The Association of Church Sports and Recreation Ministries
Philippians 1:27 - Sunathleo
Dr. Greg Linville
July 29, 2026
Teamwork, Partner, Struggle
Philippians 1:27
“Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.”
sunathleo: to strive together, contend side by side, or labor with
Who’s your Gospel ministry partner?
Hello, my name is Dr. Greg Linville and one of the main goals of these emails is to empower athletes, coaches and sports ministers to engage in effective Gospel outreach. One of the keys to effective outreach is to be part of a team. To this end, the Apostle Paul used the word athleo’…yes God inspired Paul to use the word athlete…to communicate a spiritual lesson that is more fully understood by the very use of the word athlete!
In this passage the Greek word sunathleo’ is often translated in the English as: “strive together with” and thus the spiritual lesson for all athletes and coaches who desire to integrate their faith and sport and/or for any sports minister to enhance their outreach ministry…is to look for a ministry partner.
Who’s your sunathleo’ – who’s your Gospel ministry partner?
