This Week at Cross Church: Using Your Platform for the Gospel of Jesus Christ

Each one of us has a platform; a platform God has given us for the purpose of sharing and expanding the gospel of Jesus Christ. For some of us, the platform may appear to be small, and for others it may appear to be big. Regardless of the perceived platform of influence, with God involved, even the perceived smallest can become great. Little is much when God is in it.

Using Football as a Platform for the Gospel

Last weekend, my son, Josh Floyd, the Head Coach and Athletic Director of Shiloh Christian School, along with his staff team and volunteer base, hosted a national 7 on 7 Football Tournament called Southwest Elite 7 on 7. This tournament is in its fifth year, and has become one of the finest tournaments of its nature found anywhere in America. Josh and his director for the tournament, Haden Gilder, and the rest of the coaching staff, used their platform as an opportunity for the gospel of Jesus Christ. They were joined by countless volunteers who joined them in their vision.

With one of their partners in the tournament, they were able to bring in noted personalities, Quarterback Tim Tebow and Duck Dynasty’s Jase Robertson, to speak to athletes and coaches from thirty-two of the best football programs in the nation. These men poured into the students. In fact, in response to a strong message given by Tim Tebow on what it means to live “A Life of Significance,” over forty people gave their lives to Christ. Additionally, I was able to to invest in leaders and football coaches from around the country during a breakfast where I interviewed five of America’s great leaders.

While competition was hot and heavy in games played on Friday and Saturday, lives were influenced positively, and many forever, all because some high school coaches used their platform of coaching to further the gospel of Jesus Christ. The fields across our Springdale Campus were overflowing with people from all over the nation. And because of all that happened this past weekend, there is no telling what God will do with it, considering Internet broadcasts and the media attention the tournament received. What a great God who can use even the simple game of football for the gospel.

Whatever Your Platform is, Use it for the Gospel

As I already stated, each platform is different; but they can all be used in some way for gospel impact. God has you where you are at this time in your life to use you to impact others for the gospel. How can God use you? Pray about it. Dream about it. Share it with others. Let them take up your vision.

I Will Use My Platform for Gospel Influence

We have invited eighteen of our own church planters to join us during our upcoming Annual Staff Advance for the purpose of investing in them. I want them to experience our team and the vision of our church. Some of them will be with us on Sunday, August 4, experiencing Cross Church in person.

Since 2010, the gifts of our people have allowed sixty-six churches to be planted through our church. Since we believe in developing leaders and we are investing in these churches regularly, we are going to develop many of them in North America up close, pouring into them and their spouses.

We are using our platform, given to us by God alone, to expand His gospel around the world.

This Week

• Use Your Platform for the Gospel of Jesus Christ

• Ask God to Use You Where You are Right Now for God’s Glory

If God can use your Pastor, who has roots in a very small Texas church, and a group of high school football coaches, He can use you. I am thankful for each of you who are already using your influence for the gospel. Lead on!

Yours for the Great Commission,

Ronnie W. Floyd