Sport and spirituality: do the two mix? You’ll most likely find the Sunday stands packed out rather than the pews. But with sport such a massive part of many of our lives, we take a look at how faith can impact the sporting world.
From pitch to pulpit
Pitch to pulpit People go in to full-time ministry from all walks of life, but moving from the field of football's probably one you don't hear of too often. But that's the case for footballer Stuart Elliott. He racked up thirty-eight caps for Northern Ireland and played for a number of clubs including Hull and Doncaster.
Now, however, he's packed it up to join the leadership team at Living Hope Church in Hull. Premier's Marcus Jones caught up with him and to ask how he first found faith.
Keeping the Sabbath
Dan Walker Well the World Cup final comes to a close on Sunday. And if you've been watching some of the games over the past few weeks you may have spotted Dan Walker. He's been presenting some of the BBC coverage and touring South Africa on a bus speaking to local people and finding out about local projects.
But while all the other staff out there have been working seven days a week - Dan has an agreement that he doesn't work Sundays, because he wants to keep the day holy.
Premier's Marcus Jones caught with him before he left for South Africa.
South Africa's World Cup legacy
South Africa Legacy On May 15th in Zurich, Austria - footballing history was made.
South Africa became the first African nation to be awarded the World Cup. In the years that followed - people debated what impact it would have on the country. One of the reasons the World Cup was brought to South Africa was to change the economic situation and give a better life to these people.
Now the tournament's in full swing Premier's Marcus Jones has been exploring the legacy the World Cup is set to leave.
Persecution in the game
World Cup - Persecutiion Now it may be quite easy to get caught up in the hype of the football but off the pitch some of the nations involved in the tournament are known to be the worst persecutors of Christians. Premier's Marcus Jones has been delving a little deeper into the issue.
The role of churches in the World Cup
Role of churches Well the World Cup's now in full swing and even though England are out of the contest, football fans will still be gathering in pubs, shopping centres and each other's homes. But is there somewhere else they could watch the games? What about a church? Premier's Marcus Jones has been exploring the idea.
The God squad
God Squad As World Cup fever grips the nation, top Christian author and footie-fan Dave Roberts reveals the church origins of the beautiful game. And for those who don't know their off-side rule from their elbow, 'Football for Dummies' author, Scott Murray, has all the must-know info to get you through the tournament…
Gareth Southgate: forgiveness & faith on the pitch
Gareth Southgate The ex-England international talks about that penalty which saw England lose against Germany and knocked out Euro '96. Plus he gives the lowdown on the Christian faith of his footballing contemporaries and also reveals his little-known poetic side…
The Jesus t-shirt ban
Jesus t-shirt ban Brazilian footballers have been told not to reveal religious messages when celebrating during the World Cup. In previous years several players such as Kaka and Lucio have shown t-shirts with the words I belong to Jesus.
Speaking to Christian organisation 2K Plus commentator John Motson says this ruling will be a huge disappointment to some Brazilians.
Can sport be spiritual?
Spiritual Sport
Ahead of the World Cup, hear what England footie legend (and sometime rapper) John Barnes thinks about the place faith has in the beautiful game. Plus the Church of England’s first ever Ambassador for Sport, Tim Friend, & Christian in Sport's Pete Nicholas, reveal how we can use sport as a way of spreading The Word...
An Idiot's Guide
Idiot's Guide to the World Cup
Whether you like it or not, the football World Cup is here - and it's here to stay for the next few weeks.
Premier's Marcus Jones brings you an idiots guide to what's going on in South Africa.
Faith and Football
Linvoy Primus was a firm fixture on the Portsmouth pitch before retiring through injury in December 2009. He shares his story and how faith has played such an important part in his journey.
Ask the expert
Each morning on Inspirational Breakfast from 7am Martin Saunders takes a look at all the action from South Africa. Do you have a burning World Cup question for our resident expert? Let us know below.