Hey there, Kingdom dwellers and faithful free throw shooters! Today, let’s dive into a topic that’s often overlooked amidst the pews and prayers – the divine intersection of sports and Christian ministry. Now, I might not be as seasoned as some of the more well known Pastors and authors out there, but I’m here to sprinkle some holy humor and courtly wisdom on the matter.
Did you know that we spend more money on youth sports programs annually than we do on coffee and doughnuts combined? Yes, that’s right! We’re talking about a heavenly investment here. The Aspen Institute estimated U.S. families spend $30 to $40 billion annually on children’s sports activities.
You might be wondering, “What’s the big deal? Aren’t churches supposed to be all about sermons and potlucks?” Well, let me tell you, my friend, we’ve been missing a slam dunk-sized opportunity! I couldn’t find a study, so this is purely anecdotal evidence, but did you know that most churches do not have an effective sports ministry, or any sports ministries at all?
In my pilot program, I have heard numerous accounts of how our league was used as a way to get non believers and non church goers interested in attending a church service. I have heard about how much people enjoy the fact that what I created was more than just a league, it was a MINISTRY! That word right there is the key: ministries involve the provision of assistance, guidance, and support to others, often with the aim of meeting their spiritual, emotional, or practical needs.
A good metric suggests healthy churches spend up to 60% of the church’s money spent on local ministry according to Aplos Academy, and yet, why do we have such a void of effective sports ministries? When was the last time you heard a church brag about their sports ministry? Stick with me and we will explore how and why sports ministries will help the younger generation find their home away from home.
⚽⚾🏀🏈🏐🙏