Coaching Team Genesis

This is my second year volunteering as a coach for Upward Basketball, and I named this year’s team “Team Genesis.” Every season brings a different group of kids with different skill levels, backgrounds, and personalities. Yet, we return to the same basketball court every year with the same mission: to share the gospel through the game of basketball.

We went 5-1 this season, which was the best record among the teams! But this season, I had another goal: I wanted every player to have an opportunity to score. Naturally, some players are more skilled than others. They can shoot a jumper, drive to the basket, and they can pretty much score almost whenever they want. So I challenged them with a different question: “Can you control the game without scoring?” That means learning to see the entire court, recognizing opportunities for others, and most importantly, willingness to surrender the ball on your hand.

In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul reminds us that the church is one body with many parts. Some people lead from the front, while others contribute in ways that rarely receive any attention. Yet, a healthy church depends on everyone learning to use their gifts for the good of others, which ultimately brings glory to God.

It’s so easy for all of us to focus on what we can accomplish. But how often are we creating opportunities for others to grow, step up, and discover what God has entrusted to them? Sometimes we insist on doing everything ourselves because we know we can, but it also unintentionally takes away an opportunity for others to learn what they are capable of.

After all, a great assist can be just as valuable as a great shot.

“Now you are the body of Christ, and individual members of it…Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all do miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? But desire the greater gifts. And I will show you an even better way.” – 1 Corinthians 12:27–31 (CSB)