More Than a Game: Exploring Christian Students' Understanding of Sport as Worship.

Sport plays a significant role in the lives of many adolescents, shaping not only their physical routines but also their emerging identities. Among Christian youth, sport may also serve as a platform for expressing faith and spiritual devotion. This study explores how Christian secondary students in Australia understand the relationship between their faith and sporting performance, and whether they perceive athletic participation as a form of worship and discipleship. Using a qualitative methodology, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 students engaged in competitive sport across three Christian schools. Thematic analysis revealed recurring themes of embodied worship, stewardship of God-given ability, prayerful presence in competition, and identity integration. Participants articulated an understanding of sport not merely as physical discipline but as spiritual offering, reflecting theological verses such as our bodies being living sacrifices (Romans 12:1) and the integration of faith into all areas of life. This research contributes to the growing dialogue between theology and sport studies by offering insight into how young Christians articulate and live out a theology of worship through physical activity. The findings suggest potential for deeper faith formation through sport, and implications for Christian education, chaplaincy, and pastoral care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]