In Moorhead, Minnesota, the Park Christian School football team has taken a unique approach to sportsmanship by sharing their Christian faith with every opponent. After each home game, the Park Falcons leave Bibles in the lockers of the visiting players, accompanied by letters from coaches and personal notes from team members. This initiative reflects the school’s commitment to living out their faith beyond the playing field.
A Ministry Rooted in Scripture and Service
Head coach Matt Baasch explained that the program began as a deliberate effort to define the team’s identity. Inspired by 1 Peter 4:10, which encourages believers to use their gifts to serve others, Baasch and assistant coach and pastor Ben Killerlain launched the Bible outreach ministry at the start of the 2025 season. The goal was to integrate faith and football in a way that impacts not only the players but also their families and communities.
“All the things that [our players] do matter,” Baasch said. “I think this is one of those examples to them of, ‘I can do something. God calls me to do these things, and I can do them, and it’s not scary, and it impacts people, and it impacts me, and it impacts my parents.’ People can look through us to see the light of Jesus.”
Personalized Outreach to Opponents
The team’s gesture goes beyond simply handing out Bibles. Each Bible is accompanied by a letter from the coaching staff and a personal note from a Park player, often sharing their own walk with Jesus Christ. Many players include their phone numbers, inviting the recipients to reach out and engage in further conversation.
Additionally, the visiting teams receive a meal to take with them for their trip home, reinforcing the spirit of hospitality and care. This combination of spiritual and practical support highlights the team’s commitment to being witnesses for their faith in every interaction.
Football as Discipleship
Assistant coach and pastor Ben Killerlain emphasized that coaching football at Park Christian is more than teaching the game; it is a form of discipleship. He stated, “We want to make sure that these kids are being discipled towards a right view of Jesus and of ministry, so they get that everywhere they walk, they are a witness for Jesus Christ. It’s bigger than football. It’s following Jesus.”
Players like senior center and defensive lineman Elijah Bjur expressed enthusiasm for the ministry, highlighting the opportunity to use their talents to serve others. “We get to take the gifts we’ve been given and create our own ministry of giving Bibles to other people,” he said.
Impact and Broader Significance
During the previous season, with five home games, the Park Falcons distributed approximately 200 Bibles, with even more planned for the current season. This initiative demonstrates how young athletes can leverage their passion for sports as a platform for sharing their faith.
In a broader context, this ministry comes at a time when Christianity in the United States has experienced a decline, according to the Pew Research Center’s 2023-24 Religious Landscape Study. However, the study also notes signs of stabilization in the number of Americans identifying with the faith. Efforts like those of the Park Christian football team may contribute to reversing the decline by inspiring young people to actively live out and share their beliefs.
Conclusion: Faith in Action on the Field
The Park Christian School football team’s practice of giving Bibles and personal messages to opponents is a distinctive example of faith in action within the realm of high school sports. Their approach blends athletic competition with a heartfelt ministry, encouraging dialogue and connection through shared beliefs.
In a cultural environment where openly sharing faith can sometimes be challenging, the Park Falcons have found a meaningful way to express their convictions. Their example shows that with creativity and commitment, young people can use their talents and opportunities to make a positive spiritual impact in their communities and beyond.
Source: Read the original reporting.
