Guest

Kerry O'Neill - Sports Ministry Leader & Faith in the Marketplace Advocate

Episode Overview

A powerful conversation exploring the intersection of faith, fear, and influence in everyday life. Kerry shares his journey from a broken home to finding faith through sports ministry, and how that shaped his understanding of living out Christian values in secular spaces.

Key Topics Discussed

Kerry's Background & Faith Journey

1. Grew up in small-town Iowa as the youngest of 10 children
2. Father left after 10 kids, creating a "father hunger" that influenced his spiritual journey
3. Found faith through Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) in public high school
4. Initially attended for "free donuts and girls" but encountered personal, relational faith
5. Played college basketball on full scholarship
6. Spent 9 years in sports ministry with FCA in Houston, Texas

Faith in Education vs. The Workplace

1. Kerry's faith began in public school context, making it easier to see "church" outside traditional walls
2. Discussion of declining faith presence in UK schools (Church of England schools vs. modern secular education)
3. Universities offer more faith fellowship opportunities than high schools
4. The challenge of blending faith and work when not explicitly encouraged

Gratitude & Personal Reflections

1. Kerry: Reconnecting with a friend after two years - the blessing of deep, lasting relationships
2. Simon: Trip to Florence, Italy with his wife Angela (who is questioning faith) - exposure to crucifixion imagery sparked conversation about Christ's personal sacrifice

Wrestling with Fear

1. Kerry's ongoing battle with fear and the question: "What would you do if you weren't afraid?"
2. Reading Mark Batterson's In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day
3. Most deathbed regrets are about what people didn't do, not what they did
4. Key insight: Courage only exists in the presence of fear - it's not fearlessness, but acting despite fear
5. Healthy vs. unhealthy fear: protection mechanism vs. controlling grip

Overcoming Fear Through Faith

1. Biblical examples: David vs. Goliath, Moses overcoming speech impediment, Daniel in the lion's den
2. Reference to Casting Crowns song "Crazy People" - those who do "crazy things" overcome fear through faith
3. The three Cs: Compassion → Courage → Confidence

Ministry &...