35 Years of "In Jesus’ Name We Play”
When Andy Smith looks back on his years coaching youth sports at Mt. Bethel Church, it’s not the wins or losses he remembers, but the faces, conversations, and moments where he saw God at work on the court or the field.
“I enjoy the opportunity to have a positive impact on the children we coach,” Andy says. “Beyond that, each year seems to bring an opportunity for God to do something special that creates a memory I’ll always treasure.”
Since his first t-ball team in 2001, Andy has coached more than 50 Mt. Bethel teams. His story mirrors the heart of Mt. Bethel’s Recreation Ministry as it celebrates its 35th anniversary this fall: discipleship woven into the rhythm of practices, games, and friendships.
Rooted in Mission
Since 1990, Mt. Bethel’s youth sports program has been a vital way for our church to build lasting connections with families throughout East Cobb. This fall, over 800 athletes across 83 teams are being led by more than 200 dedicated volunteer coaches and coordinators.
“We are honored at the opportunity to reach so many families in our East Cobb community who love sports and our church,” says Dan Boswell, Director of Operations.
Parents also notice the care that goes into the way our program is structured. “Families often tell us they’re grateful for the simplicity of our schedule—practices and games are set from the beginning of the season, which makes scheduling easy for our athletes and families,” says Kevin Sheehan, Lead Pastor of Family Ministries. “It’s simple, but it makes families feel cared for.”
That care extends beyond logistics. Andy recalls a basketball game when his co-coach was suddenly called for a technical foul. Confused, the team watched as the referee awarded free throws to a player with special needs on the opposing team—giving him his first chance to score.
“It made me realize that in this league, everyone—even the referees—wants to be an example of Christian love,” Andy says.
Coaching as Discipleship
For Andy, coaching is one way to live Mt. Bethel’s mission: leading people to trade the pursuit of more for a life worth pursuing in Jesus Christ.
He remembers a young basketball player named Grace who once came to him in tears, upset about constant fouls. “I told her she needed to focus on what she could control, not how others played or how referees called the game, and as long as she played her best, she should be happy.” Ten years later, Grace’s mother wrote to say that lesson had shaped her daughter’s life.
“We try to be supportive of all players and create situations for everyone to contribute,” Andy explains. “It’s an opportunity for kids at all skill levels to grow in their faith and fellowship with teammates.”
Pastor Kevin has seen Andy go even further. “Andy doesn’t just coach the game—he invests in his players. I know of times when he has taken teams, at his own expense, to college or professional games just to give them an experience they’ll never forget. That’s discipleship. That’s showing kids a life worth living in Christ through generosity, joy, and presence.”
More Than a Season
Discipleship through sports happens all year long at Mt. Bethel. Nearly 1,000 athletes and 200 coaches participated in this year’s spring season. Over 200 kids attended summer football and soccer camps in partnership with local organizations, and last winter, 519 players and 107 coaches filled the basketball courts.
Each season also creates opportunities for families to serve. This fall, athletes collected food for MUST Ministries’ Mobile Pantry, which supports families across metro Atlanta. In the spring, players packed weekend food bags for Backpack Blessings, and last basketball season, families brought board games for MUST’s Christmas Toy Shop.
Through every sport and every season, the mission remains the same: “In Jesus’ Name We Play.”
Impact That Lasts
For Andy, the most impactful part of discipling others through coaching youth sports over the years has been witnessing how Jesus continues to reach the next generation through sports
“The lessons that everyone in the recreation ministry tries to impart are taking hold,” he says with confidence. “A great example of this is Jack Kavali.”
Andy coached Jack’s basketball team in 2019 when Jack was in the fifth grade. Now in high school, Jack surprised Andy last December when he reached out to ask if he could help him coach fourth and fifth graders in Mt. Bethel’s program.
“He now plays on Walton High School’s basketball team, but he coached with us every game, to the benefit of the team.”
A Legacy of Faith
As Mt. Bethel celebrates 35 years of recreation ministry, its legacy is clear: fields and courts have become classrooms for life lessons, friendships, and faith. Thousands of children have learned not only how to play the game, but how to live with integrity, perseverance, and love for others.
“I keep coming back each season because I see the way God uses this ministry to touch lives,” Andy says. “Coaching here has given me memories I’ll always treasure, and I know it’s making a lasting impact on kids and families.”
In the end, Mt. Bethel’s recreation ministry is about more than sports—it’s about helping people trade the pursuit of more for a life worth pursuing in Jesus Christ--one game, one team, and one coach at a time.