Springtime and early summer usually mark a time of speaking and sharing my faith to high school and college baseball teams, leading team chapels, and spending one on one time mentoring and discipling coaches in our area. For the past four years, I’ve also enjoyed leading a Bible Study for a group of baseball coaches at the University of Kentucky. All of that, as I had always known it, came to an abrupt end early in March because of COVID-19.
To be honest, for about a week I was a little stunned and confused about what I could accomplish with the unusual amount of time on my hands. But thanks to Zoom, I have been able to carry on with what God has called me to do…minister to coaches. About four weeks ago, I ventured out of my comfort zone and continued the Coaches Bible Study via Zoom. Technology has also allowed me to lead a Coaching Conference with a group of coaches in Ukraine and Russia. I have also led a couple of devotions for somewhere between 60-70 coaches in Alabama. I have shared the love of Christ on two different baseball podcasts and have continued mentoring coaches one on one via Zoom and a couple of other apps.
It continues to be a blessing to send text messages to almost 400 coaches, professional and college baseball players and friends at least five or six mornings each week. This exercise has helped me to stay connected with coaches from coast to coast.
During the Corona Virus Pandemic, I have found that coaches are obviously more available than usual and they seem to be even more open to talk about their faith journey. The married coaches (especially those with children) are connecting with their families in special ways. The coaches, at least the ones I talk to, that seem to be struggling the most are the single guys. My prayer is that they will connect with Christ in a beautiful way during their first spring in memory without the game they love. As I become more comfortable with technology, I am trusting that God will open more doors to encourage coaches and leaders in their walk with Christ.
Keith Madison and his wife Sharon live just outside of Lexington, KY and have served with SCORE International for almost 15 years.
Prior to joining SCORE, Keith was the Head Baseball Coach at the University of Kentucky for 25 years.
You can read more about Keith & Sharon’s ministry by clicking the link below.