More Than a Game: Coaching as Ministry at SFLS
At Sioux Falls Lutheran School, athletics and activities are more than competition—they are ministry. Under the leadership of Mr. James Stubkjaer, Middle & High School Principal and Activities Director, our carefully selected Christian coaches and directors are encouraged to see every practice, game, and performance as an opportunity to share Christ’s love.
In an effort to instill this mindset amongst activity leaders, Mr. Stubkjaer meets with coaches twice per month for book studies on resources like 3D Coach: Capturing the Heart Behind the Jersey and InSideOut Coaching: How Sports Can Transform Lives. These gatherings go beyond X’s and O’s, with the goal of teaching coaches how to lead in the “third dimension”–coaching the heart–while deepening their own faith and building stronger relationships with one another.
Basketball coach Dave Sinkgraven speaks highly of the training that he’s received during his time coaching at SFLS.
“Studying 3D coaching has certainly challenged me to grow, as I don’t believe it is something that can be manufactured,” Coach Sinkgraven said. “It simply has to flow out of a heart that has been transformed by the Holy Spirit.”
Through prayer, the study of Scripture, and discussion, coaches are reminded of Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 10:31: “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Every huddle, rehearsal, and competition becomes an opportunity for students to experience the love of Christ.
“Most days on my way to practice I pray a simple prayer asking the Lord to allow me to be the bright, radiant, image-bearer of God that He has made me to be,” Coach Sinkgraven said. “I ask Him to help me see each athlete for the image-bearer they are and honor them as such. I invite the Holy Spirit to shine brightly through me so that each athlete and coach experiences the love of Christ in everything we do.”
Sophomore Rowen Becker sees and feels the impact Mr. Stubkjaer’s intentional work with coaches and directors has on the programs and students at SFLS.
“The music ensembles, teams, and activities here at SFLS definitely have a different vibe than other schools,” Becker said. “The brotherhood and family that each group becomes is one-of-a-kind. Our coaches are great at integrating faith into activities. We, as a team, pray before and after every game. Coaches also continually remind us that we play for the King and give Him all the praise and glory.”
In the Lutheran tradition of vocation, coaching is more than a job. It is a calling to serve as Jesus instructed in John 13:34, “…love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” SFLS coaches are living out this calling each and every day, shaping not just athletes and performers, but disciples of Jesus whose identity is rooted in Him.
“I think the shift to 3D coaching has allowed for more joy in the athletes and less stress and pressure,” Coach Sinkgraven said. “The holistic approach allows basketball to simply be a good gift from a gracious God rather than something they go to in order to find their identity or value. We emphasize that our value comes from belonging to Jesus and not from anything we could achieve athletically. This seems to produce freedom, life, and joy as they play a sport where there are always lots of mistakes made.”
About Sioux Falls Lutheran School
Sioux Falls Lutheran School is a family community committed to developing capable Christian servant-leaders in a complex world who are World Ready and Faith Secure. We are passionate about giving our students the tools they need to be successful academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. We strive to accomplish this goal by maintaining high academic standards, employing excellent teachers, and upholding a Christian worldview drawn from Scripture. Ultimately, our vision is to partner with families in preparing children, as led by the Holy Spirit, for faithful and bold use of their God-given gifts to navigate and serve a complex world with the love of Christ.