The Faith-Contending Coach: 2 Timothy

There is nothing like competing in a game or match when the stakes are especially high. The intensity is raised if a championship is within reach or you are in a win-or-go-home situation. You feel the risks and the tension more strongly. At the same time, you anticipate the joy that comes as you give your best with so much on the line.

One of the reasons you love coaching is the unique experience of these competitive battles. You want your athletes to have the best chance of succeeding in high-stakes settings. You prepare them to fight through adversity and to remain faithful to the game plan at all times. You coach your athletes to hold nothing back as they contend for the prize in your sport.

In Paul’s letter of 2 Timothy, he addresses a competitive battle that is far more significant: the fight to live faithfully for Jesus and to point others to Him in a world often set against Him. The stakes could not be higher. The struggle is
for the glory of Christ and for the lives and eternities of the people He loves. 2 Timothy will challenge and inspire you to contend courageously for the gospel.

Shannon Caughey loves serving coaches and athletes through the Fellowship
of Christian Athletes. Previous to joining the Illini Land FCA staff team, Shannon was a pastor of a church by the University of Illinois campus for eighteen years. He is a graduate of the University of Illinois and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Shannon is passionate about helping others grow a life-changing relationship with the Lord through his Word. He and his wife Cathy have three adult children. You can find Shannon on Twitter @shannon_caughey or email him at scaughey@ fca.org.