From Chicago to the Big Ten: Kris Loving on Faith, Officiating, and Finding Ministry Everywhere

In this episode of Risk & Resolve, Ben Conner and Todd Hufford sit down with Kristopher Loving, Big Ten football official, Fellowship of Christian Athletes leader, teacher, chaplain, and minister. Kris shares his journey from growing up in Chicago to officiating college football at the highest levels while discovering that ministry isn’t confined to a church building. This conversation explores faith, leadership, sports, purpose, and the courage to say yes when God calls.Main Talking PointsGrowing up as an only child on Chicago’s west sideThe church influence that shaped Kris’s leadership and faithThe moment he fully surrendered his life to Christ in 2011Learning leadership through church ministry and public speakingMoving from Illinois to Minnesota and entering a new season of lifeHow a simple conversation led him into sports officiatingReceiving a vision of ministry through officiating sportsThe unlikely path from first-year official to Division I footballWorking Big Ten football and the UFLThe hidden preparation, study, and discipline required of elite officialsBuilding relationships and ministry opportunities within officiating circlesHow sports became a platform for serving people outside church wallsWorkforce chaplaincy and meeting people where they areCreating a legacy of faith, stewardship, and service for future generations