CCA's Philosophy of Christian Athletics

Keith Huisman
Learn about the four pillars that make the athletics program at Calvary Christian Academy unique.

At Calvary Christian Academy, we believe that a united program is the most effective tool for the discipleship of student-athletes. Parents, players, and coaches all work together to serve each other and their team. Romans 12:1–2 says, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” These two verses are the foundation for four focuses designed to create unity throughout the athletic program.
Parents, players, and coaches all work together to serve each other and their team.
  1. Sacrifice is Essential
    In athletics, sacrifice is a essential. Oftentimes, it means a player must discipline their body, risk injury, or push themselves past the limit for the benefit of the team. But sacrifice is required of athletes, parents, and coaches in many more ways. When we sacrifice with a gracious attitude, it leads to unity.

  2. A Distinctly Christian Athletic Environment
    Competition can bring out the best and the worst in people. It also brings people together. It provides an amazing opportunity to make an impression, and create and grow relationships. Whenever we gather for an athletic event, our athletic community looks for ways to stand out. A few ways we practice this:

    • Parents cheer for the team, not just their child.
    • We never yell or jeer at the other team or game officials.
    • Athletes do not retaliate, regardless of the opposition’s actions.
    • Coaches create a welcoming environment for the other coaches before games.
    • Fans do not negatively engage opposing fans.

  3. Humility Leads to Unity
    Anytime anyone commends an athlete or his or her parent, the response should be to minimize the child’s performance and maximize the team. This will sequester pride, promote humility and increase the unity in the team. Professional players often honor their team members above their own performance, even if the praise is well-deserved! We should follow in the same footsteps.

  4. Compete Intensely with Integrity
    At CCA, we play to win—but we want to win the right way. We will follow the rules, play with sportsmanship, treat our opposition with respect, and be humble in victory and gracious in defeat. Only then can we claim victory. Students and parents need to understand that a spot on a team does not necessarily guarantee playing time. Coaches desire to put every child in the game, but the team’s goal is to win.

Winning is a byproduct of a team united under a common goal.
We believe athletics is a discipleship tool. Winning is a byproduct of a team united under a common goal. In order to cement the importance of unity, the Eagles Athletic Department has instituted an Athletic Participation Covenant. Simply put, a covenant is an oath before God. Each member of the athletic team is responsible for signing their portion of the covenant. As your child considers playing a sport, please set aside some time to review each commitment. Pray and commit yourself to upholding your portion of this agreement.
 
 
Psalm 133:1 says, “How good and pleasant is it when God’s people live together in unity.” We look forward to co-laboring with you in creating an athletic community that honors and glorifies God.

 

Keith Huisman is the Athletics Director at Calvary Christian Academy. He has served as athletic director in Christian Education for twelve years. He and his wife, Adrienne, attend Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale along with their three children and foster child.
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