Passion Gospel

B3rd Athletics

Spirituality/Belief • Culture • Sports

At B3rd Athletics, we believe God uses our pursuit of excellence through competitive sports to help each individual grow in faith, knowledge, and leadership. Our mission is to inspire more coaches and athletes to lead with Christian values through intentional mission driven programs.

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B3rd Athletics@B3rdAthletics

April 04, 2025

Passion Gospel

Read John 21:1-9,15-19

Hey B3rd Athletics, Coach Field here, back to finish another week in our Journey to Becoming 3rd. This week, we’ve been focusing on passion, and today we’re diving into the Gospel of John 21:1-9, 15-19.

In preparing for this lesson, I had a great conversation with my good friend, Coach Marez, and he shared an insightful observation. Notice that, out of fear and uncertainty, the apostles return to what’s familiar. They go fishing, probably trying to figure out what comes next after the crucifixion and death of Jesus.

In our own lives, we often respond in similar ways. Maybe as an athlete, you stepped into something new, and it didn’t go as planned. So, what do we do? We often retreat to what feels comfortable. We were excited and passionate about our next step, but when things start to feel out of control, our passion fades, and we instinctively seek comfort.

Here’s the amazing part: just as Jesus sought out the apostles on the shoreline, He seeks you and me. The question for us is: will we recognize Him, and will we respond the way Peter does? For the second time in the biblical story, Peter is moved to get out of the boat. We need to let our passion do the same. Don’t wait for the boat to reach shore—jump all in and move toward Him without hesitation. If we do this in sports, Jesus will use it to grow His kingdom. Notice that He didn’t take away the apostles’ passion for fishing; He made them fishers of men.

Finally, let’s pay attention to something at the end of this passage and be ready to repent when our passion starts to draw us away from Jesus. In verse 15, Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves Him. This wasn’t a mistake—it was intentional. Out of fear and self-interest, Peter denied Jesus three times before His death. Yes, Jesus was ready to forgive him, but He wanted Peter to remember what happens when our passion loses focus.

For the rest of our lives, we must fight to keep our passion holy and righteous. If we do this, we too will know and understand the work Jesus has for us. For many of you right now, it’s as simple as being the light God calls you to be every time you train and compete with your teammates.

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B3rd Athletics@B3rdAthletics

9 hours ago

Vulnerable Old Testament

Read Genesis 2:7-25

Hey B3rd Athletics, Coach Field here, back for Day 2 of our week focused on vulnerability. Today, we’re diving into Genesis 2:7-25, where we see the second account of the creation of man.

In this passage, God shows His vulnerability and how He intentionally created us to be vulnerable with Him and others. First, God made us in His image and likeness—a detail we can’t overlook. The God of the universe could have created us to look and act like anything, but He chose to make us like Himself. He then gave us dominion over the garden, so not only do we look like Him, but we also share His authority.

If that wasn’t enough, He gave us the free will to choose right from wrong. You talk about vulnerability—how many of us would create something we desire intimacy with, knowing it could choose to reject that relationship? Finally, God loved mankind so much that He created a spousal relationship built on vulnerability.

We’ll get into this more later in the week, ...

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B3rd Athletics@B3rdAthletics

April 07, 2025

Vulnerable Lesson

Hey B3rd Athletics, Coach Field here, back for a new week in our Journey to Becoming 3rd. I’m so glad you’re with us as we dive into a topic that might feel a bit uncomfortable at first but has the potential to radically change the way we view ourselves, our relationships, and even our faith. Today, we're talking about vulnerability.

When we hear the word "vulnerable," it’s often not in a positive light, right? It’s typically tied to weakness, dependence, or susceptibility—being someone who needs help or, even worse, being open to harm or abuse. So, it raises the question: why would we want vulnerability to be a part of our lives?

Well, the truth is, vulnerability is a crucial part of our human experience. We need it because of our sin. We are weak, we are broken, and pretending otherwise only leads to greater harm in the long run. So let’s explore how vulnerability doesn’t have to be something to fear, but something we can embrace—especially in our relationship with Jesus.

The first step in ...

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B3rd Athletics@B3rdAthletics

April 03, 2025

Passion New Testament

Read Galatians 1:3-24

Hey B3rd Athletics, Coach Field here, back for Day 4 of our week on passion.

Today, we’ll be reading from the New Testament, Galatians 1:3-24. So far this week, we’ve learned that God created us as passionate people, but we have the choice of how—and to whom—we direct that passion. We also saw the prophet Elijah struggle with wavering passion out of fear, and we were encouraged to remain steady through both the highs and the lows.

Today, we’re learning from Paul about the impact that an authentic encounter with Jesus Christ has on our lives. From the moment he met Jesus, everything about him—his life, passion, and purpose—was changed. When we become Christ followers, we no longer need validation from anyone. From that point forward, it’s all about Him and the people He calls us to serve.

There are many examples of this throughout the Bible, but one that stands out is Mary’s response to the angel Gabriel. When she said “yes” to Jesus, her ...

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B3rd Athletics@B3rdAthletics

May 22, 2024

Field Notes: Lead Like Jesus Chapter 3

Jesus the Servant

To often in life we get overly concerned with what the crowd says. Now this might be a small crowd or a large one, but everyone struggles with this to some degree. What we do and how we lead can't be to please anyone other than Jesus.

Jesus is the servant and he calls us to servant leadership. (Matthew 20: 25-28) While we can freely do things a different way, to lead like Jesus we must become a servant to those we lead and we need to remember that we only have an audience of one. "In addition to being the only audience that matters, God is also the director of our lives. Our hope is that you will let Him direct you, guide you, and teach you to lead." (Lead Like Jesus, pg. 16)

As we move forward and pursue servant leadership within our athletic programs, how will you remind yourself that you exist to serve and not be served? My suggestion is have an accountability partner that can redirect you when you need it. Over the years, I had a specific coach on my staff that...

B3rd Athletics@B3rdAthletics

May 16, 2024

Field Notes: Lead Like Jesus Chapter 2

The Greatest Leadership Role Model of All Time

In chapter one we learned that everyone is a leader whether it is an assigned position or through influence of the people that we are close to. Something else of interest is the fact that even though some people don't want to be leaders, they still are! So, who is the greatest leader of all time? Who should we strive to be?

Jesus Christ is the greatest leader of all time and it's not even close. He had no authored book, no radio show / TV, and, yes, no social media. His approach was very simple and something that we all should follow. When people did things right he praised them. When they got out of line he redirected them. He met people where they were at and did not seek to lead everyone the same. Because he was an elite follower of the Father's will, he was able to do something that nobody thought possible. He left twelve men to go out and make disciples of all nations after just 3 years of training.

The results speak for themself ...

B3rd Athletics@B3rdAthletics

May 14, 2024

Field Notes: Lead Like Jesus Chapter 1

Are You A Leader?

As I think about the beginning of this book it makes me recall one of my kids' favorite movies, "Ratatouille." In this movie the chef says, "Anyone can cook" and that is how I feel about leadership. In some capacity, everyone is a leader and that is what the authors of Lead Like Jesus want you to understand as we get started. There are two types of leaders, life role leaders and organizational leaders.

Life role leaders are the people closest to you in life like parents, grandparents, aunts/uncles, siblings and close friends. Organizational leaders are teachers, coaches, pastors, bosses, etc. While the organizational leaders might seem to have the bigger impact, it is often the life role leaders that we remember the most.

The key teaching in chapter one is that anyone can and will lead. You don't need a title and for better or worse, you often don't know you are doing it. "Leadership is an influence process. We believe that anytime you seek to influence the ...

Coach Field@CoachField-B3rd

January 06, 2025

Taking Ownership Day 1 From the top down John 19:30

When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

Jesus is the original author of Extreme Ownership and sets the example for all of us to follow. He took on our sin even though he did not deserve it. He assumed all responsibility so that you and I could have eternal life. In the same way leaders have to bare the weight of the entire organization. From the top down is the only way this works and the chain can not be broken.

Questions:
Who is responsible for everything that goes on in this program?
How might this change you?
Who are you responsible for and do you lead with extreme ownership?

Coach Field@CoachField-B3rd

May 27, 2024

Happy Memorial Day

Let us never forget the great cost that has provided us the opportunity to live in this amazing country!

B3rd Athletics@B3rdAthletics

May 03, 2024

Victory Gospel

John 3:1-21
Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.”
3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”
4 “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”
5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”
9 “How can this ...

B3rd Athletics@B3rdAthletics

July 29, 2024

The Power of LinkedIn for Coaches

A Tool for Coaches & Athletes

For about three years, I taught Sports Management at the high school I serve. I really enjoyed the class because I had the freedom to teach what I wanted and give my students something different from what I thought they were getting. In the last semester, I started to hear about LinkedIn from several different people in my life, and the comments were about how popular and trendy it had become again. After some research, I found that what I thought was a tool to search for jobs was so much more, and I was missing out.

Not only did I have a professional come in and speak to my class, but I was also selfishly super excited to learn and grow myself. My push now is to use LinkedIn as a platform to increase the Christian coaching community while training athletes to start building their network early. Below are several reasons to get on board and change how you learn and communicate more effectively as a coach.

Building Connections

For sports coaches, building connections with other professionals in the sports industry, including fellow coaches, sports administrators, agents, and sports scientists, can open doors to new opportunities. Networking on LinkedIn allows coaches to share and receive insights, collaborate on projects, and discuss best practices with peers. Establishing a strong network can lead to job referrals, partnerships, and mentorship opportunities, all of which can be crucial for career advancement.

Showcase Expertise

Coaches can create detailed professional profiles highlighting their qualifications, certifications, coaching philosophy, and past achievements. This visibility can attract potential employers, clients, and collaborators who are searching for experienced and capable coaches. Regularly updating the profile with new certifications, skills, and success stories keeps the profile dynamic and engaging, thereby enhancing the coach's reputation within the sports community.

Engage & Learn

Coaches can stay informed about the latest trends, research, and best practices in sports coaching and management by following relevant influencers and joining industry groups. This continuous learning and engagement help coaches stay competitive and knowledgeable, which is vital in a field where new strategies and technologies frequently emerge.

Share Content / Build Community

By writing articles, posting updates, and sharing relevant content, coaches can position themselves as thought leaders and subject matter experts. This not only increases their visibility but also helps build credibility and authority in their field. For instance, a coach who regularly shares insights on training techniques, game strategies, or athlete development can attract attention from media, other coaches, and potential employers. Coaches can participate in discussions, offer advice, and contribute to industry conversations, which can lead to new relationships and opportunities. The platform's focus on professional development and career growth aligns well with the ambitions of sports coaches who are looking to advance their careers and make a meaningful impact in the sports world.

Job Search When Needed

Coaches can explore job postings, research potential employers, and apply for positions directly through the platform. For those looking to hire coaches, LinkedIn’s advanced search features make it easier to find candidates with specific qualifications and experience. The ability to view recommendations and endorsements from past colleagues and employers further aids in evaluating a coach's suitability for a role.

At this point I hope that you would agree that LinkedIn has so much to offer the sports coaching industry and finding a new job is only one aspect. If I learned anything as my guest spoke to my class it was how I could be using the LinkedIn platform to build a great network, discover new ideas, and seek to help others along the way. I am inviting you to jump onboard and get excited about being on this platform and finding new ways to grow. If we are truly mission-driven, the goal should be to share new ideas while seeking to be the best coach God is calling us to be.

Connect with Me: Coach Field

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B3rd Athletics@B3rdAthletics

July 28, 2024

How Should We Respond

Paris Opening Ceremonies 2024

Growing up, we looked forward to the Olympics and gathered around the TV to watch the best athletes in the world compete for honor and glory. While I do know the Olympic Games have had moments where athletes or entire countries have used the platform to take a political stance, what we saw in the opening ceremonies this year in Paris was disturbing and disappointing for Christians all over the world. Unless you have been off the grid and not paying attention, you must know what I am referring to: the controversial Last Supper mockery that was a part of the opening ceremonies in Paris.

The social media world responded, and it did not take long for people on both sides to offer their opinions. Instead of reacting immediately, I took some time and scrolled through many platforms and news sites to try and figure out what was happening. What I think I saw in the images from the opening ceremonies was probably how most Christians felt, but the opposing views chose to double down or try and explain away what the rest of the world watched with some intellectual jargon that also slammed Christians in the process.

Meet Thomas Jolly, the artistic director of the Paris Olympic opening ceremonies. On Saturday, when asked about the controversy, he did not deny what we saw but responded by praising France for allowing artistic freedom and the choice to love how they want. By Sunday, however, he and the Olympic Committee quickly tried to spin the reality in their favor amongst the outrage of groups worldwide.

So, how should we respond? My gut response was to declare that we wouldn't be watching the Olympics because I can not support anything that would come close to openly mocking the Lord in that way. My wife, in her calm response, challenged me with a question: "Is that fair to the athletes who worked hard and had zero input on what went on?"

Sports have a major impact on the world around us, and in many cases, they do not align with Christian values. While one response is to distance ourselves from anything that does not move us toward being more like Jesus, to take this response often would be to prevent us from being the city on the hill that God calls us to be. Instead, what if we embraced the condemnation of Christianity with love and sought to glorify Christ in all we do?

The mission of B3rd Athletics is to help athletes, coaches, and spectators become more mission-driven in a world that does not accept our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Sports is a great platform to not only spread the gospel message but learn how to pursue excellence while God uses our hard work and sacrifice to become saints. So after taking the time to think and not just respond, I have decided that we will continue to watch the Olympics to support the hard work of athletes around the world that truly might put God first in their life. But this does not mean I will stand by and allow anyone to mock the Lord in that way. What we saw was against the spirit of the Olympic tradition and it was and should be condemed.

Coach Field

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B3rd Athletics@B3rdAthletics

May 03, 2024

No More "I" & "Me"

My wife and I are currently expecting our 7th amazing child from God, and I often get one of two responses. The first is the more common, how many kids are you going to have? The second is rare and today in meeting, another coach he expressed how cool it was that my wife and I did not stop at two or three like everyone else.

The reality is this, since deciding to take my faith seriously and stop going through the motions, "I" has not been a part of my vocabulary. Don't get me wrong, all of us will still struggle at times with selfishness but we should strive our best to B3rd and always put God and others above our own interest.

Living a life where you depend on him to guide your decisions and not your own personal desires is freeing. The more often I take control, the more problems I create. When we let God have the full control, everything seems to just make sense. This does not mean it will be easy, it just means life has a comfortable purpose with God.

We should be learning this when we participate in team sports. Whether you coach, parent, or play, removing the "I" and "Me" will make for a better team. A player that is looking outward and trying to make teammates better has more fun. The coach who exists for the sake of the kids, that coach has a purpose and joy in what they do. Parents who can be just as excited for the success of someone else's kid, that's a B3rd parent who's organization feeds off their positive energy.

My challenge to you is, remove the "I" and "Me" statements from your life and see what happens. Wake up tomorrow and live for God and others. This will fill you up and provide you a satisfaction that can't be purchased.

Coach Field

Founder of B3rd Athletics

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