Athlete Disciples

Christian Honer

Athletes who strive to follow Christ through their sport.

  1. 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

    45 min
  2. 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

    41 min
  3. MAR 16

    “Those Who Wait on the Lord” | Hannah Allen on Grief, Renewal & Olympic Dreams

    Welcome back to the Athlete Disciples Podcast. Today I sit down with Hannah Allen — former Division I & II swimmer, Gold Star military widow, and Olympic hopeful — for one of the most powerful conversations we’ve had. We begin with a Discovery Bible Study through Isaiah 40:28–31: “Those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength…” But this isn’t just Scripture discussion. This is lived experience. Hannah shares: • Losing her husband just 3 months after their wedding • Losing her best friend to cancer • Walking through family divorce • Wrestling with anxiety while pursuing big athletic goals • What it actually means to “wait upon the Lord” • How trauma lives in the subconscious mind • How God renewed her strength when she felt completely broken • Why she views her Olympic pursuit as stewardship from God We talk about: – Balancing ambition and anxiety – Prayer as a reset button – The faithfulness of God when we faint – Why God never grows weary — but we do – How grief shaped her calling – Using athletics as a platform for the Gospel This episode is for anyone who: Feels exhausted. Feels anxious about the future. Is walking through grief. Is waiting on God for something. Is chasing a big dream while holding onto faith. Scripture: Isaiah 40:28–31 Guest: Hannah Allen Instagram: @hannahallen If this encouraged you, share it with someone who needs strength renewed today. Subscribe for more athlete testimonies and Bible studies.

    49 min
  4. MAR 9

    Shane Simpson: Relearning How to Walk, Losing Football, and Finding Purpose in Christ

    Welcome back to the Athlete Disciples Podcast. Today I’m joined by Shane Simpson — a former 5-year professional football player who’s now an NIL / business agent and part of a luxury lifestyle concierge agency (jets, yachts, cars, suits, jewelry — the whole world). Shane played at University of Virginia and Towson, put up 5,700+ yards and 24 touchdowns, earned multiple awards… but what stood out most in this conversation is what people don’t see: the injuries, the setbacks, and the mental + emotional toll behind the highlights — including relearning how to walk and becoming “hyper-independent” through pain. We open with a Bible study on John 3:17: God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. We talk about: why so many people think faith is “judgment,” and what Jesus actually came to do the athlete transition: losing structure, identity, and routine after sport fear vs faith, delayed gratification, and letting God direct your path how Shane is building relationships and serving athletes in the NIL era community, healing, therapy, and learning emotional maturity beyond the “football version” of yourself If you’re an athlete in transition — or you’re trying to rebuild identity and purpose with Christ at the center — this episode will hit. Scripture: John 3:17 Theme: Salvation over condemnation + identity shift after sport 📍 Find Shane on Instagram: @shanesimpson31 🎧 Subscribe for more athlete Bible studies + testimonies. #AthleteDisciples #John317 #ChristianAthletes #NIL #Football #IdentityInChrist #AthleteTransition #FaithOverFear

    55 min
  5. FEB 23

    “Be Strong and Courageous”: Steven Keene on Joshua 1:9, Identity, and Trusting God in Uncertainty

    “Be Strong and Courageous”: Steven Keene on Joshua 1:9, Identity, and Trusting God in Uncertainty 📝 PODCAST DESCRIPTION In this episode of the Athlete Disciples Podcast, I’m joined by Steven Keene, a college basketball player with a heart for God and a powerful story of rediscovering his faith during one of the hardest transitions of his life. Together we study Joshua 1:9 and unpack what it means to: Be strong and courageous when your identity feels shaken Trust God in the middle of mental, emotional, and athletic challenges Find your true worth beyond the game Speak up when you're struggling Walk boldly as a man of God on a college campus Steven shares his raw testimony of how leaving basketball for a season caused him to question who he was, how God met him in his lowest moments, and how he’s choosing faith, boldness, and biblical manhood as his foundation moving forward. 📖 Verse Focus: Joshua 1:9 💡 Part 1 of 2 — Stay tuned for a future episode diving deeper into identity, purpose, and community. — If this message speaks to you: 📲 Share it with a teammate or friend 🗣️ Leave a review 🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes Follow Stephen: [@youngballersteven] Follow the show: [@athletedisciples] #AthleteDisciples #StephenKeane #Joshua1v9 #ChristianAthlete #CollegeAthleteTestimony #FaithInCollege #BasketballAndFaith #Discipleship #MentalHealthInSports #AthleteIdentity #BeStrongAndCourageous

    32 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

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Athletes who strive to follow Christ through their sport.