Eric Nelson Now President Of Athletes In Action To Help Spread Gospel
By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News
XENIA, USA (Worthy News) – Prominent former U.S. basketball coach and athletic director Eric Nelson has been appointed president of the Christian group Athletes in Action.
“With more than 38 years of experience working with athletes and coaches,” Nelson “is stepping into the presidency,” the U.S.-based group announced Tuesday. “A former athletic director and basketball coach, Nelson shares the ministry’s passion to develop athletes physically, mentally and spiritually.”
He arrives while Atlethes in Action says it uses its “global presence in more than 85 countries” through “the universal language of sports to share a life-changing message of hope.”
Nelson will oversee “a ministry” that says, “We dream of a day when there are Christ-followers on every team, in every sport, in every nation.”
He succeeds Mark Householder, who led Athletes in Action as president for 16 years. Householder plans to stay as a full-time employee of Cru, described as an “interdenominational Christian evangelism and discipleship” group.
Athletes in Action is Cru’s sports arm. It says it is “committed to giving people everywhere the opportunity to know and experience God’s love and plan for their lives.”
Nelson was chosen to take over the leadership role as he has a “reputation for strong leadership and integrity, both on and off the court,” Athletes in Action said.
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE
“Nelson joined Athletes in Action in 2003 to work with the men’s basketball tour and direct international opportunities. Additionally, he led basketball projects in 15 countries and was instrumental in creating the Athletes in Action’s International Coaches Academy, which provides “elite training and leadership development to coaches from around the world.”
In a statement shared with Worthy News, Nelson said, “We want to help develop Total Athletes—players who are growing physically, mentally, and spiritually.”
Nelson, who most recently served as Athletes in Action’s vice president of catalytic ministries, added: “I’m honored to lead a team helping athletes and coaches maximize their influence by leveraging character, leadership, and athletic excellence.”
The groups explained that Nelson was selected following “a rigorous interview process led by a diverse team of Cru leadership, the Athletes in Action Board of Trustees, and Athletes in Action staff members.”
“While many strong candidates align with the heart and mission of Athletes in Action, God gave us unified clarity that Eric is meant to be our next leader. I’m grateful for his willingness to step into this position and look forward to seeing what God will do through his leadership,” said Cru U.S. National Director Mark Gauthier.
The Athletes in Action Sports Complex and Retreat Center in the U.S. state of Ohio, including the state-of-the-art John Wooden Family Fieldhouse, hosts more than 200,000 visitors each year through practices, games, retreats, team building, and special events, organizers say.
These activities are part of a broader mission, Athletes in Action suggested. Athletes are “dedicated to pursuing greatness, training day in and day out to be a walking highlight reel and a household name. From a spectator’s view, they have all the keys to success, but many are left searching for a purpose no trophy, ring, or high-profile status can satisfy.”
Since 1966, Athletes in Action has “been helping competitors find a relationship with the One who truly satisfies, join a community where they are valued beyond their success, and use their platform to make a difference in the world.”
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