From Playground to Pressure: Navigating Youth Sports

What does it look like to raise kids who love Jesus in a world obsessed with performance?

In this episode, Pastors Micah and Shireen unpack the pressure young athletes and their families face in today’s culture—where sports dreams start young, social media amplifies comparison, and scholarships can shape childhoods. They explore what Jesus has to say about competition, identity, and how families can navigate this space with wisdom and purpose.

You’ll hear honest reflections on compassion, boundaries, and the hidden cost of saying “yes” to everything. How do we pursue excellence without making it an idol? What does it mean to steward your child’s gifts without losing sight of the Gospel? And how do we model that our faith isn’t optional—even when church sometimes feels like it is?

This conversation encourages parents to consider their family values early, trust God's path for their kids over culture’s expectations, and remember that faithfulness, not fame, is the ultimate goal.

As you listen to this episode, reflect on the following questions:

Are we building a family culture around Jesus or achievement? Do our schedules reflect our spiritual priorities? How can we show our kids that their worth isn’t in being the best, but in being His?