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"Evangelistic-Disciplemaking" Sports Outreach
Strategically Relevant, Effective and Efficient
"Evangelistic-Disciplemaking" Sports Outreach
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Sunday Sport? The Sabbath/Lord’s Day in Relationship to Sports Outreach Ministry
Sunday Sports is perhaps the most controversial issue confronting the Sports Outreach Movement. Many Sports and Recreation Ministers, Church Recreators and Fitness Ministry leaders wrestle with whether or not to program sports outreach activities on a Sunday and almost every Christian athlete, coach and athletic director has already made a decision on whether or not they will play, coach or organize sport on Sunday. Christian families are also faced with the question of their “sporty” kids’ priorities and commitments. Specifically, should their children participate in “travel team,” AAU or other specialized and/or elite athletic sports activities if they occur on a Sunday? The answer to Sunday Sports cannot be determined quickly and must not be pre-decided by the often emotional desire to play sport at a high level…even if that desire is tied up with a desire to utilize one’s sport to glorify God and/or reach others for God. The good news is that an answer can be ascertained by reflection on five key Level #1 Theological Truths: a) Sabbath Day; b) Lord’s Day; c) Ecclesiology (theology of The Church) in relationship to church association and participation; d) Missiology (theology of missions) in relationship to biblical principles of reaching those far from Christ; and e) Soteriology (theology of salvation) in relationship to evangelism and discipleship. The issue of Sunday Sport is indeed uniquely linked with each of these Level #1 Theological Truths and a complete understanding or decision cannot be made without a thorough theological examination. Sabbath and Lord’s Day [1] The theological foundation for athletes and their families considering participating in Sunday sporting activities begins with understanding the biblical mandates and principles concerning the Sabbath and Lord’s Day. The two are similar, interconnected, and yet remain two separate entities. This week we will look at the Sabbath… Sabbath A brief overview of foundational statements concerning the Sabbath as it relates to local church sports consists of the following five foundations. First, “honoring the Sabbath Day” is the 4th law of the Ten Commandments. Second, the Ten Commandments were spoken once, and written twice by God. Third, the penalty for breaking one of them was a death by stoning. Fourth, the 4th commandment is the only one of the ten discussed in all five books of the Law! Fifth, when the priority of the Ten Commandments, in terms of their order, is properly understood, the significance of the Sabbath Day Commandment is even more profound as it is number four! While all ten are vital, God leads with the weightier ones so as to communicate each serves as the foundation for obeying the ones that follow. Bearing these five foundational points in mind, the two renditions of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20 & Deuteronomy 5) are affirmed by many other Old Testament passages and reveal three main Level #2 Philosophical Principles. [2] The way the day is to be honored and observed is to be as: a) a day of rest; b) a day of worship; and c) a day of witness. Thus, the fourth Commandment is foundational for obeying the six commandments that follow and it also helps fulfill the commands of the first three. The bottom line is, Christ followers have no option as to whether or not they are to observe the day, as to keep it holy. We are commanded to observe the day, keeping it holy. We do however have some leeway in how this observance is manifested. This observance will be further clarified and more fully explained by next week’s blog on Lord’s Day considerations. [3] This blog is an excerpt from Dr. Linville's yet to be released book. All rights reserved. For any reproduction right, including copying, computer reproduction, etc. contact Dr. Greg Linville at CSRM International C/O The World Outreach Center 5350 Broadmoor Circle NW Canton, Ohio – USA 44709 or glinville@csrm.org [1] The full discussion on Sabbath and Lord’s Day considerations for local church sports outreach is found in chapter 6 of my book - Christmanship. The discussion here is but an overview of the subject. Any serious consideration of whether or not to participate in Sunday sport must include the treatise in the Christmanship book along with what is proposed here. See the bibliography of the book for additional books on this and related topics. [2] See the following: Gen, 2.2; Neh. 8.1-8 & 10.28-39 & 13.15-21; Isaiah 56.2-6 & 58.13, 14; Ezekiel 20.1-31 & 46.1. [3] Again, please see chapter 6 of my book Christmanship for a full discussion on the Lord’s Day and its relevance for local church sports ministry. What is offered here is but a mere and partial summary of this most vital theological truth. Is Sports Outreach Working?
REVIEW: This series of blogs is designed to explore how the Sports Outreach Movement can develop more effective methodologies. This is done through the lens of the Sports Outreach Ministry Continuums of Tension. Previous blogs articulated insights based on continuums 1-3. The current sub-series considers the 4th Sports Outreach Ministry Continuum of Tension: Mega-event / Process Evangelism. This week’s focus proposes a model for synchronizing the Mega-event with Process-styled evangelistic-disciplemaking efforts. SUMMARY OF THE MEGA-EVENT / PROCESS-STYLED CONTINUUM: So far I have established that the Mega-event and Process-styled philosophies of evangelism each have liabilities and both have assets What is needed is a synthesis of the two ends of the continuum. This analysis strongly suggests a new Level #2 Philosophical Principle which will lead to a more effective Level #3 Methodological Model. This new philosophy and all new methodological endeavors are based on the Sports Outreach “5-B’s” of evangelistic-disciplemaking which was outlined in the last blog. A New Model Historical Sports Outreach Models have provided a certain level of limited success in reaching those far from Christ but, I believe they have fallen far short of their potential. I believe a new philosophy that leads to an improved methodology is needed. The new model I’m suggesting synthesizes the assets of, and mitigates the negatives of, each of the two prevailing models (Mega-event / Process-styled) for truly effective, efficient, relevant and strategic sports outreach. This new model can be accomplished in three steps. STEP #1 – COMMIT TO WORK COOPERATIVELY This new model builds on my proposal of a previous set of blogs which discussed the 3rd Sports Outreach Movement Continuum – Para-ministry / Local Church. The proposal of that set of blogs suggested local churches and para-ministries commit to work cooperatively towards an evangelistic-disciplemaking end-goal of seeing the unchurched become dedicated disciples of Christ who are intimately involved in a local church. STEP #2 – COMMIT TO SYNERGISTICALLY CREATE A NEW MODEL The second step entails the para-ministries and local churches envisioning, planning for, implementing and cooperating to forge a comprehensive, year-round outreach that maximizes the strengths of both models. STEP #3 – COMMIT TO ENGAGE AND ENABLE LOCAL CHURCH MEMBERS The basis of this new synchronized model would be to mobilize a local congregation’s members, and empower them by training, equipping and resourcing them to reach their friends, neighbors and family members through weekly sports and recreation activities and leagues. What Does this New Methodological Model Look Like? The foundation of the new model maximizes the Process-styled philosophy by creating a sustainable, year-round set of sports leagues and recreation activities, which enable church members the opportunity to initiate and cultivate, deepening relationships with unchurched people. However, the new model utilizes the Mega-event philosophy in two major ways: a) maximizing the attractional power of a Mega-event to initially draw people to a knowledge of, and an invitation to, join the church’s sports and recreation programs; and b) using the motivational power of a Mega-event to call people to an initial faith in Jesus, or a renewed and deepening faith in Him. It is true, many churches successfully reach the unchurched through Process-styled evangelistic-disciplemaking activities and never employ the Mega-event philosophy. It is also true churches have reached some through the Mega-event philosophy, but neither approach is nearly as successful as when the two are synergistically combined. Next week’s blog will change direction and begin a discussion on the controversy of “Sunday Sport.” This blog is an excerpt from Dr. Linville's yet to be released book. All rights reserved. For any reproduction right, including copying, computer reproduction, etc. contact: Dr. Greg Linville at CSRM International C/O The World Outreach Center 5350 Broadmoor Circle N. w. Canton, Ohio – USA 44709 or glinville@csrm.org Other blogs and articles on Local Church Sports written by Dr. Greg Linville are archived at: www.csrm.org and http://www.csrm.org/blog201112-2.html Is Sports Outreach Working?
REVIEW: This series of blogs analyzes the underlying reasons for why it is that the Sports Outreach Movement has not fulfilled its promise. This analysis is done through the lens of the Sports Outreach Ministry Continuums of Tension. Previous blogs articulated insights based on continuums 1-3. The current series considers the 4th Sports Outreach Ministry Continuum of Tension: Mega-event / Process Evangelism. This week’s focus outlines the core content of Process-styled evangelism: The “5-B’s” of Process-styled evangelistic-disciplemaking. The “5-B’s” of Evangelistic-disciplemaking BELONG – The first step in Process-styled evangelism is to create a community that lives out the gospel in vibrant, profound and loving ways; into which those who are far from Christ are not only intentionally welcomed but, more importantly, are irresistibly drawn into. This Level #2 Philosophy was modeled by the 1st century Church, perfected by the early Celtic Church, and has remained a staple of every congregation successfully engaged in evangelistic-disciplemaking. Rather than requiring non-believers to go through some rite of initiation such as becoming baptized or taking a catechism course, these “Celtic-styled” churches understand the other four “B’s” follow, rather than precede, belonging, to a congregational body. BELIEVE – It is out of belonging to a church community, that non-believers experience the gospel. Rather than hearing the gospel, they experience it. They experience it in all of its fullness, passion and yes, even in its failures. After experiencing the gospel being lived out, those who have been far from Christ find themselves drawn to the truth, love and freedom of the Christian faith. It is within this loving community that belief in Christ occurs. BAPTIZE – Baptism follows the belief of all who “convert.” Conversions which occur within the Christian community are celebrated by the community through the sacrament of Baptism. In these Celtic-styled communities, baptism follows, and grows out of, belonging to the community, rather than preceding it. BEHAVE – Once again, we see the distinction the evangelistic-disciplemaking Philosophical Principles of a Celtic-styled Christian community. Rather than demanding those far from Christ to behave in Christ-like ways before they can belong to or be baptized by a local assembly of The Church, they understand Christ-like behavior follows belief in Christ. It does not precede it. BECOME – The final step in the evangelistic-disciplemaking process is becoming a life-long disciple of Christ. Those who believed, were baptized, are empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit and encouraged by loving brothers and sisters within the community to which the new convert belongs, experience the process of becoming “new creatures” in Christ. Their lives are forever changed! The synthesis of the Mega-event and Process Evangelism Philosophies Next week’s blog will build upon the “5-B’s” of the Celtic-styled evangelistic-disciplemaking Process-styled evangelism and demonstrate how it can be synthesized with the Mega-event philosophy for a truly catalytic new Level #2 Philosophical Principle. Other blogs and articles on Local Church Sports written by Dr. Greg Linville are archived at: www.csrm.org and http://www.csrm.org/blog201112-2.html This blog is an excerpt from Dr. Linville's yet to be released book. All rights reserved. For any reproduction right, including copying, computer reproduction, etc. contact: Dr. Greg Linville at CSRM International C/O The World Outreach Center 5350 Broadmoor Circle N. w. Canton, Ohio – USA 44709 or glinville@csrm.org REVIEW: Many church leaders are becoming increasingly concerned about the perception the Sports Outreach Movement has not delivered its promised results of accomplishing the Great Commission. This series of blogs addresses the underlying reasons for this through the lens of the Sports Outreach Ministry Continuums of Tension. Previous blogs articulated insights based on continuums 1-3. The current series considers the 4th Sports Outreach Ministry Continuum of Tension: Mega-event / Process Evangelism. This week’s focus is on the positives of “Process Evangelism” …
Why Process-based Evangelistic Endeavors are Effective There are at least three main reasons the Philosophical Principle of Process-based Evangelism empowers The Church to most effectively achieve the Great Commission: a) it maximizes the power of long-term personal relationships; b) it provides long-term sustainable outreach; c) it provides a vehicle to communicate authenticity … PERSONAL – As stated in the previous blog: “Research and personal experience tell us most people who profess faith in Christ, and become life-long Disciples of Christ do so through personal relationships, not by reading a tract, article or book.” What people seek is relationships in an impersonal culture and authenticity in a “virtual reality world.” This is especially true of the new generation. While they are attracted by the glitz and glamour of the beautiful but shallow culture, they yearn for personal authenticity. An evangelistic-disciplemaking philosophy built upon authentic, personal relationships provides what is being sought. SUSTAINABLE MINISTRY – Again, as stated last week: “Almost every Christian…tells a similar story… (their) conversion occurred over a period of time…it takes a totally secularized, non-churched, not-yet-believing adult 6-7 years to profess faith in Christ and in addition, during that time, they experience positive relationships with 5-6 followers of Christ.” Churches have found their most effective evangelistic-disciplemaking efforts are those that connect with people over long periods of time. This is where sports and recreation activities are so strategically effective. Such outreaches provide the key element for keeping the secularized, non-churched, not-yet-believer involved over a long period of time…often years! The key is, such sports outreaches meet the perceived need of people. Non-religious people want fitness, competition, recreation and fellowship and will even come to a church if what is offered is authentic, of high quality and lovingly respectful. Sustainability in outreach is crucial for the success of any evangelistic-disciplemaking efforts. AUTHENTICITY – A culture that promotes image over substance and bright lights over significance leaves a void in the hearts and lives of most people. While the lack of culture to provide substance and significance is disheartening, it does leave open a wide door for The Church to walk through. Unfortunately The Church has chosen Methodological Models that mirror, rather than meaningfully contrast with what culture offers. During the last 25 years most Americans and many throughout the world have witnessed the moral failings of many “celebrity” Christians, including many so-called Christian Athletes. Many, if not most, non-religious people have become increasingly cynical and weary of the “Platform Proclamation” of “talking heads.” Local church evangelistic-disciplemaking endeavors are most effective when they mobilize, empower, equip and enable parishioners for long-term, friendship based outreach and then provide them with opportunities (such as sports leagues) to foster authentic relationships with their non-churched friends, family and associates. YET, SYNTHESIS OF THE TWO PHILOSOPHIC PRINCIPLES IS NEEDED – Next week’s blog will propose a new model for evangelistic-disciplemaking. It entails combining the best of both sides of the 4th Sports Outreach Continuum and minimizing the downsides of the two models. This synthesis is based upon the “5-B’s of Evangelistic-disciplemaking.” Other blogs and articles on Local Church Sports written by Dr. Greg Linville are archived at: www.csrm.org and http://www.csrm.org/blog201112-2.html This blog is an excerpt from Dr. Linville's yet to be released book. All rights reserved. For any reproduction right, including copying, computer reproduction, etc. contact: Dr. Greg Linville at CSRM International C/O The World Outreach Center 5350 Broadmoor Circle N. w. Canton, Ohio – USA 44709 or glinville@csrm.org
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