In 2022, three sport psychologists interviewed runners to discover what kind of cheering helped them and what type of cheering didn’t. They discovered the most helpful type of cheering was either instructional or motivational. Cheering that was unhelpful included criticisms and shouts to dig deeper when the runner already felt that they were giving all they had. Based on their research, here’s their advice for how to best cheer for someone running in a race, and it just might work for those we are mobilizing as well:

Give useful information about the course. What’s coming up next? How far until the next water station?
Be clear and specific. Cheering, “Less than a mile to go!” is more effective than, “You’re almost there!”
Give praise for their effort. A phrase as simple as, “Nice work!” can go a long way.
Make it personal. Make eye contact with the runner. If possible use their name or bib number.
Be authentic. Speak the truth and be careful not to mislead. There’s no need to tell them they can catch up with the runner that’s obviously way ahead and running faster than them.
Build confidence. Help them believe in their ability to complete tasks or achieve a goal. Let them know how well they’re doing and express your belief that they can keep pushing.

While we should be cautious about modeling our mobilization efforts and strategies on sports psychology, there are some useful tips for mobilizers as we cheer on those in our sphere of influence.

1. Give clear and specific information about your mobilization process. Say things like, “Once you fill out the inquiry form, a mobilizer will text you within 24 hours to set up a time to talk about what God is doing in your life.”

2. Inspire and educate. Don’t say things that would discourage them. For example, don’t say, “If you’re struggling with self-control, you’ll never make it on the missions field.” Rather say, “I can see God working in your life. Six months ago, that particular situation would have made you angry, but I saw you handle that with a lot of grace and respect."

3. Make it personal. Be friends with those you’re mobilizing, especially if you’re the same gender. Don’t consider it so much of a job you have to do, but a friendship you get to have. Have them over for dinner, go to a concert together, or invite them to meet you at the park to take a walk.

4. Be authentic, transparent, and vulnerable. Don’t just share the best parts of life on the missions field or the best aspects of your agency, but talk about the struggles, disappointments, and things you’re learning. If you want the younger generations to trust you (and you do because they won’t go with your agency if they don’t trust you), share some of the things your agency is working on. You can say something like, “Our agency really values member care and it’s one area where we feel like we’re pretty strong, but we are currently struggling with some of our systems that are slow and out-dated, so that’s an area we are working on as an organization right now.”

5. Give them assurance. The younger generations feel their weaknesses more than their strengths, so an important part of the mobilizer’s role is reassuring them along the way. Say something like, “With God’s help, you can do hard things.” or “This might be a difficult time right now, but I believe in you and what God is doing in your life. You are right in the center of God’s will right now, so walk in the confidence that He’s in control of your today.”

I’m writing this article at our local YMCA where I’m waiting for my son and his friends to finish playing basketball. There are people walking around the track, swimming, and working out. Though it might be a little weird for me to walk up to them and start cheering them on, know that I’m cheering you on, mobilizer! I’m in your corner and if you’re like most mobilizers, you yourself could use a little encouragement today. So keep going, take a minute to zoom out and thank the Lord that you get to partner with Him on this amazing journey. You are right where God wants you to be today.

Dave Jacob
Chief Servant Officer
Gospel Mobilization

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5 Lessons from a Study on Cheering