God’s ‘More’ Is Bigger Than Leah Church Imagined

On Thursday, Leah Church held up—then ripped up—images of her many accolades, encouraging the audience that worldly accomplishments don’t matter. “The only thing that’s going to matter is if you know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.”

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever.
—Ephesians 3:20–21, ESV

This familiar Bible verse rings true in Leah Church’s story, which she shared at the Billy Graham Library on Thursday.

The former University of North Carolina basketball player’s life is marked by abundant blessings. She earned a full ride basketball scholarship to her dream school. She broke a world record in three-pointers, gaining national media attention. She scored the game-winning shot over Notre Dame, the No. 1 team in the country at the time.

But what does “far more abundantly” mean when God takes His gifts away?

As Leah approached her final year of college, her beloved school began taking stances on issues she couldn’t promote.

“I was faced with the decision: Do I stay in my dream school and play my senior year of basketball, yet compromise what I believe in? Or do I walk away, give up my dream, but stay true to my faith?” Leah asked in front of the audience.

In 2020, she decided to end her basketball career at UNC and graduate early, leaving Carmichael Arena on her own terms—and standing strong in her faith. But it wasn’t easy.

“I remember there was a couple of days that I could hardly get out of bed because the depression was so real and the battle was so real. I struggled with giving up the game that I loved so deeply for so long,” Leah shared.

Leah’s story inspired many in the audience to stay true to their faith in Christ. Those who attended 'A Night with Leah Church' received a copy of her book, “Long Shot,” which shares more of her story.

Sitting in the audience, Addie Healy understood the feeling. Her biggest dream was to play basketball in college, but no matter how hard she worked, it seemed like schools were always looking at someone else.

During last year’s recruiting season, Addie’s mom, Stacie, sent her an article where Leah was interviewed about God’s perfect plan—which often looks different than what we expect.

Addie kept that article tucked in the back of her phone case, a visual reminder to persevere and keep her eyes open to how God is working.

During that season, Addie said, “I was just reading about how, in due time, God will work everything together for those who love Him. Just hearing [Leah’s] story, it really gave me faith and helped me to persevere.”

Eventually, Addie received offers to nine colleges, a dizzying amount to choose from. Yet again, her story mirrored Leah’s. Addie pivoted from a playing career to choose God’s calling: youth ministry.

While many in the audience were just like Addie—young people impacted by Leah’s courage and strong faith—other listeners were triple her age, moved by Leah’s authentic love for the Lord.

“In this day and age, it is going to be harder and harder to stand for Jesus,” Leah told the crowd. “But I implore you to purpose in your heart to be a Daniel—that when that time comes, you will stand fast.”

This message came at the perfect time for Summer Edwards. Her daughter is considering attending a secular college in the fall, and Summer now has a word of encouragement to take back to her.

Leah shared with the mom that the most important things her daughter can do are stay rooted in her faith and surround herself with friends who are a good influence.

Identity in Christ

Toward the end of the evening, Leah held up a poster with pictures of all her accolades: story headlines, social media videos with millions of views, even her degree. She ripped up the poster, letting the pieces fall to the floor.

“None of that matters,” Leah emphasized. “The only thing that’s going to matter is if you know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. What [will] you do for Him with your time on Earth?”

A torn poster reminded the crowd that what’s on paper is far less important than what’s in your heart.

As Michelle and Gale Farr heard Leah’s message, they were thinking about their own personal ministry. The mother and daughter serve at a Christian school, mentoring young girls who often travel from closed countries to get their education in North Carolina.

Michelle is an assistant coach for the basketball team, and she is inspired to take this message back to her players: “You can play basketball and still be a Christian.”

“[Leah] took Christ with her,” Gale added. “God opened that door for her. He let her experience a dream, but she never let go of Him.”

Through Leah’s journey from recruitment to releasing her dream, God never let go of her.

“The times when it seemed like He was a day late, He was right on time,” Leah said. “When everything was up against me, Jesus was right there to walk through it with me.

“I want you to remember, believers: He is faithful. You are His child. No matter what you're up against, He does see you.”

Receive practical training to stand faithfully for God's truth during the Billy Graham Library's Evangelism Intensive with Lee Strobel on Aug. 15. Strobel is a former atheist and investigative journalist who now helps others defend the Christian faith.