There is no better group of disciplined, dedicated, and driven people than athletes.

These are the people who get up at the crack of dawn to train, and the ones who stay up under stadium lights with a down-to-the-wire performance. Regardless of the sport, an athlete constantly pushes their limits to become the best they can be in their respective sport. Furthermore, the athletic community is unmatched. Despite the rivalry on the field, many players have life-long friendships that transcend the boundaries of team loyalty or differing opinions/beliefs.

Ultimately, athletes are a determined group of people who thrive under pressure and bond over the sanctity of their chosen sport. Therefore, a ministry that focuses on athletes is an influential one with incredible potential.

Athletes in Action is one such organization.

Focusing on high school and college level athletes, Athletes in Action focuses on creating “The Total Athlete” that is well-rounded in all areas of life. “When athletes know how to grow in every dimension of life,” their site says, “they will be lifelong leaders and influencers.” They highlight three specific areas of growth: Body, Soul, and Mind.

As a Christian ministry on college campuses, Athletes in Action emphasizes incorporating faith with athletics. “When athletes grow in all dimensions and integrate their faith and sport, the outcome is more powerful than winning & losing – it’s a force of athletes empowered to point others to Jesus.” They want to provide a community for Christian athletes – especially on secular college campuses – and give them the tools and opportunity to grow in their faith.

Not only is Athletes in Action a national organization, but it also has a global reach. The ministry has a presence in over 60 countries around the world, using sports as a tool of the Great Commission. They run a variety of missions trips for athletes with their partners across the globe, advancing the Gospel through the power of athletics.

Even without an Athletes in Action connection on your college campus, the organization still has resources to help you grow in your faith and your sport. Their site has a free devotional and blog posts for both coaches and athletes. Additionally, they have a massive sports complex in Xenia, Ohio with quality fields and facilities. It’s a great facet of their ministry, allowing them to host camps during the summer as well as tournaments and retreats throughout the year.

Overall, Athletes in Action is a ministry that focuses on equipping athletes to become the leaders and influencers of the future through their faith in Jesus Christ.