California Baptist University 2022

Athletes reveal their secret to keeping their stride Christian Athletes C

California Baptist University is, unapologetically, a Christian university devoted to spreading the good news about Jesus. The school emphasizes the text of Matthew 28:19-20, which reads in part, “Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you” (CSB). As a university committed to the “Great Commission” of Matthew 28, CBU strives to glorify God through everything the school is a part of, including athletics. Many of the Lancer athletes are Christians, and they incorporate their faith into their athletic pursuits every day. “Being a Christian athlete means using your God-given talents and abilities to worship and glorify him through excellence in sports,” said Trevor Van Law, senior mechanical engineering major and member of the CBU men’s swim team. Christians are called to bring their faith into everything they do, including athletics. Christian athletes view their athletic abilities as gifts from God, which they can use to spread the good news of the gospel of Jesus. “As a Christian athlete I see it as a blessing from God that He gave me this talent to represent Him on the field,” said Lauryn White, freshman

elementary education major and member of the women’s soccer team. “Being a Christian athlete means I get to glorify God whether I’m on the field or on the sidelines.” Many Christians strive to be excellent athletes; for them, their faith compels them to work harder, compete better, and become outstanding competitors. Being a Christian does not necessarily make an athlete better, but Christian athletes should always be motivated by their faith in Jesus. “Although Christian faith is not the only way to approach athletic performance, our scriptures provide an excellent illustration,” says David Pearson, professor of kinesiology and dean of the College of Health Science at CBU. “The link between suffering, perseverance, and hope describe our faith and is analogous to the process of preparing for physical competition.” Many Christian athletes who come to CBU also show visible signs of growing in their faith that are noticed by others. Their athletic journeys at CBU help bring them closer to God, and their athletic endeavors become acts of faith. “CBU students and student-athletes definitely come to know the power of prayer during their time on campus, and I have seen so many who choose to follow Jesus faithfully and completely— in competition, in the classroom, and in relationships,” Pearson says.

HUDDLE UP The girls volleyball team pray together before a game. At CBU, student athletes always pray together before every game.

WORDS Aiden Hobson

PHOTO Elijah Hickman

DESIGN Kia Harlan