Process, Purpose, and Pursuit | Jacob Sommerfeld | Ep. 026

In this episode of Stories of His Glory, Ryne sits down with basketball coach and North Dakota Army National Guard officer Jacob Sommerfeld.

Jacob shares how sports first captured his heart, the lessons he learned as a role player on successful basketball teams, and how those experiences laid the foundation for a life of servant leadership. From the basketball court to military service, Jacob reflects on the importance of culture, teamwork, and embracing your role, even when you're not in the spotlight.

The conversation turns deeply personal as Jacob shares how a coach's Bible study transformed his understanding of Jesus from someone he merely admired to the true Lord of his life. He opens up about conviction, discipleship, accountability, and the ongoing process of sanctification.

Jacob also discusses a pivotal season when God closed the door on his plans to become a teacher, ultimately leading him into military leadership and back into coaching in ways he never expected. Through every twist and turn, God was teaching him to trust the process and surrender control.

Finally, Jacob shares his excitement about an upcoming FCA basketball mission trip to Madagascar and his passion for helping athletes glorify God through sports.

In this episode you'll hear:

• How sports taught Jacob teamwork, culture, and servant leadership.
• The impact of a coach who invested in him spiritually.
• The difference between following Jesus and simply knowing about Jesus.
• Lessons learned through failure, disappointment, and God's redirection.
• Why the people around us matter in our walk with Christ.
• How coaching can be a powerful platform for discipleship.
• The vision behind FCA's growing international ministry efforts in Madagascar.
• Why Jacob's coaching philosophy centers on one simple goal: Glorify God and have fun doing it.

Verse of the Day:

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." - Galatians 6:9

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Resources:

💪 Learn more about FCA in North Dakota: https://www.fcand.org

🙌 Support the mission: https://fcand.org/donate

☕ Thanks to our sponsor: Copper Dog Waffles & Coffee – Mandan, ND

Call to Action:

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