE!! Check out the official podcast store for Competing for Christ hats, shirts, hoodies and more. From every sale that we get, half of that money is going to Christian sports organizations that are making a difference for Christ in the world of sports. Use discount code CFC20 to get 20% off your order TODAY! Subscribe to the show and share this episode! https://www.competingforchristpodcast.com/ Need encouragement or want to come on the show? Text me: (904) 463-5917 Email me: competingforchristpodcast@gmail.com

Duration:00:22:12

Spreading the Word From the NFL to Golf with YouTuber and Former NFL & UCONN Football Player Geremy Davis

11/15/2023
Geremy Davis has been sharing the Gospel through sports for years now. While it may be in a variety of different ways and capacities, he continues to put Jesus first in everything that he does. Geremy played football at UCONN and went on to play in the NFL for three different teams. As someone who had one of the most prolific careers for a wide receiver at UCONN, he dedicates everything that he has to Christ and has done that since before playing in college. Through injuries, uncertainties, and hardship, there is so much to be said about what God has been able to do through him. Now that he has concluded his playing career on the gridiron, Geremy has shifted his mindset to a set of irons! As he is the host of the YouTube channel Golf and Gospel, he interviews athletes and the like about their playing career, what they’ve faced as athletes, and how their faith shapes everything that they do. Geremy is not ashamed of the Gospel and you can sense the passion that he has for Jesus throughout our conversation today. Listen today and learn more from Geremy about: Golf and Gospel Check out Golf and Gospel here! PODCAST MERCH IS NOW AVAILABLE!! Check out the official podcast store for Competing for Christ hats, shirts, hoodies and more. From every sale that we get, half of that money is going to Christian sports organizations that are making a difference for Christ in the world of sports. Use discount code CFC20 to get 20% off your order TODAY! Subscribe to the show and share this episode! https://www.competingforchristpodcast.com/ Need encouragement or want to come on the show? Text me: (904) 463-5917 Email me: competingforchristpodcast@gmail.com

Duration:00:35:23

Surrounding Yourself With the Right People with Former Notre Dame & NFL Football Player Braxston Cave

11/8/2023
Something that is so important for every person that follows Jesus is putting people around you that love you, want to see you succeed, and most importantly speak God’s truth into your life. As an athlete, the teammates and friends that are around you will most likely influence how you live and how you act. On today's episode, Braxston Cave, former Notre Dame and NFL offensive lineman joins the show to discuss his incredible athletic journey, his experience with God surrounding him with the right people, and more. He had an outstanding career as a football player, was one of the highest ranked recruits coming out of high school, and most importantly has a passion for following Jesus. Listen for more, including: PODCAST MERCH IS NOW AVAILABLE!! Check out the official podcast store for Competing for Christ hats, shirts, hoodies and more. From every sale that we get, half of that money is going to Christian sports organizations that are making a difference for Christ in the world of sports. Use discount code CFC20 to get 20% off your order TODAY! Subscribe to the show and share this episode! https://www.competingforchristpodcast.com/ Need encouragement or want to come on the show? Text me: (904) 463-5917 Email me: competingforchristpodcast@gmail.com

Duration:00:24:24

Reaching Those in Need Through Sports in Kenya with Founder and Director of New Hope Sport Centre Joseph Mwaura

11/1/2023
Joseph Mwaura is the Founder and Director of New Hope Sport Centre in Naivasha, Kenya. Not only does this organization give opportunities to children in Africa through sports, they also share the Gospel with athletes that otherwise may never hear about Jesus. Today, I sit down with Joseph to discuss how New Hope Sport Centre gives opportunities through sports to children. Joseph gets to be a father figure to hundreds of children, some of whom do not have fathers or have been neglected in their lives. Listen to hear more about: Check out New Hope Sport Centre here! PODCAST MERCH IS NOW AVAILABLE!! Check out the official podcast store for Competing for Christ hats, shirts, hoodies and more. From every sale that we get, half of that money is going to Christian sports organizations that are making a difference for Christ in the world of sports. Use discount code CFC20 to get 20% off your order TODAY! Subscribe to the show and share this episode! https://www.competingforchristpodcast.com/ Need encouragement or want to come on the show? Text me: (904) 463-5917 Email me: competingforchristpodcast@gmail.com

Duration:00:29:39