Mission Moment

Athletics play an integral role in the life of Huntington University, as nearly 300 students participate in an athletic program on campus. Our athletic programs are also a rallying point and sense of pride for many more students as well as members of our faculty and staff. Many colleges and universities around the world rally around and are proud of their athletic teams, though. What makes Forester athletics so unique is that fact that our student-athletes have the additional privilege of competing to glorify God through a Christ-centered institution.

Although athletic ability is not necessarily a spiritual gift, it certainly is a gift that can be used for spiritual benefit and God’s work. The Bible makes references to athletic/physical performance (e.g. 1 Corinthians 9: 24-27), encouraging Christians to train as athletes train. Athletics can provide a connecting point as an outreach to those who need to find faith or grow in faith already discovered. Athletics can also teach lessons and develops skills for life…lessons and skills that God can use to further the work in His Kingdom. Our athletic teams serve others while on mission trips, support the spiritual growth and development of their members, and set a fine example of how Christians should be different in word, deed, and action. This year, Athletic Director Lori Culler has created a leadership council named SALT (Student-Athlete Leadership Team, based on Matthew 5:13). Alessandra Haraguchi (women’s soccer) has demonstrated leadership and Christ’s love through a class project for sex trafficking awareness. As a support to Alessandra and to lead by example, SALT is providing red bandannas to further raise awareness.

Athletics might provide the first step for someone on a journey that will lead to a lifetime of faithful service. Athletics also sometimes afford opportunities, connections, conversations, and a social construct that otherwise might go unrealized (see Tim Tebow, Tony Dungy, A.C. Green, Mariano Rivera, and more). When it comes to Huntington University, athletics provide an influential and integral component to fulfill our mission of promoting Christ through Scholarship and Service.

Posted By: Russ Degitz