Athlete Disciples

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

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

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

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

“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.