Artwork for podcast Stories of His Glory
Process, Purpose, and Pursuit | Jacob Sommerfeld | Ep. 026
Episode 26 • 9th June 2026 • Stories of His Glory • Ryne Jungling
00:00:00 00:43:40

Share Episode

Shownotes

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

_____

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:

If this story encouraged you, share it with a coach, athlete, or friend.

🎧 Follow the show so you never miss more stories of how Jesus is transforming lives through the world of sports.

🙏 Leave a review and help us declare the glory of Jesus Christ everywhere.

Links

Chapters

Video

More from YouTube

More Episodes
26. Process, Purpose, and Pursuit | Jacob Sommerfeld | Ep. 026
00:43:40
25. Missouri, Mentorship, and Spiritual Maturity | Logan Kopp | Ep. 025
00:43:56
24. Jesus is Better | Jalen Sundell | Ep. 024
00:40:27
23. Leadership That Lights the Way | Scott Kost | Ep. 023
00:45:04
22. More Than a Game: Living for What Lasts | Jordan Williams | Ep. 022
00:37:23
21. From Performance to Purpose: A Story of Surrender and Identity in Christ | Jackie Molden | Ep. 021
01:04:01
20. An Ambassador in the Arena: 46 Years of FCA Ministry | Randy Jensen | Ep. 020
01:03:25
19. Joy on the Hardwood: Trading Pressure for Peace in Jesus’ Name | Kennedy Stormer | Ep. 019
00:45:58
18. Purpose, Perseverance, and Pressing On | Isaac Sevlie | Ep. 018
00:48:34
17. Building Culture and Character Through a Foundation in Christ | Jacob Holmen | Ep. 017
00:40:21
16. Reading Guards and God's Word: How Scripture Changed the Heart of a Linebacker Forever | James Kaczor | Ep. 016
00:52:38
15. Season 1 Recap | FCA Staff | Ep. 015
00:45:36
14. One Contact Sport to Another: Football and Discipleship | Jeff Hoplin | Ep. 014
00:54:39
13. From March Madness to Middle School Ministry | Luke Moormann | Ep. 013
00:41:11
12. Wrestling With Heartache: How God Uses Tough Moments to Draw us Closer to Him | Scott Knowlen | Ep. 012
01:03:41
11. On Mission in Madagascar: From Professional Football to Disciplemaker | Moreno | Ep. 011
00:48:57
10. Fields, Faith, and the Fight for this Generation | Jeff Martin | Ep. 010
00:57:35
9. From Hoops to Hope: How God Called a Coach to a Life of Lasting Impact | Chad Even | Ep. 009
00:58:46
8. His Dreams, Not Mine: A Story of Surrender for His Glory | Alys Seay | Ep. 008
00:50:09
7. From a Broken Shoulder to an Eternal Mission | Brian Conklin | Ep. 007
00:52:30
6. Logging Miles: A Powerful Ministry Strategy for Every Coach | Chad Hammontree | Ep. 006
00:44:43
5. Radically Changed: How Jesus Rescued a Sinner | Tommy Butler | Ep. 005
00:46:38
4. A Bus Ride, a Bible Study, and New Life: A Journey to Christ and FCA | Ev & Teri Nelson | Ep. 004
00:59:10
3. Legacy of Influence: A Journey from Coach to Christ-follower | Rudy Steidl | Ep. 003
00:43:35
2. Iron Sharpens Iron: A Coach's Lifelong Mission for Christ | Ted Schultz | Ep. 002
00:33:30
1. How the Impact of a Coach Changed a Life Forever | Nate Safe | Ep. 001
00:36:18