What if your mission field isn’t somewhere you need to go? What if you’re already standing in it every week- on the court, beside the field, in the change room or coaching from the sidelines?
Sport takes up a huge part of life for millions of Australians. We play it, coach it, watch it and spend countless hours building relationships through it. But could those same relationships also create opportunities for evangelism? In this episode of The Win Win Evangelism Podcast, Tina Waldrom speaks with Jim Dayhew, Founder and Executive Director of 360 Sports Australia, about why sporting clubs can be incredible mission fields and how Christian coaches and athletes can help people encounter Jesus right where they already are.
From coaches recognising the influence they have on their players to athletes having conversations about Jesus over coffee, Jim shares what intentional discipleship and evangelism can look like inside sporting communities. You’ll hear why sharing your faith doesn’t need to feel like an awkward add-on, how living differently can naturally spark spiritual conversations, and why mentoring matters when Christians are learning to represent Jesus in competitive environments. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, parent or simply spend your weekends beside a sporting field, this conversation will challenge you to see the people already around you – and ask what God might want to do through the relationships you already have.
IN THIS EPISODE
- The importance of sport as a mission field
- The influence of coaches on athletes’ faith and character
- Discipleship strategies for athletes and coaches
- The role of Christian frameworks in sports coaching
- Stories of athletes and coaches impacting faith
EPISODE CHAPTERS
00:00 – Introduction to sports as a mission field
02:46 – Jim’s background and passion for sports ministry
04:00 – Seeing athletes as whole persons: body, mind, spirit
08:51 – How to disciple athletes in a sporting environment
11:00 – Resources and courses for coaches and athletes
11:44 – Creating spiritual conversations naturally in sports
22:28 – Getting started: supporting sports ministry in your community
24:32 – Closing thoughts and encouragement for listeners
WATCH THE EPISODE
Video Episode – Watch now
Watch the short video
What Does It Mean For Us To See An Athlete As a Whole Person Rather Than Simply Focusing on the Performance
MEET JIM DAYHEW / 360 SPORTS
Jim Dayhew has spent over 30 years in sports ministry, equipping a national team of staff and volunteers to transform the world of sport through a relationship with Jesus Christ and His church. A former competitive Rugby League and Cricket player, coach, and ordained minister in the Sydney Anglican Diocese, he is now raising support for a full-time role, ministry expenses, and national ministry growth.
Connect with 360 Sports Australia:
360 Sports Australia Website
360 Sports Australia Facebook
360 Sports Australia Instagram
Quick Links on LinkTree
Sports Resources
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Discussion Questions
1. Could the place where you already spend your time be your mission field?
Where do you already spend significant time with people who don’t know Jesus?
Read: Matthew 28:19-20; Colossians 4:5-6
2. Do you see people for who they are… Or only for what they do?
How can focusing on someone’s achievements prevent us from really getting to know them?
Read: Genesis 1:27; 1 Samuel 16:7
3. How are you using the influence God has already given you?
Who has God already given you influence with?
Read: Matthew 5:13-16; 1 Corinthians 10:31
4. Is your evangelism intentional without becoming forced?
What’s the difference between being intentional about evangelism and forcing a spiritual conversation?
Read: 1 Peter 3:15-16; Colossians 4:2-6
5. Are you prepared to explain why you live differently?
What choices in your life might cause someone to become curious about your faith?
Read: 1 Peter 3:15; Romans 12:2
6. Are you willing to be known as a Christian?
What makes us hesitant to let people know we’re Christians? Is there somewhere in your life where people know you are a Christian but don’t really know what you believe?
Read: Romans 1:16; Matthew 10:32-33
7. Who is helping you live and share your faith well?
Why is personal discipleship important for effective evangelism?
Read: Proverbs 27:17; 2 Timothy 2:2
OTHER EPISODES YOU MAY ENJOY
Kade Klemke on How Sports Can Become a Platform For the Gospel
Step In to the Mission with Mike Stevens
Mike Stevens: Step In to the Mission of God – Stories of Ordinary People Living on Mission on Mission
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