Brad Minns
9 min read ⭑
“I feel closer to God while doing the little things we do each day, such as making the bed, putting dishes away or washing the cars. When my attitude is right while doing the seemingly insignificant things, then all kinds of creative ideas start flowing, my self-discipline is exercised and my walk with God gets stronger.”
QUESTION #1: ACQUAINT
There’s much more to food than palate and preference. How does a go-to meal at your favorite hometown restaurant reveal the true you behind the web bio?
My favorite hometown restaurant is J & G Pizza in Sylvania, Ohio. We’ve been eating there as a family since I was a boy, and now, when I visit my brother Jimbo, we usually stop and pick up pizza, Greek salad and chicken shish kebobs.
Occasionally, we run into locals we recognize from growing up. It’s always a joy when we do. It’s fun catching up with old friends and learning about what’s been going on in their lives. The restaurant is still the same as I remember it from growing up. The tables, wall art and pizza ovens still look like they did from the ’70s and ’90s.
When my wife travels with me, we always make sure to stop at J & G. Driving on Main Street in Sylvania leading up to the restaurant is like a picture right out of a Hallmark movie with small mom-and-pop shops, eateries and bakeries. The place is always busy, which proves great food, service and locations never go out of style — so why change anything?
Nathan Dumlao; Unsplash
QUESTION #2: REVEAL
We’ve all got quirky proclivities and out-of-the-way interests. So, what are yours? What so-called “nonspiritual” activities do you love and help you find spiritual renewal?
I begin each day by getting up around 4 a.m., reading the Word and praying. Then I lift weights and walk an hour through the neighborhood, where I continue my communication with the Lord. This helps me prepare my mind and body for whatever the day may bring.
Each year, I’ll set goals for everything, including spiritual and fitness goals. This year, I’m reading through the one-year Bible.
When I was 13 years old, I fell in love with bodybuilding after reading Arnold Schwarzenegger’s book, “Arnold: The Education of a Bodybuilder.” Bodybuilding is something I’ve enjoyed and stuck with all these years. The Bible says that “physical training has some value” (see 1 Timothy 4:8).
I’m grateful for the inspiration from Arnold’s book. I’ve been blessed with so many wonderful accomplishments by applying what I’ve learned from bodybuilding. It’s a great lifestyle. Since the body doesn't belong to us but to God, I’ve done my best to care for this gift and have taught many others to do the same.
QUESTION #3: CONFESS
Every superhero has a weakness. Every human too. We’re just good at faking it. But who are we kidding? We’re broken and in this thing together. So, what’s your kryptonite and how do you hide it?
After losing my hearing at age 3 to a high fever, I’ve relied on lip reading and hearing aids when conversing with others. Group conversations, noisy environments and mumblers make it difficult for me to understand what’s being said. Sometimes, I’ll guess what was said and my response will be way off, or I’ll just nod my head so the other person thinks I understand, but again, I’m guessing.
Guessing has led to embarrassing situations all my life, so I’ve learned how to escape these situations mostly with humor. For example, my friend and I were waiting in line at a restaurant once when a girl said to me “That’s a nice hat you’re wearing.” Not sure what she said exactly, my response was, “Oh, it’s about 3 o’clock,” guessing she was asking me for the time.
As a tennis coach, remembering people’s names is a must! We have to say each person’s name around three times during the on-court teaching examination to become a certified coach. This part always makes me sweat since, again, more often than not, I’m guessing.
QUESTION #4: FIRE UP
Tell us about your toil. How are you investing your professional time right now? What’s your obsession? And why should it be ours?
Right now, I’m very excited to say we’ve made a movie! The movie is based on a book I wrote in 2013 titled “Never Give Up.” My wife and I were asked to coach the United States Deaf Tennis Team at the Sofia, Bulgaria, Deaflympics. We shared the book with the deaf athletes who were there from around the world, then continued to share the book wherever we went for over 10 years.
Along the way, many people started saying, “You should make a movie.” I wrote this down on a prayer request at my Thursday morning Bible study and continued to write it each week on the prayer request sheet.
A few years later, producer Rick Eldridge and I met at the same Bible study. We met for breakfast again with our wives where we passed off a copy of the book to Rick. A year or so later, we met again. Rick had the name of an outstanding writer from L.A. One thing led to another, and the movie “Never Give Up” was released on September 1, 2023. DVDs and streaming are due to be released on December 1, 2023.
QUESTION #5: BOOST
Cashiers, CEOs, contractors or customer service reps, we all need grace flowing into us and back out into the world. How does the Holy Spirit invigorate your work? And how do you know it’s God when it happens?
Over the years, my relationship with God has grown. This is mainly because of my consistent daily routine. I feel closer to God while doing the little things we do each day, such as making the bed, putting dishes away or washing the cars. When my attitude is right while doing the seemingly insignificant things, then all kinds of creative ideas start flowing, my self-discipline is exercised and my walk with God gets stronger.
There have been days when I’ll stand and look at a pile of dirty dishes or an unmade bed and thoughts will creep in of putting it off or questioning the point of the task. I’ve learned to immediately tackle those thoughts by taking action and getting all the little things done. Then, my mind settles, and clear thoughts and vision return.
I was blessed to be on the set of “Never Give Up” for the month of filming. It was amazing to me to see the organization, preparation and professionalism that the entire cast and crew exhibited each day. During this time, it was easy to see the Holy Spirit working in so many ways as everyone went about their work performing all the little details with excellence. As a result, many friendships were made, careers blessed and people inspired — all while working toward a common goal of creating a movie that will encourage and give people hope.
QUESTION #6: inspire
Scripture and tradition beckon us into the rich and varied actions that open our hearts to the presence of God. So spill it, which spiritual practice is workin’ best for you right now?
Nothing replaces reading the Bible every morning. God’s Word is our spiritual nourishment. Without it, I get spiritually weak. Shortly before I came to Christ, I won a bodybuilding championship now known as “Body for Life.” To win this competition, I had to gain 21 pounds of muscle mass in 10 weeks. That meant weight training three days a week, high-intensity cardio three days a week and six small meals daily.
My goals were clear and simple: reach 191 pounds, win a Corvette and $50,000, and meet Arnold Schwarzenegger! I did everything by the book and achieved these goals. Now, if I had missed a meal, protein shake or a supplement, then I wouldn’t have reached 191 pounds in 10 weeks. Missing meals, skipping workouts and losing sight of the prize cause physical weakness.
After I won all these great prizes 10 weeks later, I was feeling physically stronger than ever. However, I discovered I was spiritually bankrupt. It was then that I began training a Christian man who wore Scriptures on the back of his shirt. Eventually, I invited Jesus into my heart and applied the same daily disciplines toward my spiritual training, which is far more valuable. The spiritual nourishment from reading God’s Word, the Bible, every day gives me the strength needed to accomplish all the work that God requires of me.
QUESTION #7: FOCUS
Our email subscribers get free ebooks featuring our favorite resources — lots of things that have truly impacted our faith lives. But you know about some really great stuff, too. What are some resources that have impacted you?
Movies and books are two of my favorite things. It’s always been my dream to write a book and make a movie. My wife and I watched an old titled “A Man Called Peter” about the true story of Peter Marshall, who was the chaplain of the Senate during World War II. This movie inspired me so much to be bold in sharing the gospel.
Peter Marshall was from Scotland. He preached with a powerful deep voice and inspired everyone with his God-given ability to create beautiful pictures with his words. Not long after we first saw the movie, my aunt passed along an old book called “Mr. Jones, Meet the Master,” which is a compilation of Dr. Marshall’s sermons.
Next to the Bible, this is my most treasured book. It sits proudly on our dining room table with its solid black cover with gold letters. The pages are weathered and smell like my grandpa’s attic. Every now and then, I’ll grab a coffee, get in the leather recliner and journey into one of Peter Marshall’s colorful sermons. His words spoken all those years ago still ring true today.
We all have things we cling to to survive (or thrive) in tough times. Name one resource you’ve found indispensable in this current season — and tell us what it’s done for you.
A “Rocky” marathon! These movies have stood the test of time for me. We have the whole set in our movie case. Whenever I need a boost, I’ll watch one of these movies. “Rocky” never fails to give me the inspiration and motivation needed to push through challenging times.
When I’m playing a big point on the tennis court or going for a tough shot on the golf course, I’ll reach into my memory bank for a scene from “Rocky” or a similar film that shows an underdog overcoming great odds to become victorious! This always helps me get into the right frame of mind to win.
QUESTION #8: dream
God is continually stirring new things in each of us. So give us the scoop! What’s beginning to stir in you but not yet fully awakened? What can we expect from you in the future?
I’m an encourager. I’m at my best whenever I’m encouraging someone. Speaking in public used to be one of my biggest fears. God has put me in situations where I’ve had no choice except to speak in public. Now, I anticipate and look forward to speaking opportunities that allow me to encourage people and share my testimony. I’ll continue to pass out the book “Never Give Up” wherever we go and let God do the rest.
My mother taught me at a young age (which you can see in a scene in the movie “Never Give Up”) to take one shot at a time on the tennis court and also to watch the seams of the ball. Today, I use those lessons to take one day at a time and keep my eye on the Lord. His Word promises that if we trust in him, he will make our paths straight.
I have some ideas for writing another book. Maybe I’ll do an inspirational podcast or some kind of documentary. I also love Broadway musicals. Even though I can’t sing or dance — don’t laugh, now — I’ve thought about creating some kind of musical. Hey, with God, all things are possible, right? Only if we never give up!
Research shows a staggering 92% of people give up and abandon their goals due to discouragement.
When was the last time you felt like giving up? Have you ever experienced a relationship, a health problem, a legal battle or financial circumstances that seemed totally hopeless?
In those kinds of situations, it’s tempting to feel like God has forgotten us or that we’ll never make it through. But what’s the truth?
Our heavenly Father says: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. … Do not be afraid, for I am with you” (Isaiah 43:2, 5a, NIV).
“Never give up” may sound easier said than done — but it’s possible when we hold tight to the One who’s right beside us.
Brad Minns is a tennis professional and trainer. After college, he became the number-one deaf tennis player in the U.S., won numerous World Deaf Championships, and helped the U.S. win its first-ever Dresse Cup in 1995. He also won the Experimental and Applied Sciences (now EAS) nutritional supplement transformation contest for bodybuilding in 1995 and became their second national spokesperson. Nowadays, he teaches others to overcome challenges and reach their goals. He and his wife, Ginny, live in Orlando, Florida, where he shares his testimony of living for Jesus at FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) groups.
