The purpose of the athletic program at Covenant Christian School is to glorify God by developing Christian athletes who are wise servant leaders. Athletics provides a backdrop for the development and exercise of Christ-like behavior. Our priority is to develop the spiritual man first, believing that the rest will follow. Further, we believe that adult leaders in Covenant athletics, including athletic directors, coaches, parents as well as fans, are to lead by example, to guide and encourage our students to excel, and to have fun with excellence.

---

Our program attempts to develop wise servant leaders by emphasizing the The Big 4: Play for Christ, Play Hard, Play Smart, Play Together. Athletics is a vehicle to practice these behaviors while developing the physical body. When our athletes leave Covenant, our goal is that they take these 4 traits and apply them to every area of life: Living for Christ, Living Hard, Living Smart, and Living Together.

---

Servant Leadership is marked by an attitude of humility, considering others more important than yourself. Jesus said, “But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be a slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:43-45). Our athletes will learn attitudes and behaviors that will encourage them and strengthen their commitment to do whatever it takes for themselves and others to reach their highest potential.

---

Playing for Christ is presenting our effort as an offering to him in our lives, and in every practice and game. Colossians 3:17 - “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Everything we do, we do it for Christ, and we believe that he is honored when we give him all the glory, play hard, play smart, and play together.

---

Playing Hard involves playing with effort, determination, and courage. Since we acknowledge that we are playing for Christ, we give our best effort, no matter what we are doing. Hebrews 12:1-2 – “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” We make it our goal to imitate Christ, and he has set the bar high for his standard of effort. We know that we can’t achieve perfection in this, but we can strive for it with everything that is in us.

---

Playing Smart involves how we think on and off the court. It means we strive to play with good execution, poise, and within the rules of the game. We focus on what we can control, that being our effort and our attitude. Both coaches and players are to be respectful of officials as governing authorities (Romans 13:1). It is important to stress in all areas of life, whether on the playing field or off, that we must focus and think about God, his plans, and his glory. This involves making prayerful decisions, and seeking wise counsel. Our theme verse for Playing and Living Smart comes from Philippians 4:6-8 – “Do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

---

Playing Together means playing unselfishly, and developing relationships with teammates and coaches that will help athletes grow closer to Jesus. It means putting others ahead of yourself, both on and off the field of play. We strive to model Philippians 2: 3-4 - “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” The relationships forged through competition are lifelong and provide friendship, accountability, and security (Ecclesiastes 4:11-12). Teams regularly study the scriptures together and commit to pray for each other (Hebrews 10:25, Proverbs 27:17).