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CVCS Athletic Distinctives

Shepherding the achievement of the physical potential of our students is an integral part of our educational program. The participation in CVCS athletics is about far more than physical challenges and accomplishments. It is about using the vehicle of athletics to discover one’s true identity in Jesus Christ and to be made “mature, and complete, not lacking anything” as a result of these very tangible opportunities. The following are biblical philosophies that serve as the foundation for all CVCS athletic activities.

Representing Christ – II Corinthians 5: 20,21

First and foremost, you are called to be an ambassador of Jesus Christ at all times.

ATTITUDE IS Everything – Philippians 2:5-16

One of the most crucial and basic elements of becoming a mature believer is learning to control the things that are in our control. Attitude is at the top of that list. We get to choose our attitude every single day.

UNITY as a Witness to Unbelievers - John 17:20-23

As Jesus was preparing to depart, he prayed for his disciples, and then for all who would believe in Him through their message – which includes us today. His primary request of the Father was that we would be UNIFIED so an unbelieving world would look at us and see a picture of God’s love to humanity through his son Jesus Christ.

UNITY Within the Body – I Corinthians 12:12-26

For a group of believers (in this case an athletic team) to reach their potential, every member must recognize, embrace, and play their role to the best of their ability. Not every member is the same. Some play more on game night than others. Each has a slightly different function. Some players will offer their largest contribution in practice or in the social/spiritual dynamic of the team. But EVERY MEMBER is essential for the body to function properly and reach its potential.

Service to Others and Humility – Philippians 2:1-3

We look to the attitude of Jesus and his sacrificial love as our example. We are called to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit as we put others above ourselves. Sports are not always fair, and neither is life. In God’s strength we can choose to serve and humbly put others ahead of ourselves.

Refusing to Play in Fear – II Timothy 1:7

There is a myth in Christian athletics that we have to choose between being “Christian” and being “competitive.” On the contrary, the Bible says that part of honoring God with everything we do is being bold, strong, and courageous. We are told that in Jesus, we do NOT have a spirit of fear, but a spirit of POWER, LOVE, and SELF-CONTROL. We approach athletics with that spirit.

Striving to Win (Running in Such a Way) – I Corinthians 9:24-27

We do not see anything in scripture that would discourage us from desiring to win. But the emphasis is on the PROCESS (striving to win) rather than the OUTCOME (winning.) As Paul states in 1 Corinthians 9, we want to run IN SUCH A WAY as to get the prize. Winning becomes a by-product of taking a God-honoring approach to the process of playing the way we are called to play.

Accountability – Hebrews 12:7-11

Part of serving on a team and as a member of a body is willingly submitting to being held accountable by others, knowing that loving discipline and correction are part of healthy growth.