The Good Sporting Life (available from 10ofThose) will help anyone looking to live out their faith in a sporting context whether that be sports players, parents, coaches, pastors or elite athletes.

Stephen Liggins writes in an accessible, relatable way. As a pastor, but also a long-time athlete, he gives relevant and biblical insight into the struggles Christian sportspeople face, including thinking through the issues of Sunday sport, being a Christian and being competitive and what it looks like to share the good news with teammates. He does not just speak from his own experience but draws upon testimonies of other sports people.

The Good Sporting Life challenges, equips, encourages and inspires the sportsperson desiring to follow Jesus in the sporting world. It explains how sport can help propel us into our calling to “go and make disciples”. It explores the complex relationship between the Church and sport over the years, uncovering the dangers as well as the opportunities that being part of a team or club brings. It also warns us of making sport an idol in which we invest our identity and hopes of fulfilment. Liggins even highlights how we can finish well in our sport.

This book was a helpful reminder that God made me with the gifts I have to play sport and so he can be involved when I am on the pitch. I have been encouraged to pause and thank God for the opportunity to engage in sport, whilst also giving him the glory whenever I play. Reading accounts of other Christian sportspeople who have lived for God in their clubs encouraged me as well - if God can use them to lead teammates to himself, why not me?

Liggins offers a wealth of practical advice, compressed into a couple of hundred pages. To get the most out of the book therefore, I would recommend digesting it in small sections, perhaps praying afterwards, looking up the bible verses referenced and thinking about how you might apply what you have read.

Jo Penrose

Jo is a student who plays with Exeter University Touch Rugby Club. She goes to Exeter Network Church.