The power of sport—to captivate the heart, inspire the imagination, and even shape nations—means we must think carefully and wisely as Christian competitors, coaches, parents, and passionate fans.

Author, pastor, long-time athlete and sports lover Stephen Liggins takes the coaching reins and trains you to glorify God in your sport. He unpacks what the Bible has to say and gathers a wealth of practical advice and candid testimonies from believing athletes on how to live the good sporting life.

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"I have very much enjoyed Stephen Liggins’ insights into the sporting world, both from the amateur grassroots perspective and from the high-level professional elite sports perspective. I would love a dollar for every time I’ve been asked how, as a Christian, I navigated the world of international rugby and all that goes with it. When I was selected to play for my country at the age of 21, reading a book like The Good Sporting Life would certainly have helped!
"I often think about the highs and lows that sport can deliver, and the pitfalls that can await a known sportsperson strutting their stuff on the global stage. These are made so much more difficult without a deep, personal relationship with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit to guide and provide peace and joy in all circumstances—which makes the repeated encouragement throughout this book to “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness” one of its most helpful and important features.
"Forty years after accepting the salvation that Jesus offers freely to all, I can say that my Christian relationship is the most important thing for me as I head into what is probably the final third of my life. I encourage all young sports players to learn from the wisdom found in these pages, so that they can say the same."
—Nick Farr-Jones, Former captain, Australian rugby team

"I’m going to order numerous copies of this book, because I stand on the touchline every week with parents who aren’t near church but who love their kids, love the game, and are longing for a map with which to navigate the world of sport. I’ll say to them: “This isn’t really written for you, but you’d be mad not to read it.” On page after page they’ll find a great passion for sport, some of their heroes being quoted—and the wisdom of Scripture. I loved the read and so will they."
—Rico Tice, Senior Minister, All Souls Langham Place, London

"What a great read! Stephen’s book is founded on a strong biblical theology with heartwarming anecdotes from Christians deeply embedded in the world of sport. This is a marvellous model of practical theology, and a work that I highly recommend."
—Graham Daniels, General Director, Christians in Sport (UK)

"As a first grade player, international ‘7s’ referee and elite sports chaplain, I’ve found that the hardest question for Christian sportspeople hasn’t been “How do I make that vital tackle?” or “How do I get the ball into the goal?” but “How do I survive as a Christian in the sporting world?” Stephen Liggins has written a book I have waited a lifetime for. It answers questions the Christian sports participant, coach, supporter and pastor want answered about Christianity and sport. It is a must-read."
—Rev Dr David Tyndall, International sports chaplain and founding member of Sports Chaplaincy Australia

Stephen Liggins has worked as a lawyer and in the media and, when younger, almost become a professional cricketer. These days he serves as a pastor at a church in Sydney, is a visiting lecturer at Sydney Missionary and Bible College, and writes Christian books and articles. He is the author of Travelling the World as Citizens of Heaven.