Faith-Based Sports
John and Kari Holloway, along with their leadership team have directed the Upward flag football and cheerleading league at Christ Church Fraser Michigan for what is about to be their fifteenth season. The league director role isn’t one that John and Kari immediately jumped into, though.
Their journey with Upward Sports began in 2006 when they sought a faith-based sports program for their children. After enrolling in a basketball league in their area, John was given the opportunity to coach. Over the next several seasons, John continued coaching with Upward, learning more about the ministry. It wasn’t until their sons started playing in an Upward flag football league that they considered possibly starting a league at their church. With only one Upward flag football league in Southeast Michigan at the time, they recognized the need for more faith-based sports opportunities in their area.
A Leap of Faith
A lot of prayer and planning went into starting a league at the small church in Fraser, Michigan, along with a leap of faith.
John, someone who loves sports, already had experience coaching in an Upward league, but recognized that running a league was different. He and Kari spent time learning more about directing a league. John, along with other guys from the church, attended a weekend training event. Through prayer and discussions with their church, they were ready to begin their journey as league directors.
While their church had the property available for an outdoor sports league, it wasn’t set up and ready to go. It required the removal of several large trees. The church was supportive throughout, and with the removal of the trees, the league was ready to begin.
An Outreach Mission
Although they no longer attend the church themselves, John and Kari continue to direct the flag football and cheerleading league, which has grown into an outreach mission of the church. In fact, none of the children who participate in the league attend the church, and nearly 60% of the league’s participants are unchurched altogether.
While they advertised the league the first couple of years, word of mouth has helped it to grow, reaching even more families in their community. John and Kari recognize a need for Upward in their community, noting that they are not the only sports league in the area, but the only faith-based sports option.
The congregation has and continues to support the league since the beginning. They don’t let age or not always having kids or grandkids in the league hold them back from stepping up to serve. They are there bright and early on Saturday mornings, ready to serve.
“They love the league, they support the league, they get there early and do all the things,” Kari says.
This year, the league will even honor one of its volunteers who recently passed away with memorial stickers on popcorn bags.
A Family Ministry
John and Kari may run the league, but they admit that it has become a ministry for their family, too. 3 of their 4 kids participated in an Upward Sports league when they were young, with John often coaching their teams. Now grown, their sons come out to support the league their parents run by refereeing in Saturday games. Their daughter, who recently got married, is there to help with evaluations, which is a busy event before the season. This year, her husband plans to help out with the league as a referee. While helping out in various roles of the league is a tremendous support, there are other ways their family supports the league. Kari notes that her mom comes out every Saturday to watch the games.
“It’s a ministry that God has put before us and asked us to continue doing, and I am here until He tells me otherwise, and He hasn’t told me otherwise,” Kari states.
“Blessed Because We Get to Do This”
Running a sports ministry league involves a lot, but both John and Kari believe it is worth it and that they are doing what God has called them to do.
Kari says, “It’s God’s call on my life to serve Him in this way to know that a football and a pom-pom are bringing the truth of Christ to all of these kids and outside of those kids, their families.”
“We are honored and privileged that we get to do this. We don’t feel like we have to do it; we are blessed because we get to do it,” John says, adding, “If one person gives their life over to Jesus because of it, it was worth it.”
Written by Corrina Ramirez, Content Writer at Upward Sports.
Inspired by John and Kari’s journey? You can make a lasting impact in your community just like they have. Starting an Upward Sports league is more than organizing games. It’s creating a space where faith and fun come together to change lives. Whether you’re passionate about sports, outreach, or simply want to serve, there’s a place for you in this ministry.