By Bryson Foster | Oct. 29, 2025
Founder and CEO of CEDE Sports and Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) Chaplain Bob Dyar, has been involved in sports ministry for over 35 years. Dyar created CEDE in 1996, and God has continued to grow the organization.
"We're trying to be faithful to what God has called us to do, and as a result, we're seeing a multiplying ministry happen. After 30 years, we are still doing the same thing," said Dyar.
That same mission has been reflected in the organization's values. Dyar said keeping Christ in the middle is the most critical aspect of the ministry.
"I am for trying to do things in such a way that it constantly keeps us Christ-centered," said Dyar. "I want to focus on Christ, not on the gospel. I want to worship Christ."
The early years
Dyar is originally from Columbia, S.C., and grew up with a love for all sports. He came to Christ during his senior year at Spring Valley High School, marking the beginning of his spiritual journey.
"I went to a meeting one night," said Dyar. "I heard about who Jesus was and what he had done. I'd never really understood Christianity. That was my first real understanding of biblical Christianity. That was when I committed my life to Christ."
Heading into college, Dyar attended Wofford College in Spartanburg, S.C., playing for the golf team. Dyar was there for two years, winning a national title with the squad before transferring to the University of South Carolina in the summer of 1974 to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.
Dyar became involved with multiple campus ministry organizations during his time at South Carolina.
"The dilemma I faced was that when I became a Christian, the God of my life up to that point had been sports and competition," said Dyar. "I got heavily involved with a local church even while I was in college. That was a significant growth for me in terms of understanding scripture, what it means to follow Jesus and how I live that out."
Dyar took the next step in his education by attending The Ohio State University to obtain a Master of Science in Computer Science in 1976, but he did not feel it was a good fit. After a year in Columbus, Dyar returned to South Carolina in 1977 to pursue his Master of Business Administration.
A career switch
After obtaining his MBA, he started working in the Information Systems Industry, but God had a different plan for his life.
"I got involved in the local church, but in 1987, after my dad died, I began to realize that I had always been doing what I did to please him. I realized I no longer had to do that, and I could do what I felt like God was calling me to do," said Dyar.
After working at Christ Covenant Church for five years, he was asked to attend a race by the founder of Motor Racing Outreach (MRO), Max Helton, who was a member at the church. That race changed Dyar's career trajectory once again.
"I didn't know anything about racing. Racing is boring. I didn't really want to go," said Dyar. "I saw Max's ministry with a lot of NASCAR guys. He probably connected with more non-Christians, loving them, caring for them, telling them about the gospel, than anybody I've ever seen."
Shortly after the race, Helton and the MRO board voted for Dyar to become their executive director in 1993. After three years with MRO, Dyar jumped over to JGR after leading Bible studies with the team.
"I turned 40 in 1994, and it was then that I began to realize I had a real passion for sharing the gospel and discipling new believers. That was the job description for chaplains in race teams. I was the first chaplain for a race team," said Dyar.
Over the years, Dyar has grown the ministry at JGR, and he said his favorite part is helping others on their spiritual journeys.
"I love seeing guys come to Christ and then begin to grow spiritually," said Dyar. "It's neat to see how God has used our work at Joe Gibbs Racing to impact not only people here but also those on other race teams."
CEDE Sports
In 1996, Dyar created CEDE Sports, meeting the need of mobilizing churches and chaplains into sports ministry built upon relational outreach.
Dyar said putting God's plan first is the mindset of the organization.
"God has been faithful to continue to grow CEDE Sports," said Dyar. "In times when we weren't trying to grow, he brought growth. Other times when we thought we were going to grow, he slowed things down. That's okay with us. We don't have this plan that we're hoping God blesses. We're just trying to follow God's plan."
In 25 years, CEDE has worked with thousands of local churches on five continents and sports chaplains in more than 100 countries. Currently, CEDE has staff and associates in North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Africa.
"I had a world map on the wall, and I didn't know why. Now I understand why, because God is using what we're doing around the world," said Dyar.
When it comes to legacy, Dyar wants to be remembered for one thing.
"I hope people see Christ in me," said Dyar.
Dyar's life and ministry reflect a steadfast commitment to keeping Christ at the center of everything he does. Through CEDE Sports and his chaplaincy at JGR, he continues to impact lives around the world by faithfully following God's call.