LAUNCHING THIS SUMMER 2026
Sports REC Certification
Perfect for people wanting to help churches reach their city through sports
Look around your community… The soccer fields are packed every Saturday. Youth sports dominate family calendars. Pick-up games fill neighborhood courts. Parents invest thousands in athletics.
Yet most churches miss this massive ministry opportunity. Not because they don’t see it, but because they don’t have a clear system to turn sports into sustainable ministry.
What if you could teach church leaders how to turn game time into kingdom impact?
Your Complete Blueprint
from planning to impact
Here’s what 40 years of ministry has taught me: Sports aren’t just games – they’re bridges. Bridges to families who might never walk through church doors otherwise.
This isn’t about building expensive facilities or running complicated leagues. It’s about equipping you to become a certified Sports REC Coach who can train churches to use the universal language of athletics to transform their communities – helping pastors develop sustainable sports ministries regardless of their church size or resources.
Get in the game. Let’s turn game time into growth time.
Become a Sports REC Coach
Learn how to equip church leaders with the tools they need to transform weekend games into spiritual transformations. Join our community of Sports REC coaches who are guiding churches from sideline spectators to strategic outreach.
Your Path to Certification
Video Curriculum
Action Planning
Live Coaching Sessions
Verification of Credentials
Choose Your Experience
Why get Certified?
From Winning Games to Baptizing Families
- Expand Your Ministry Impact - Equip church leaders with a proven system that works
- Access Exclusive Resources - Gain complete access to our library of sports ministry tools, promotional materials, and evangelistic resources
- Join Our Coaching Network - Connect with like-minded ministry leaders
- Create New Income Streams - Generate additional revenue by offering Sports REC training and coaching
- Enhance Your Ministry Credentials - Add a respected certification to your profile
- Transform Communities - Help churches build bridges to local families
Key Questions Answered
We’ve compiled answers to questions that matter most to future certification candidates.
The program is self-paced, allowing you to progress according to your schedule. Most participants complete their certification within 8-12 weeks. If you opt for the on-site training the certification process is completed in three days.
You’ll have access to four interactive coaching sessions, comprehensive program materials, ten instructional videos, and ongoing support from experienced Sports REC instructors who have successfully implemented sports ministry in various church contexts. Our team remains available to answer questions and provide guidance as you work through the certification process.
While sports or ministry experience is valuable, the most important qualification is a passion for reaching communities through athletics and a commitment to helping churches build effective sports outreach. The program is designed for both seasoned ministers and those new to sports ministry. Ministry credentials are not required, and anyone can enroll regardless of how long they’ve been a Christian.
Upon completion, you’ll be equipped to consult with churches, lead Sports REC workshops, and provide specialized guidance to congregations seeking to reach their communities through athletics. You can help churches design effective sports outreach events, train volunteer teams, create follow-up systems, and implement evangelistic strategies that work. This certification opens doors to both volunteer and paid consulting opportunities with churches of all sizes looking to leverage sports as a ministry tool.
Take the first step toward becoming a certified Sports REC Coach. Your enrollment gives you immediate access to our complete training system, including video modules, program materials, and interactive coaching sessions. Join a community of ministry innovators who are helping churches turn weekend games into kingdom impact. Reserve your spot today and start equipping church leaders to reach their communities through the universal language of sports.
Note for Inaugural Class Participants:
The inaugural session of our Sports REC Certified Training will be conducted live via Zoom and recorded as the instructor teaches. These recordings will be professionally edited and later added to our on-demand NEXT Strategist Video Course. As a member of the inaugural class, you will receive access to the full video series once production is complete—available through the AOCLI website.
Enrollment Options
AOCLI Member
- Ten training videos featuring Sports REC methodology and implementation
- Four virtual coaching sessions with Sports REC instructors
- Certified Sports REC Coach manual (digital)
- The complete Sports REC program materials package (digital)
- Access to all Sports REC marketing materials and templates
- The rights to host Sports REC clinics at other churches
Standard Non-Member
- Ten training videos featuring Sports REC methodology and implementation
- Four virtual coaching sessions with Sports REC instructors
- Certified Sports REC Coach manual (digital)
- The complete Sports REC program materials package (digital)
- Access to all Sports REC marketing materials and templates
- The rights to host Sports REC clinics at other churches
Subscribe to our newsletter
and get notified about our latest news and updates
