By Bryson Foster | Jan. 22, 2026
Sports are being used globally to share the Gospel. Eric Habelt and Rock Springs Church have seen significant growth, leading over 240 children to Christ in 2025.
“Our most important thing is to keep the focus where it is and stay locked in on our vision and mission to build champions for Christ,” said Habelt.
Habelt credits the partnership with CEDE SPORTS as a significant reason for the ministry’s success.
“We are so grateful for what God's doing,” said Habelt. “We're trying to grow relationships with Christ through scripture. We wouldn't be doing what we're doing without CEDE SPORTS and people like Ken Cross, who has mentored me.”
Back to the start
Habelt grew up in church and gave his life to Christ in seventh grade. He started his career in the business world before God changed his life plan.
“God gave me a nudge to go into teaching and coaching, which was my first calling,” said Habelt. “I didn't know what God would do with me after that. I was coming up on 30 years in business, and I was like, well, am I going to keep going, or does God have something in store? And after 30 years of coaching and teaching, the Lord called me into full-time ministry.”
Habelt got involved with Rock Springs Church after meeting Pastor Benny Tate. Habelt knew right away he wanted to help Tate bring his plan to fruition.
“I met Pastor Tate through circumstances that were just unique, and through that meeting, I became involved,” said Habelt. “They had athletic fields and were just getting started, doing some things, but not yet officially deciding exactly how they were going to go. They decided to go with a full-time sports ministry pastor. Thanks to that vision and the Lord's blessing on the ministry, it's been unbelievable for two and a half years.”
Rock Springs ministry
The Rock Springs Sports Ministry is about building champions for Christ through athletics. There are leagues in all sports with the express purpose of using sport as a vehicle to honor God.
Habelt said he would not have been equipped to lead without the mentorship of CEDE SPORTS Church Coach and Chaplain Ken Cross.
“Ken showed me what the difference would be,” said Habelt. “Taking it to a full-fledged sports ministry where you're not only playing the sports with a faith-based mentality but truly building champions for Christ. Everything you do must be centered around that first and foremost. The sports part is truly secondary to leading people to Christ.”
The Rock Springs Jr. Sports Leagues have flag football, basketball, soccer and baseball for youth to compete in. Kids learn weekly Bible verses and these leagues allow the church to spread the Gospel to the local community.
The church has increased its participants every year, reaching 540 in 2025. There have been 240 salvations for Christ in their ministry this year, an increase of 152 since 2024. Habelt said this feat is something they are proud of.
“We were just blown away this year by the number of kids we've been able to reach for Christ,” said Habelt. “We are just so thankful that the Holy Spirit was going crazy through the ministry. We've got so many coaches constantly working with their kids, challenging them to learn their memory verses and grow in their relationship with Jesus.”
Next steps
Rock Springs Church is looking to expand its ministry to include adult sports leagues with Frisbee and co-ed softball. Rock Springs will also host travel ball tournaments and merge with other churches to expand its ministry reach.
Habelt said that without God bringing volunteers to help them, none of this would be possible.
“I tell you, without volunteers, you can't do it. I'm just so thankful for the provision God has given us through all our volunteers and the many people involved,” said Habelt.
Habelt said they are excited to see what God will do next within their sports ministry.
We're doing a lot of long-term planning for that, as well as short-term planning for our programs here on the main campus,” said Habelt. “We want to continue growing the ministry in a way that's not about the numbers. Our most important thing is to keep the focus. If we can do that, we will be able to keep that family-first, faith-based atmosphere out there on the fields.”
To find out more about the Rock Springs Church Sports Ministry, follow the link below.