A movement where Christ is named

Athletes in Action

Campus & students · Founded 1966 · by Dave Hannah · Xenia, Ohio, USA

Athletes in Action is the global sports ministry of Cru, formerly Campus Crusade for Christ, founded in 1966 by Dave Hannah. Headquartered in Xenia, Ohio, it uses the platform of sport to share the hope of Jesus with athletes, coaches, and fans around the world. Through competitive teams, campus ministry, and outreach at major sporting events, it helps athletes connect their faith with their game and their lives.

What they do

Athletes in Action ministers to athletes, coaches, and sports fans, fielding competitive teams and placing staff with college and professional athletes to build spiritual mentoring relationships.

The ministry runs campus sports outreaches, camps, and Bible studies for athletes, and it produces resources that help players integrate their faith with training and competition.

At major events like the Olympics and championship games, Athletes in Action and its partners serve athletes and spectators, sharing the message of Jesus through hospitality, chaplaincy, and personal conversation.

The Scripture behind the work

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”
“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Where the door leads

Athletes in Action points people to Jesus Christ by meeting them in the world of sport and showing that identity and purpose are found in Him, not in performance. Staff and athletes share the gospel through friendship and mentoring. A natural next step is to join an athlete Bible study or talk with a staff member about following Jesus.

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The Living Bread is a door, not the destination. The life is with Christ and his people.

People also ask

Is Athletes in Action part of another organization?

Yes. It is the sports ministry of Cru, formerly known as Campus Crusade for Christ.

Who does Athletes in Action serve?

It serves athletes, coaches, and sports fans, from college and professional players to spectators at major sporting events.

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