Athlete Disciples

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

Athletes who strive to follow Christ through their sport.

  1. 3d ago

    Built by God: Allen Ortiz on Identity, Football, Entrepreneurship & Following Christ

    In this episode of the Athlete Disciples Podcast, Christian Honer sits down with former Division I football player Allen Ortiz to discuss what it truly means to build your life on Christ instead of your performance. Allen shares his journey from growing up in church to realizing he was "God-aware" but not truly following Jesus. After chasing success, relationships, and football, he found himself empty—until God transformed his heart and gave him a new purpose. Together, they study Galatians 6:6-10, discussing perseverance, sowing into the Spirit instead of the flesh, and why athletes must keep doing good even when they don't immediately see results. In this episode you'll learn: Why your identity must be rooted in Christ—not your sport. How to persevere when you don't see immediate results. The difference between living for the flesh versus living by the Spirit. How faith changes the way you compete. Why discipline and consistency matter in both athletics and business. Allen's testimony of leaving a worldly lifestyle to follow Jesus. How God used football, entrepreneurship, and trials to transform his life. Scripture: Galatians 6:6-10 "Let us not grow weary of doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." — Galatians 6:9 Whether you're an athlete, entrepreneur, coach, or simply seeking to grow in your walk with Christ, this conversation will encourage you to stay faithful, trust God's timing, and continue sowing into what lasts for eternity. If this episode encouraged you, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another athlete who needs to hear this message. Guest: Allen Ortiz 🏈 Former Division I Football Player – New Mexico State University 💪 Entrepreneur | Founder of Built By God Apparel ✝️ Christ Follower | Football Trainer | Mentor Follow Allen's journey as he prepares for the next chapter of football, entrepreneurship, and ministry.

  2. 6d ago

    From Performance Anxiety to Purpose: Pro Baseball Player Joseph Sullivan on Finding His Identity in Christ

    How do you perform at your highest level without making your sport your identity? In this episode of the Athlete Disciples Podcast, Christian Honer sits down with professional baseball player Joseph Sullivan to discuss one of the biggest struggles athletes face: performance anxiety, identity, and surrendering everything to Christ. Joseph shares his powerful testimony of growing up in church, battling fear and anxiety during his freshman year of college, and ultimately giving his life to Jesus before a baseball game—a decision that completely changed the trajectory of his life and career. Together they unpack Matthew 6:33-34 and discuss what it really means to seek God's Kingdom first, trust His plan, and compete from a place of freedom instead of fear. In this episode you'll learn: How to overcome performance anxiety as an athlete. Why your identity can never be found in your sport. What it means to truly surrender your future to God. How seeking God's Kingdom first changes everything. Practical ways to stay rooted in Scripture every day. Why trials often become God's greatest tool for transformation. How to lead teammates and use your platform for Christ. Scripture: Matthew 6:33-34 "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself." Whether you're an athlete, coach, entrepreneur, or someone walking through anxiety or uncertainty, this conversation is a reminder that true peace isn't found in performance—it's found in Christ. If this episode encouraged you, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another athlete who needs to hear this message. Guest: Joseph Sullivan ⚾ Professional Baseball Player – Houston Astros Organization 🙏 Christ Follower | Athlete | Disciple Maker 📲 Follow Joseph on Instagram to keep up with his baseball journey and his walk with Christ.

  3. Aug 6

    Do Everything for the Lord: Pro Basketball Player Javonte Hawkins on Purpose, Humility & Faith

    What if the biggest shift in your career wasn't about becoming a better athlete—but becoming a better disciple? In this powerful episode of the Athlete Disciples Podcast, Christian Honer sits down with 9-year professional basketball player Javonte Hawkins to discuss how Colossians 3:23 transformed the way he approaches basketball, marriage, fatherhood, and every area of life. Javonte shares his incredible testimony—from growing up in Flint, Michigan, losing two brothers to violence, chasing success through basketball, overcoming pride, finding Christ in a deeper way overseas, meeting his wife through God's perfect timing, and discovering that his greatest platform isn't basketball—it's the Kingdom of God. Together, they unpack what it truly means to work "as unto the Lord" and why athletes are called to be lights wherever God places them. In this episode you'll learn: How to glorify God through every task—big or small. Why purpose matters more than performance. The hidden danger of pride and living for people's approval. How God uses sports as a mission field. The importance of serving your spouse, teammates, coaches, and family like Christ served us. Why your platform is ultimately for God's Kingdom, not your own. Scripture: Colossians 3:23 "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." Whether you're an athlete, coach, entrepreneur, or simply striving to honor God in your daily life, this conversation will encourage you to pursue excellence—not for applause, but for Christ. If this episode encouraged you, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another athlete or friend who desires to live boldly for Jesus. Guest: Javonte Hawkins 🏀 9-Year Professional Basketball Player 🙏 Husband, Father & Christ Follower 📍 Played professionally in Finland, Greece, Germany, France, Russia, China, Turkey & Serbia 📲 Follow Javonte on Instagram: @javontehawkinssr

  4. Aug 3

    Reap What You Sow: NFL Linebacker Kam Arnold on Faith, Perseverance & God's Perfect Timing

    What do you do when your biggest dream feels like it's slipping away? In this episode of the Athlete Disciples Podcast, Christian Honer sits down with Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Kam Arnold to discuss how faith, perseverance, and obedience carried him through injuries, going undrafted, getting cut, and ultimately receiving another opportunity in the NFL. Starting in Galatians 6:9, Christian and Kam unpack what it means to "not grow weary in doing good" and how God's timing is always greater than our own. Kam shares his powerful testimony of trusting God through uncertainty, staying disciplined behind closed doors, and continuing to sow seeds of faith even when he couldn't see the harvest. In this episode, you'll learn: Why God's timing is always worth trusting. How to stay faithful when life doesn't go as planned. The power of consistency and doing the unseen work. Why every setback can become a setup for God's purpose. How athletes—and all believers—can persevere through adversity without losing heart. Whether you're an athlete, entrepreneur, coach, or simply walking through a difficult season, this conversation will encourage you to keep planting the right seeds, remain obedient, and trust that God is working even when you can't see it. Scripture: Galatians 6:9 "Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs hope today. Together, let's build a community of athletes and leaders who live boldly for Christ.

  5. Jul 27

    You Are Already Loved | Mat Dewing on Family, Business & Identity in Christ

    What if the biggest lie athletes and entrepreneurs believe is that your value comes from your performance? In Episode 25 of the Athlete Disciples Podcast, Christian Honer sits down with mentor, entrepreneur, physical therapist, husband, father of eight, and Family Dynasty co-founder Mat Dewing for one of the deepest conversations we've had on the podcast. Mat shares decades of wisdom on faith, family, entrepreneurship, identity, leadership, marriage, and what it truly means to build a life that honors God. If you've ever struggled with performance-based identity, building a business while leading your family, or wondering what legacy actually looks like, this conversation is for you. In this episode: 🏀 Life after college athletics and identity beyond sports ❤️ Why your worth is never based on performance 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Building a multi-generational family vision 💼 Entrepreneurship through a biblical lens 🙏 Trusting God through seasons of risk 💰 Wealth, stewardship, generosity, and legacy 💍 33 years of marriage and lessons every husband needs 👶 Raising children who love the Lord 📖 Romans 12:9-13 Bible study and practical application 🔥 Why "outdo one another in showing honor" can change every relationship One of my favorite quotes from Matt: "I am a beloved child of the Father. I don't perform for approval—I perform out of gratitude." That truth alone has the power to free athletes, entrepreneurs, parents, and leaders from the constant pressure to prove themselves. This conversation reminded me that success isn't measured by followers, money, championships, or business growth. It's measured by faithfulness. By honoring others. By loving your family well. By walking closely with Jesus. If this episode encouraged you, share it with another athlete, parent, entrepreneur, coach, or friend who needs this reminder today. Connect with Matt Dewing Learn more about Family Dynasty and the work Matt is doing to help families build multi-generational biblical vision and legacy. Scripture Romans 12:9-13 "Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." May we become people who compete to honor others more than ourselves. That's the Kingdom. That's discipleship. And that's the life Jesus modeled for us.

  6. Jul 23

    Athletes Understand Discipline. Here's Why It Matters Spiritually | Bryson Breeding

    What if the same discipline that makes great athletes could transform your faith? In this episode of the Athlete Disciples Podcast, Christian sits down with FAU Associate Head Strength Coach Bryson Breeding to discuss Hebrews 12:11, spiritual discipline, delayed gratification, and how athletes are uniquely equipped to pursue God with intensity and purpose. Bryson shares his powerful testimony of growing up around faith, drifting away in college, and eventually rediscovering God through one simple habit: Reading the Bible every single day. Together we discuss: • Why discipline is painful but produces peace • How athletes can apply their training mindset to faith • The power of daily habits and structure • Why surrender is harder than hard work • How God prepares us before He promotes us • The danger of wanting results without the process • Why Christians should sound different than the world • What it means to practice what you preach One of the biggest takeaways: "Aggressive patience." The same mindset that builds elite athletes can build elite disciples. The process isn't supposed to be comfortable. It's supposed to transform you. 📖 Scripture: Hebrews 12:11 "No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." Guest: Bryson Breeding Associate Head Strength Coach — FAU Football If you're an athlete, coach, competitor, or someone trying to grow in your faith, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to embrace the process God is using to shape you.

  7. Jul 20

    When God Changes Your Game Plan | Geanice Morales' Story

    What do you do when your plans fall apart? When coaches overlook you. When comparison steals your joy. When anxiety takes over. When the opportunity you worked your entire life for suddenly disappears. Division 1 softball player Janiece Morales joins the Athlete Disciples Podcast to share her journey through recruiting, disappointment, transfers, mental health struggles, and learning to trust God's plan through every season. From traveling the country chasing softball dreams at 10 years old to becoming a nationally ranked Division 1 athlete and NIL creator, Janiece opens up about the moments that tested her faith the most. In this episode we discuss: ⚾ Battling comparison during the recruiting process ⚾ Anxiety, pressure, and performance as an athlete ⚾ Learning to trust God when doors close ⚾ Why prayer isn't a good luck charm ⚾ Finding identity beyond statistics and playing time ⚾ How God uses difficult seasons to prepare us for better ones ⚾ Mental health struggles in college athletics ⚾ The transfer portal and trusting God's direction ⚾ Building an authentic personal brand as an athlete One of the biggest lessons from this conversation: God's plan is never wrong. Sometimes the closed door is the thing protecting you. Sometimes the season that feels unfair is the season preparing you for what comes next. 📖 Scripture: Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Not because we're strong. Because He is. Whether in abundance or in struggle, on the field or off it, God's strength remains the same. Guest: Janiece Morales Division 1 Softball Player | Wagner College Athlete Creator | NIL Athlete | Mental Performance Advocate If you're an athlete struggling with comparison, recruiting, confidence, playing time, or trusting God's timing, this conversation is for you.

  8. Jul 16

    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.

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About

Athletes who strive to follow Christ through their sport.

Information

  • Creator
    Christian Honer
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Athlete Disciples
  • Show Website
    Athlete Disciples