Average JoeSample

INTRODUCTION

AVERAGE JOE tells the unwavering true story of Coach Joe Kennedy, a high school football coach who gained national attention when he was fired for his practice of praying at midfield after every game. What began as a simple gesture of faith and gratitude became a point of intense legal and societal contention. When Coach Joe refused to be silenced or compromised, his story became a powerful example of standing firm in faith amidst opposition. His journey, much like the spiritual battles many believers face, highlights the importance of commitment, integrity, and perseverance.

In AVERAGE JOE, we see the reality of spiritual warfare, where our conflict is not against societal or legal systems but a deeper struggle. This aligns clearly with the words of the apostle Paul in Ephesians 6:12.

While Coach Joe’s immediate challenge involved public scrutiny and legal disputes, the larger battle was one of faith—standing against spiritual opposition that sought to suppress the expression of his relationship with God.

In this Plan, we will unpack not only the narrative of Coach Joe’s journey but also the broader implications for Christians today. How do we remain steadfast in our faith when faced with external pressures? How do we navigate the tension between public life and private faith? And what can we learn from Coach Joe’s perseverance in holding to his convictions, despite the cost?

From the director and producers of God’s Not Dead and the producers of The Blind comes AVERAGE JOE, in theaters beginning October 11, 2024, in churches October 21 through the end of November, and through other channels afterwards.

DAY 1: A Rough Start

Growing up, Joe faced intense rejection and instability. His early school years were filled with frequent fights, detentions, and expulsions. Joe’s adoptive parents provided food and shelter but little emotional support or connection. The only bright spot in Joe’s life was his next-door neighbor Denise. He fell in love with her at first sight (at the age of nine!), and they bonded over their traumatic home lives. Denise introduced Joe to the concept of prayer, and even though he wasn’t sure about God, Joe knew there was something special about Denise.

Unwanted and unloved, Joe was sent away by his adoptive parents to live at an all-boys home. When Joe tried to return home, he found the door locked. A neighbor revealed that his family had moved, leaving him feeling even more abandoned. With nowhere else to go, Joe returned to the all-boys home, ready to keep fighting his way through life. One of the leaders could see the pain in Joe’s eyes and using the example of an ugly but surviving tree, the older man shared, “God doesn’t make throw-aways.”

Reflection

• How do childhood challenges shape the way we handle adversity as adults?
• In what ways did Joe’s rough upbringing prepare him for the challenges he would face later in life?
• How does faith help overcome feelings of rejection and inadequacy?