In our most anticipated episode yet, Fran & I are joined by our new friend Sarah Roberts, Chaplain of the Oklahoma Sooners softball team that keeps winning the College World Series and keeps going viral for proclaiming Jesus in their press conferences!
You will love this conversation full of beautiful, profound truth including:
- how each of us can serve God in our sphere of influence
- where to begin if you are new to bible study
- the two books Sarah reads every year & her favorite bible commentary (great Christmas gift ideas!)
- the story of Bezalel (ever heard of him?? Yeah we hadn't either...)
- how to evaluate the spiritual health of a team/individual & why it matters
- five ways we can teach our young people how to shine, show and share Jesus.
Sarah is a coach's wife, coach's daughter, and her life has literally been changed through Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) where she now serves on staff in the very ministry that led her to Jesus. Sarah is in demand across the country, recently asked to speak encouragement to Coach Dabo Swinney and his Clemson football team, and she has regular bible studies with wives of NFL & NBA players, management and staff including the Chicago Bulls, Philadelphia Eagles, and New York Jets. Y'all will love how relatable and wise she truly is, and we are so excited to share this episode with you!
Learn more about our local Southwest TN FCA by clicking here or contact Fran or Angela for more info!
FCA Vision : To see the world transformed by Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes.
FCA Mission: To lead every coach and athlete into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His church.
Sarah's favorite bible study tools:
Seamless by Angie Smith
The Bible Recap by Tara-Leigh Cobble
The Tony Evans Bible Commentary
If you are new to bible reading, Sarah always recommends beginning with three books of the Bible:
- John (a gospel that tells Jesus' story relationally)
- Romans (a summary of the gospel reminding us we all fall short)
- James (how to live a Christian life, written by Jesus' half-brother)
Two books Sarah reads every single year to rest her heart and mind (both by Alicia Britt Chole):
- 40 Days of Decrease: a Different Kind of Hunger..a Different Kind of Fast
- Anonymous: Jesus' Hidden Years...and Yours....
"We live in fast rhythms. This is an intentional way to reset, renew and be reminded that God is God and we are not him."
Sarah's recommendation for leaders - how to lead from a healthy soul: Replenish by Lance Witt
Sarah has a sign in her office that says "Studying the word of God is my passion, teaching it is my gift, but living it is my calling"
We can impress people with our strengths but we connect with people through our struggles.
God has given every single one of us a sphere of influence. Open your bible and start right there. Be intentional and look at the influence he has given you and how he wants to use you right there for his kingdom.
One thing everybody has in common is we all want to be seen. Jesus was so good at sitting one on one and asking the right questions to make people feel seen and heard and valued.
We can't lead others until we learn how to follow. If we want to lead others to Jesus, we have to first learn how to follow him.
If you want to learn more about Union University, check out the website www.uu.edu or email Fran at fthomas@uu.edu - we also have a fee waiver fee if you plan to apply! Simply use the word TALK on the application.
Proverbs 16:24: "Kind words are like honey— sweet to the soul and healthy for the body."
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