About

Cross Training exists to publish Bible-based content aimed at honoring and glorifying King Jesus and serving his Kingdom. We want to help coaches and athletes understand the implications of the gospel and the truth of God’s Word, for sports and all of life. 

Cross Training publishing ministry consists of books and videos to evangelize and disciple athletes, coaches and sports fans.

Gordon Thiessen founded Cross Training in 1987 to publish Bible-centered content for athletes and coaches. For the next 28 years he served within different roles for the Fellowship of Christian of Athletes while advancing these gospel-centered resources throughout the sports world. 

With over 30 years of coaching experience with sports teams and ministries, Gordon has spoken throughout the Midwest sharing his advice on perseverance, character, and faith with audiences of all ages and from all walks of life. He is a coach, speaker, author and certified trainer for 3Dimensional Coaching and certified in the Core Values Index (CVI) by Hardwired Coaching. Gordon has written Lessons from Nebraska Football and Cross Training Workout. He also co-wrote two series' of books: Team Studies on Character and Called to Compete.

Gordon served on staff with the Fellowship of Christian for 28 years before co-founding Kingdom Sports with Ron Brown in 2018. He also founded Cross Training Publishing that has published more than 300 books and resources for athletes, coaches, and parents. Gordon played for the Nebraska football team in the ‘70s for Tom Osborne and later coached high school basketball and football for 25 years. He worked with Coach Tom Osborne to publish three books: On Sold Ground, Mentoring Matters, and Coaching Matters. He is married to his wife Terri and have four grown children with eight grandchildren that live in Omaha. 

Mission Statement: Cross Training exists for the purpose of proclaiming the gospel through publishing books and videos to glorify our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and advance his Kingdom. 

Kingdom Sports Ministry was co-founded by Ron Brown and Gordon Thiessen in 2018 to support these efforts with training programs for coaches, athletes and youth: Kingdom Coaching, Kingdom Sports and Kingdom Legacy. 

Here’s a picture of the members of the teaching team and board of Kingdom Sports at a 2018 FCA Leadership Camp in Nebraska: Ron Brown, Greg Gilbert, Harry Walls, Gordon Thiessen and David Wheaton.