The Association of Church Sports and Recreation Ministries
Hebrews 12:1 - Agon
Dr. Greg Linville
August 13, 2026
AGON, Striving, Struggle, Suffering, Competition
Hebrews 12:1
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”
Agon: competing, struggling, or striving
Whose “race” are you running? The one set out for you or one someone else wants you to run?
Today we introduce the theme of running our “race.” Our conversation is based upon our continued study of the Greek word Agon which was an athletic term that was rooted in the concept of an athlete’s “striving, battling or ... running” to overcome an opponent or obstacle.
Hebrews chapter 12 verse 1 is written to inspire Christians to run with endurance their “race.” Sometimes, a sports minister feels the pressure to be more like a traditional minister but this pressure should be resisted because, just as each runner should run their own race...at their own pace...and with their own strategy...a sports minister should engage in the style of ministry that God has created, positioned, gifted and ordained them for.
Action point: Commit yourself this day to running the “race” God has set for you!
