Athlete Disciples

Christian Honer
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

Athletes who strive to follow Christ through their sport.

  1. 1d ago

    The Hardest Transition in Sports | Deonte Thompson on Life After the NFL

    What happens when the game ends? Former NFL wide receiver Deonte Thompson joins the Athlete Disciples Podcast alongside Dominic Mackery and the team at Via Vitae Partners to talk about one of the biggest challenges athletes face: Who are you when you're no longer an athlete? From the locker room to retirement, from chasing success to chasing purpose, this conversation dives deep into identity, faith, brotherhood, and the reality that many athletes struggle silently after sports. Together we unpack Matthew 7:12-14 and discuss what it means to walk the narrow path in a world that celebrates comfort, self-interest, and instant gratification. In this episode: • Why so many athletes struggle after sports end • The identity crisis that comes after the NFL • The power of mentorship and brotherhood • Why purpose matters more than fame or money • The difference between worldly success and eternal success • How athletes can prepare for life after the game • Why integrity compounds just like bad decisions do • What it means to walk through the narrow gate Deonte also shares his powerful testimony of coming to faith, getting baptized as a young athlete, and watching God transform his life both on and off the field. One quote that stood out: "The game ends for everyone eventually. The question is — who are you when it does?" Because your sport was never meant to carry the weight of your identity. Your identity is found in Christ. 📖 Scripture: Matthew 7:12-14 Guests: • Deonte Thompson — Former NFL Wide Receiver • Dominic Mackery • Via Vitae Partners If you're an athlete navigating transition, purpose, or life after competition, this episode is for you.

  2. 4d ago

    Faith in the Transfer Portal | D1 Quarterback & Disciple-Maker with Jack Schierholz

    What do you do when you're injured, overlooked, or wondering why God has you in a difficult season? In this episode of Athlete Disciples, Christian sits down with Division I quarterback Jack Schierholz to study Galatians 6:9 and explore what it means to remain faithful when the results haven't come yet. Jack shares his incredible journey through multiple college football programs, a season-ending injury, transferring schools, and ultimately discovering that God was using every setback to deepen his faith and expand His Kingdom. From being baptized by a teammate to launching Bible studies on multiple campuses and seeing teammates give their lives to Christ, Jack's story is a powerful reminder that our greatest purpose is far bigger than sports. Together, Christian and Jack discuss perseverance, trusting God's timing, resisting the distractions of the world, finding your identity in Christ instead of performance, and why athletes are uniquely positioned to make disciples. In this episode you'll discover: Why Galatians 6:9 is a foundational verse for every athlete How God uses injuries and adversity to grow our faith The importance of not growing weary while waiting on God's promises Why your identity should be rooted in Christ—not your sport How Bible studies began to spread across multiple football teams Practical encouragement for athletes pursuing Jesus in a performance-driven world Key Scripture:"Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." — Galatians 6:9 Whether you're in a season of waiting, recovering from an injury, chasing a dream, or simply trying to remain faithful, this conversation will encourage you to trust God's process, keep planting good seeds, and remember that He is always working—even when you can't yet see the harvest. If this episode encouraged you, share it with a teammate, coach, or friend who needs the reminder to keep trusting God and never grow weary in doing good. Subscribe to Athlete Disciples for weekly conversations equipping athletes to grow in their faith, live on mission, and make disciples wherever God has placed them.

  3. Jul 6

    Providing for Your Household | Antoine Hood | 1 Timothy 5:8

    # Providing for Your Household | Athlete Disciples Podcast ft. Antoine Hood What does it truly mean to provide for your family according to God's Word? In this episode of Athlete Disciples, Christian sits down with former NBA player, entrepreneur, author, cancer survivor, husband, and father of seven, Antoine Hood, to unpack one of the strongest verses in Scripture: **1 Timothy 5:8**. Together they discuss biblical manhood, stewardship, legacy, provision, intentionality, and what it means to faithfully lead your family—not just financially, but spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically. Antoine shares why this verse radically challenged him, why men need authentic biblical community, and how God's call to provide extends far beyond paying bills. This conversation is a powerful reminder that our greatest responsibility is to faithfully steward everything God has entrusted to us while building a legacy that points future generations to Christ. **In this episode you'll learn:** * Why 1 Timothy 5:8 is one of the most challenging verses for Christian men * The biblical meaning of provision beyond finances * How intentionality shapes your marriage, children, and legacy * Why community and brotherhood are essential for spiritual growth * The difference between comfort and calling * How to build a multi-generational legacy rooted in Christ **Key Scripture:** *"Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever."* — 1 Timothy 5:8 Whether you're an athlete, husband, father, business owner, or simply striving to become the man God has called you to be, this episode will challenge you to pursue excellence, embrace responsibility, and faithfully steward every gift God has placed in your hands. If this conversation encouraged you, share it with another husband, father, teammate, or brother in Christ. Together, let's continue making disciples who make disciples and live lives that bring glory to Jesus.

  4. Jul 2

    From Club Volleyball to D1 and Back to God | Adamah Jackson Testimony

    Working for the Lord, Not for Men | Athlete Disciples Podcast ft. Adama Jackson What does it look like to compete, work, serve, and live for Jesus—not for the approval of people? In this episode of Athlete Disciples, Christian sits down with NCAA Division I volleyball athlete Adama Jackson to dive into **Colossians 3:23–25** and discuss how athletes can honor God through every practice, workout, class, conversation, and challenge. Adama shares his powerful testimony of growing up in the church, drifting from his faith during college, battling depression, and how God used a forgotten Bible, forgiveness, and intentional discipleship to completely transform his life. Together, they discuss trusting God's timing, finding identity in Christ instead of performance, the importance of biblical community, and why every task becomes an act of worship when it's done for the Lord. Whether you're an athlete, coach, parent, or simply pursuing Jesus in your everyday life, this conversation will encourage you to work wholeheartedly for Christ and trust Him with every season. **In this episode you'll discover:** * Why Colossians 3:23–25 is one of the most important passages for athletes * How to stop living for the approval of coaches, bosses, and other people * The power of discipleship and biblical community * Adama's journey from spiritual drift to being on fire for Christ * How God can redeem difficult seasons and use them for His glory * Practical ways to glorify Jesus through everyday work and competition **Key Scripture:** *"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters."* — Colossians 3:23 If this episode encouraged you, share it with a teammate, coach, or friend who needs the reminder that our greatest reward isn't found in wins or recognition—it's found in faithfully following Jesus. Subscribe to Athlete Disciples for weekly conversations helping athletes grow in their faith, purpose, and impact both in sport and beyond.

  5. Apr 27

    Stace Grier on Faith, Cheer, and Trusting God’s Timing | Athlete Disciples Podcast

    In this episode of the Athlete Disciples Podcast, I sit down with Stace Grier to talk about faith, purpose, cheerleading, and why spiritual training matters even more than physical training. We dive into 1 Timothy 4:8 and talk about how athletes spend so much time developing the body, but often neglect the spirit. Stace shares how serving in church at a young age shaped his heart, how missions in Honduras changed his perspective forever, and how God used unexpected twists in life to guide him into the sport of cheer. Stace also opens up about: dropping out of high school and choosing a different path finding purpose and excellence through cheerleading how God redirected disappointment into bigger opportunities why success without God still leaves you empty how faith protected him when identity in sport could have taken over and how staying spiritually fed changes the way you walk through pressure, performance, and transition This is a powerful episode for athletes who want to understand identity, discipline, calling, and what it really means to keep God first. Episode notes In this episode, Stace and I talk about: gratitude for life, breath, health, and waking up with purpose stepping into a new chapter and the uncertainty that comes with transition why clarity, peace, and discernment matter so much in seasons of change 1 Timothy 4:8 and why spiritual training carries eternal value how physical excellence can become an idol if the spirit is neglected the difference between looking strong externally and actually being anchored internally how serving at church as a kid shaped Stace’s heart serving kids with special needs and developing a heart to be the hands and feet of Jesus going on mission in Honduras and how that experience expanded his worldview seeing joy in people who had almost nothing materially how God used cheerleading to open doors Stace never expected dropping out of high school and carving a different path moving from Louisiana to California to Texas as God kept redirecting him winning championships but also learning that titles without God are not enough how losing and struggle revealed where identity was really rooted the importance of Christian consistency, not just emotional highs coaching younger athletes and being intentional with influence why even small acknowledgments of God can plant seeds in young people trusting that God’s redirection is often protection

  6. Apr 9

    Billy Bowens on Trusting God in Transition | Athlete Disciples Podcast

    In this episode of the Athlete Disciples Podcast, I sit down with Billy Bowens to talk about faith, football, transition, and what it looks like to truly trust God when life feels uncertain. Billy shares about the shift from being a high-level college football player into a new season of life, the discomfort of transition, and how Proverbs 3:5–6 has anchored him through it all. We dive into: trusting God instead of leaning on our own understanding what it looks like to walk by faith when the future feels unclear how football shaped Billy the importance of Christian community in college how God uses rejection as redirection and why identity and peace can only be found in Him Billy also shares part of his testimony, how his faith became real in college, and how God used community, hardship, and solitude to grow him deeper. This is a powerful conversation for any athlete navigating uncertainty, identity, purpose, or life after sport. Episode notes In this episode, Billy and I talk about: gratitude for life, breath, and the opportunity to wake up each day the challenge of being present in a major life transition going from being a high-level athlete in a structured environment to stepping into the unknown why Proverbs 3:5–6 has been such a meaningful anchor verse for Billy what it means to trust in the Lord with all your heart why leaning on your own understanding often creates anxiety and confusion how rejection can actually be God’s redirection letting go of control and letting God lead the role of Christian community in college finding real brothers in Christ during the football journey the impact of chaplains, teammates, and spiritual mentors how Billy’s faith deepened during his time at Boise State why being away from family can either isolate you or push you closer to God how to stay grounded when your athletic career changes why transition can feel uncomfortable but still be deeply purposeful the importance of sharing Scripture with siblings and family how to apply faith practically in everyday life

  7. Mar 30

    Jayda Gibson: Hit by a Car, Healed by God | James 1 Bible Study + Powerful Athlete Testimony

    In this powerful episode of the Athlete Disciples Podcast, Christian sits down with University of Arkansas track athlete Jayda Gibson to study James 1:2–4 and discuss how God uses trials to build endurance, purpose, and spiritual maturity. Jayda shares her incredible story of suffering a career-pausing foot fracture, then getting hit by a car just six days later. Her ankle was run over — and yet God protected, healed, and refined her through it all. From wrestling with identity and doubt to rediscovering peace, confidence, and purpose in Christ, her testimony is a reminder that God does not waste pain. 🎙 What you'll hear: How to count it all joy through injury and setbacks Finding spiritual strength when your body gives out When comparison, fear, and pride attack your confidence The importance of fellowship, intercession, and staying in the Word Jada’s comeback story and how faith transformed her athletic journey 🔥 Verse of the Day: James 1:2–4 📲 Follow Jada: @jayda.xo2 👥 Join the movement: AthleteBibleStudy.com #AthleteDisciples #ChristianAthlete #TrackAndFieldTestimony #FaithInTrials #BibleStudy

  8. Mar 23

    Seek First the Kingdom (Matthew 6:33) | Faith & Football with Colton Boomer

    In this episode of the Athlete Disciples Podcast, I sit down with Colton Boomer — college football player, husband, and self-proclaimed apprentice of Jesus Christ. We dive into Matthew 6:33-34 and talk about what it truly means to “seek first the Kingdom of God” — not just in church, but in the locker room, on the field, in marriage, and in everyday life. Colton shares: • His transformation from vaping and partying in middle school to giving his life to Christ in high school • The spiritual warfare he experienced during his football career • How snapping his ankle became a turning point in his faith • What it looks like to compete with Christ at the center • Why simple obedience beats religious performance • How faith changes team culture and leadership This isn’t polished religion. It’s real discipleship. Real struggles. Real growth. If you’re an athlete trying to follow Jesus in a competitive world — this one’s for you. “Seek first the Kingdom… and all these things will be added to you.” – Matthew 6:33

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
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About

Athletes who strive to follow Christ through their sport.

Information

  • Creator
    Christian Honer
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Athlete Disciples
  • Show Website
    Athlete Disciples

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