Josie and Symone sit down with legendary football coach Steve Johnson, who led Bethel University’s football program for 35 years, amassing 252 career wins and a .694 winning percentage. He transformed the team into a national powerhouse and has been inducted into the Minnesota Football Coaches Hall of Fame. Coach Johnson shares personal stories from his childhood in Chicago, his father’s influence, and his journey to becoming a coach. He dives deep into the importance of building strong team culture, leading with love and accountability, and staying connected to God through life’s challenges. Whether you’re a coach, athlete, or leader, this episode is packed with wisdom on faith, leadership, and teamwork.

• 0:00 – Introduction
• 3:30 – Childhood and Family Roots: Growing up in Chicago, his father's ministry, and the importance of gratitude.
• 10:45 – Faith Journey: Understanding of God’s love and how it shaped his coaching and leadership.
• 18:30 – Coaching Philosophy: Building a team culture where players care for each other and give their gifts away without seeking credit.
• 26:00 – Winning Through Accountability: balancing excellence and character.
• 34:15 – Faith in Action: The importance of praying without ceasing, rejoicing always, and being thankful in all circumstances.
• 41:45 – The Role of Football in Faith: How team-building, joy, and hard work go hand-in-hand.
• 51:00 – Wisdom for Parents & Grandparents: Showing unconditional love, and living out faith for the next generation.
• 1:02:45 – Final Thoughts: Love deeply and walk in faith. We are in a spiritual war but know that the King has already won.

1. "Gratitude leads to joy, and it’s hard to be grateful and grumpy at the same time."​
2. "If you don’t care who gets the credit, you’ll have more joy, and you’ll be more effective."​
3. "God isn’t mad at us—He loves us deeply, and we can’t even comprehend the extent of it."​
4. "Love can be accountability. It’s not just about being soft, but holding each other to a higher standard."​
5. "We’re in a war, and while the King has already won, it’s our job to stay in the fight and walk in faith."
6. "Pray without ceasing doesn’t mean you have to stop everything—it means staying connected to God in everything you do."​
7. "The way you walk, the way you care, and the way you love will make the biggest difference."
8. "Be grateful in all things, because even in trials, God is growing us."
9. "Grandparenting is about letting your grandkids see your joy and love for Jesus—it’s the best gift you can give them."

1. Bethel University Football – https://athletics.bethel.edu/sports/football
2. Coach Johnson - https://athletics.bethel.edu/sports/football/roster/coaches/steve-johnson/2087
3. Brennan Manning Teachings – https://a.co/d/8gMNjYP
4. Hawaiian Pidgin Bible - https://www.bible.com/bible/76 | https://a.co/d/dhgwSky

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