Dr. Ed Gomes, Director of Spiritual Development for the Flames, Liberty University’s football team, is a man who lives out our theme this month. You may know Dr. Gomes from The Noble Man / ISI workshops, but if this is the first time you are hearing from him, you’re going to love this guy!
He begins with his own story of coming to know Christ at the age of 17, then earning a basketball scholarship in 1974 to Liberty Baptist College, or what is now Liberty University. Two faithful men, John and Russell, invested in him, taught him the Word, and modeled faithfulness to him by the way they lived their life.
“There was something about them that seemed irresistible simply by the way they lived.” Dr. Gomes has copied what they showed him, and his heart for ministry brought him back to the school in the 90’s where he has served the Flames football team faithfully.
Dr. Gomes is a living example of a faithful man who builds up other faithful men just like Paul admonishes us in 2 Timothy 2:2, “And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.”
He drops great nuggets of wisdom in this episode. Listen for how he applies these and more as he serves the Flames football players year after year. “The greatest joy is seeing our young men walk with truth, taking the truth that was invested in them and investing it in others.”
And check out his awesome Shoe Shine Ministry!
Top Tips:
Every single one of us has a story. Let God take your story, so He can make it His story, so we can encourage someone else in their story.
“It’s not about having it all together, it’s about moving in the right direction.”
Pay attention to what God is trying to do in and through the local church. God has you there with purpose.
Be faithful where you are to make a difference.
Focus on how you can be a blessing and an encouragement.
We are at our best when we focus on others and are paying attention to what’s going on around us.
Instead of waiting to be blessed, take the initiative to be a blessing. Ask ‘how does God want to use me to help someone else grow in their faith?’
The bottom line is about serving. It’s about what He wants. It’s not about what I want.
Many times, the reason men don’t get involved is because no one asks them.
When it comes to “Training Champions for Christ,” the Liberty motto:
It starts with example.
It’s about accountability, relationship, discipleship, and passing the baton.
- Identify leaders, guys intentional about their relationship with God.
- Focus on servant leadership. Earn the right to speak into their life.
- Ask them to step up and provide greater spiritual leadership – man-to-man conversation.
Prepare them for what they’ll face ten years down the road. Look at where they’re going to be when they graduate. Have a game plan academically, athletically, socially, spiritually.
Look at where they can be and not where they’re at.
“Keep conversation Christ-centered. All lives matter because that is how Jesus looks at life. Jesus unifies us, not the color of our skin. When Jesus is the focal point, we can ask each other the tough questions.”
Dr. Gomes’ Resources:
Building a Legacy Student Guide
Leaving a Legacy Leader’s Guide
Discipleship for Student Athletes
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