About Cross Training Publishing

Cross Training Publishing is a Christian sports ministry resource organization committed to helping coaches and athletes integrate biblical truth into every aspect of athletics. Our mission is built on the simple idea of “Doing Sports God’s Way”—developing character, pursuing excellence, and competing for God’s glory.

How It Began

Our roots go back to the 1970s when Wes Neal pioneered biblical research on athletic performance. His groundbreaking writings—including The Handbook on Athletic Perfection and Total Release Performance—helped athletes understand competition through Scripture, shaping a movement that spread internationally.

Growth and Resource Development

In 1989, Gordon Thiessen founded Cross Training Publishing following 28 years of ministry with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Seeing the need for faith-building resources beyond camp experiences, he launched the Cross Training Workout—a spiritual growth plan designed for athletes. That effort grew into a wide range of devotionals, Bible studies, and coaching tools used by sports ministries across the country. Influenced by Neal’s work and partnering with longtime Nebraska football coach Ron Brown, Cross Training Publishing has developed practical discipleship tools rooted in Scripture for over three decades.

Connection With Kingdom Sports

In 2018, the ministry expanded its reach under the banner of Kingdom Sports, equipping leaders and teams at all levels with biblical coaching principles.

  • Kingdom Sports provides camps, clinics, and ministry consulting.
  • Cross Training Publishing serves as the publishing arm—producing the books and resources that fuel this mission.

Visit Kingdom Sports at: www.kingdomsports.online

Our Ongoing Mission

Today, we continue building tools that help transform the culture of sports by offering:

  • Books and discipleship materials
  • Video and digital training resources
  • Workshops and ministry partnerships

Our desire remains the same: to help the sports world see competition as a God-given platform for spiritual growth and Christlike influence.