The World Cup Moment You Might Have Missed

And Why It Matters

Whether you’ve followed international soccer for years, or you've been swept up in soccer fever this summer for the first time, you’ve likely seen countless scenes of coaches & athletes circling up on the pitch on your screens. 

A particular scene caught my attention through the course of the tournament: after each game, members of the US Men’s National Team huddled in a circle that grew from 6 players in the pre-cup friendlies to the entire team and coaching staff by their loss on Monday night. The huddle didn't focus on celebration or the final score; instead, it centered on prayer, which center-back Mark McKenzie led. 

Number twenty-two did not set out to achieve this center-of-the-huddle role on the team - in fact, I’m sure some playing time was much more likely in his dreams for his World Cup appearance - however, His heavenly Coach, who he’s followed since childhood, had other plans and he faithfully followed His coach’s instructions. 

The growth of this post-game prayer circle - from 6 to 7 to the entire team after the win over Paraguay and even the support staff by the Round of 16 game - is a beautiful picture of discipleship and what happens to the Kingdom of God when one follower of Jesus takes His instructions to heart. 

I can’t help but imagine that the scene looked similar when Jesus gathered His disciples around to give the Great Commission in Matthew 28:16-20, and while it’s a familiar passage, I think there’s something for us to consider in the “pitch” of church life ahead of us this Fall - 

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Just as each of the 11 players on the field do every game, a follower of Jesus must trust the Coach’s plans. When Jesus tells the disciples to ascend the mountain in Galilee, they do. 

And as a result, they see their Savior - what a winning outcome. Some respond in worship and others are still doubtful of the Father’s plan. However, the Text doesn’t distinguish between the worshippers and doubters, the players who trust their coach versus those with their own ideas on running the play. Jesus responds to both parties in the same way, by drawing near and giving them the next move.

I picture him gathering the 11 together, leaning in on the sky-high side-lines of the mountain, as he gives them three clear directives for the game ahead: 

• He reminds them that He's a trustworthy coach with all authority and power. 

• He reminds them of the game-plan - making disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them in the same manner that He did for them.  

• He reminds them that He’s with them every step of the eternal game ahead. 

The call to “go and make disciples” is one of the clearest commands from Jesus about the mission of the believer - whether at the peak of their walk with Christ or wrestling in a hard season. 

It is a clear charge from our Coach to every team member each day. It’s the only play in the playbook. He puts all of His chips in on this game plan for growing the “post-game circle” in eternity, and He invites each believer into it year-round; there’s no off-season. 

Every Sunday morning, adults and teens from TDC pull on their “TDC Kids Jersey” and prayerfully step into their positions in our kids gatherings. Twice a month for an hour, they “get in the game” of discipleship just as Jesus commissioned. This ministry is far more than childcare. 

• Over the course of three years, kids and leaders go through the entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation, making “Christ Connections” in every story.    

• Every unit, kids memorize a passage of Scripture and corresponding core doctrine.

• Even our babies touch and feel the Bible weekly, learning that God’s Word is “true, true, absolutely true.” 

• We regularly proclaim the Gospel and give kiddos opportunities to respond in faith, and each year, we see kids baptized. 

Without God’s people getting in the game, this list is merely philosophical. The curriculum, key passages, and activities are simply paper and craft supplies until the players in the pews respond to the call, put on a jersey, and step onto the pitch. 

August 9th, it’s game time - families will get back in their new rhythms and classrooms will be overflowing with kids in need of disciple-makers. 

It’s time to get in the game, church. 

There’s no need to hesitate. The Coach has already drawn near and given you the game plan very clearly: go and make disciples. He’s promised to be with you every minute of the game - no matter your doubts, no matter how long you’ve been on the bench.  

And our Kids Ministry is the pitch - ready and waiting for you to join Jesus’ mission to make the heavenly huddle crowded. 

Each TDC campus needs 8 or more new leaders to welcome every child back this Fall. Click here to let your campus Kids Minister know that you’re ready to get in the game.