Uplift is a webinar series from Upward Sports made for church leaders, ministry directors and volunteer leaders. You are invited to hear directly from experts in the fields of disease control, hygiene, communications, mental health and more to gain invaluable information about safely and thoughtfully reconvening in your community as shelter-in-place requirements are lifting. At Upward Sports, we are big fans of churches across the nation and the communities they serve. By offering conversations on pressing topics related to gathering again, we hope to cut through some of the noise and offer clear, well-informed guidance.
We hope this series empowers and uplifts you with encouraging, helpful insights for the future.
Thanks to all who joined us for Episode 1 of our Uplift series! If you were unable to attend and would like to hear the discussion, click the link below for the webinar recording.
Episode 1 | May 21
Roundtable Discussion: Safe Sports Ministry
Thanks to all who joined us for Episode 2 of our Uplift series! If you were unable to attend and would like to hear the discussion, click the link below for the webinar recording.
Episode 2 | May 28
Dr. Ko shared important insights on the intersection of faith, medicine and public health.
Meet our guest for
Episode 2
Reverend Dr. Stephen Ko
Reverend Dr. Stephen Ko, MD, MA, MPH, MDiv, serves as senior pastor of New York Chinese Alliance Church in New York, New York. As an ordained Christian & Missionary Alliance pastor, he is passionate about evangelism, global health missions and holistic ministry, as exemplified by the life of Christ. In addition to seminary training, Rev. Dr. Ko’s healthcare specialties include pediatrics, preventative medicine and public health. He is currently an adjunct professor at Alliance Theological Seminary, where he enjoys teaching.
Previously, he served as a global health professor at Boston University’s School of Public Health and as a medical officer for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. He has worked extensively in Africa and Southeast Asia on diseases of epidemic potential. He enjoys helping individuals flourish in their faith, mentoring church leaders and teaching seminary and graduate students. Writing at the intersection of faith, medicine and public health is a particular passion.
Thanks to all who joined us for Episode 3 of our Uplift series! If you were unable to attend and would like to hear the discussion, click the link below for the webinar recording.
Episode 3 | June 4
David Fousse shared on the importance of having an effective communication strategy as you re-open and re-engage with in-person ministry
Meet our guest for
Episode 3
David Fouse
As a partner at Pinkston, David has developed and implemented public relations campaigns for a number of faith-based, nonprofit and corporate clients like Bethany Christian Services, Barna Group, American Bible Society, AIG Life and Retirement, PenFed Credit Union, the Consumer Technology Associaton, 3Pillar Global, the Heritage Foundation, the US Institute Against Human Trafficking, and FreedomWorks. Additionally, David is a frequent contributor to the Forbes Agency Council, sharing regular insight and expertise into effective, proactive storytelling and communications.
David brings to Pinkston a background in finance, advertising and publishing, business development and client strategy and management. Prior to joining Pinkston in 2005, David spent 12 years running his own company that specialized in developing revenue-generating programs for publishers and nonprofit organizations.
Thanks to all who joined us for Episode 4 of our Uplift series! If you were unable to attend and would like to hear the discussion, click the link below for the webinar recording.
Episode 4 | June 11
David Reimann shares what you need to know to prepare your space for community gatherings. David dives into the differences between cleaning, sanitization and disinfecting, and expands on 4 principles to help you build trust when gathering again.
Meet our guest for
Episode 4
David Reimann
David has extensive knowledge in thoroughly and effectively cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting facilities to promote the health and safety of all. He is a passionate supporter of Upward Sports and has served as a coach in different capacities for over 20 years. He and his wife, Aimee, have been married for 24 years, have three wonderful children and currently reside in Greenville, South Carolina.
Thanks to all who joined us for Episode 5 of our Uplift series!
Episode 5 | June 18
Dr. Clinton discussed the current state of mental health, particularly how youth are affected and some tangible ways to come alongside others in the trauma they are experiencing.
Meet our guest for
Episode 5
Tim Clinton
Tim has been married 39 years to his wife, Julie, and together they have two children, Megan and Zach. In his free time, you’ll find him outdoors or at a game with his family and friends.
Thanks to all who joined us for Episode 6 of our Uplift series! If you were unable to attend and would like to hear the discussion, click the link below for the webinar recording.
Episode 6 | June 25
Sports ministry leaders and Upward team members talk through the top concerns we’re hearing from churches as they look to start re-engaging in sports ministry. We also started a conversation around the rising opportunities churches have to meet the youth sports needs in their community due to COVID-19.
Meet your hosts for
Episode 6
Nathan Holm
Drew Provence
Ted Carmody
Ministry Consultant | Upward Sports and a Sports Ministry Leader
Joel Flaugher
Market Research Specialist | Upward Sports and a Sports Ministry Leader
