For decades, sports and recreation ministry has been viewed and practiced as a means to accomplish evangelistic outreach.  The cultural popularity of sports and sportspersons has been a driving force for this sort of practice.  Even when integrated into a local church, sports and recreation has been viewed and practiced as a means for the church to reach out and into the community. All too often Sports Ministry has been used as a “calling card” and/or a platform for mass evangelism proclamations.

While this is not a bad practice, it has proven to be ineffective and falls short of the potential the ministry possesses.  It is a bad practice because it ignores the centrality of the Word of God as a means for spiritual blessing (salvation and sanctification).  It ignores the ministry pattern of Jesus and the counsel of Scripture.

Jesus invested time in the lives of people – especially the Apostles.  The “Church” He said He would build is established, built and sustained by the Word of God.  If we take just those two principles, it demands that any ministry – especially Sports Ministry – Scripture is incorporated into the fabric of that ministry.

Consider the counsel of God in these passages:
Romans 10:17  “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the Word of Christ.”  In other words, the living and written word  which people come to faith.  Why would we exclude this component in Sports Ministry?

II Timothy 3:16, 17  “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”  In other words, one’s spiritual growth or maturity is accomplished through the Word of God.  Why would we exclude the source of sanctification in our Sports Ministry?

Consider the counsel of Psalm 19
V 7a  “The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul;”  (It is the source of salvation.)
V7b  “…the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.”  (It is the source of wisdom.)
V8a  “The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;”  (It is a source of joy.)
V8b  “The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.”  (It is a source of enlightenment.)
V11  “…by them [Scripture] your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.”  (It is a source of protection and blessing.)

When flying, a pilot never questions the value of one wing over another; he knows both are critical.  The same is true for an evangelistic ministry.  Those evangelized need to hear the Word; those saved need to hear the Word.  A successful Sports Ministry must include the incorporation of Scripture to be all it could be.
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This is first of a two-part Blog
Written by Rodger Oswald
Founder of Church Sports International (CSI)
Founding Board Member of CSRM
Staff Emeritus CSRM

CSI Resources are available through the CSRM Website -  https://csrm.z2systems.com/np/clients/csrm/giftstore.jsp

Dearth of Existing Models
One last obstacle to creating truly evangelistic-disciplemaking local church sports outreach ministries…a dearth of existing models.  Yet, I rarely meet anyone within the Sports Outreach Movement who says they don’t agree theoretically with an evangelistic-disciplemaking approach to ministry.  However, few have actually incorporated it fully into their pragmatic ministry endeavors.   Thankfully, there are a few and the following is reflection by Jay Martin of Perimeter Church in Atlanta is evidence of that.  He starts his blog with a quote from Robert Coleman…
 
“Merely because we are busy, or even skilled in, and doing something, does not necessarily mean that we are getting anything accomplished.  the question must always be asked: Is it worth doing and does it get the job done?  This is the question that should be posed continually in relation to the evangelistic activity of a local church Sports Ministry.  Are our efforts to keep things going actually fulfilling the Great Commission mandate of Christ?  Do we see an ever-expanding company of dedicated people reaching the world with the gospel as a result of our ministry?  That we are busy in the church trying to work one program of evangelism after another cannot be denied.  But are any of these “program” accomplishing our objective?” Master Plan of Evangelism  Robert E. Coleman
 
These words haunt me as a ministry leader.  I am going to be held accountable for what I do with what I have been given.  I’m not going to be measured on the numbers in our programs or volunteers I’ve attracted (this is so easy to do).  No, I believe, for us who lead gospel-centered ministries, the question is; are we making Disciple Makers?

In our ministries [at Perimeter] we now strive (we’ve made many adjustments over the years) to create extraordinary environments that discover, develop and deploy life time disciplemakers.  In order to do that, we often have to re-evaluate…and stop doing things to start doing others.  We’ve shifted from being programmatic to become more people focused (missional).  This is where we spend the largest portion of our time and money and the result has been amazing.  Take the following testimony we received…

"There is a real change in the way I live my life as a result of what God did in my life through my involvement in Camp All America.  I want to thank you ,because the impact that has been made in my walk with Christ, and how I see the world, my growth as a leader is because you all take the time to invest in the summer staff. I'm incredibly thankful for everything y'all have done in my life.  I want to personally thank you for providing an environment in which my faith continued to grow. Working out (she was part of our staff fitness initiative) and self-discipline is a parallel to the faith and am overjoyed to have been able to experience it. This summer has seriously challenged me to continue these habits of self-discipline back at school. Y’all have made such a major impact on both my brothers and am so thankful that I got to experience similar opportunities.  This ministry has impacted me in a way that it’s taught me to be missional where I live work and play.  I work at a place where we are trying to bring the kingdom to our community and I live in a place where there are Muslims everywhere and they need Jesus. I’m called to be missional and I’ve learned that here.”

Yes, Mr. Coleman, I believe we are accomplishing our objective and it fuels us like nothing else we do.
Jay Martin – Director of Sports Outreach Perimeter Church – Atlanta
 
Perimeter Church is breaking the mold…they indeed are going into all the world and making disciples….not just getting decisions.
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This blog is an excerpt from chapter #2 of Dr. Linville's yet to be released book – Sports Ministry Fundamentals.  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, sports theology and ethics written by Dr. Greg Linville and other local church Sports, Rec & Fitness Ministers are archived at: http://www.csrm.org/blog/archives/05-2016

Local Church Sports, Recreation & Fitness Ministry
 

A most insidious disconnect exists on a core Level #1 Theological Truth.  This disconnect is in reference to evangelism and is closely connected to the theological area officially designated Soteriology – the theology of salvation.  When properly understood, this disconnect will explain to both local church and Para-ministry leaders why they are often at logger-heads with each other, and why their evangelistic efforts are often not successful.
This subtle, insidious disconnect lies in the fact that Church and ministry leaders compartmentalize evangelism and discipleship into separate endeavors, rather than viewing the two in conjunction with each other and perceiving them as a unified, whole continuum.  There is a huge difference between viewing The Church’s primary task to be the dual efforts of Evangelism and Discipleship, as opposed to a single-focused and unified effort.  I describe this single-focused effort by the term: “Evangelistic-disciplemaking.”  I believe this is a distinction with a profound difference, and becomes clearly seen as it is manifested in the divergence of the two approaches as practiced by sports-related para-ministries and local churches.
 
The next blog will describe the difference between seeking “decisions for a day” and “going to make life-long disciples” and its relevance to Local Church Sport, Rec & Fitness Ministry
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This blog is an excerpt from chapter #2 of Dr. Linville's yet to be released book – Sports Ministry Fundamentals.  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, sports theology and ethics written by Dr. Greg Linville and other local church Sports, Rec & Fitness Ministers are archived at: http://www.csrm.org/blog/archives/05-2016

FOREWORD
Sometimes I'm asked "Why all the Greek and Theology?"  Two main reasons: 1)  Understanding the Theological and Biblical Foundations are essential to envisioning, planning and implementing a local church Sports Outreach that meets the "4-Fold Evaluative Rubric:" Strategically-Relevant & Efficiently-Effective; and 2) Sports Ministers who know their theology and Bible are granted a respect by their Senior Pastors, Elders and other Church leaders.  Too often Sports Ministers are seen only as "pray & play guys."  I'm challenging all Sports Ministers to "study to show themselves approved," so local church Sports Outreach can be truly respected and esteemed within the "ecclesiastical world."  Are you up to the challenge?

This week's blog focuses on six New Testament words or phrases that describe and define The Church and its local congregations...

Six Biblical References to The Church
Six New Testament words are used in reference to what is commonly called The Church: A) Kuriokos; B) Ecclesia; C) Laos Theos; D) Soma Christos; E) Nymphe; F) Koinonia.  Don't worry so much about how to pronounce the words but do pay attention to what they reference and how they are to impact local church Sports Outreach. Each offers a unique perspective of what is called The Church and each provides insights into what/who is The Church as well as what the purpose and function of The Church is.  Only after The Church is understood can local congregations, or assemblies, of The Church be understood.

1. Kuriokos - The Church
The first word in the English language is actually where the word Church stems from - Kuriokos.  Literally it means “of the Lord.”  It is found twice in the New Testament,  Once in reference to the Lord’s Supper and the other to the Lord’s Day.[1]  This sense of being “of the Lord” or “belonging to the Lord” became the etymological root for the word Church.  This root is found in many other languages such as: Kirk (Gaelic); Kirche (German); Kirkja (Norse); and Kerke (Dutch), but all stem from the Greek Kuriakos.
2. Ecclesia – Those Called Out
The second Greek word is ecclesia which means “called out.”  Thus, ecclesia refers to people who are “called out” to be God’s people.
3. Laos Theos – People of God
The “people of God” theme runs throughout the entire Bible.  The Old Testament frequently references the Jews as the people of God.[2]  This repeated reference of God choosing and calling out a people to, and for, Himself is one of the most abidingly strong themes of the Old Testament.  This concept finds continuing fulfillment throughout the New Testament, although the actual phrase “people of God” or “God’s people” is only found in a handful of verses.[3]  This sense of “God’s People” not only continues in the New Testament but it is strengthened as it corresponds with, and its significance is expanded by, both the kuriokos and ecclesia themes referred to in the two previous points.
4. Soma Christos – The Body of Christ
The concept of The Church (ecclesia) being the body (soma) of Christ takes another step in the deepening significance of what/who the Church is.  It is important for anyone attempting to exegete (interpret) the body of Christ passages to differentiate between those that are referencing His body (such as his earthly body and the Lord’s supper passages) and those that specifically address The Church, but even so, a clear message is communicated: The Church (kuriokos) is called out (ecclesia) to be His people (laos Theos) and is considered His body (soma Christos).  This profound truth must not be under-valued nor overlooked!  In fact in many of these passages the soma Christos is paired with the term ecclesia.[4] The Church – Christians – is the very “body of Christ.”  This concept exudes incarnational theological ramifications.  The Church is to be Christ’s ongoing outreach to the world.
5. Nymphe – The Bride of Christ
While the perspective of the people of God (laos Theos) being the bride of Christ is more metaphorical and perhaps eschatological than other references to The Church (Kuriokos), it still communicates a vital message.  Those called out by God (ecclesia) are to be “wed” to Christ and should thus be pure and fully focused on Christ (the bridegroom).
6. Koinonia – A Christian Community
With a basic root meaning joint communion, Koinonia, when used in reference to The Church (Kuriokos), connotes a community of believers that is known for its rich fellowship and exemplary unity of faith and purpose.  Its distinction from the first five terms has to do with an emphasis upon the interaction of the constituent members rather than their standing before God or their relationship to Him.  It is more descriptive of what occurs in terms of human interactions and relations as a result of their relationship with Jesus.
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[1] 1 Corinthians 11.20 and Revelation 1.10.
[2] To list just two: Judges 20.2 and 2 Samuel 14.13.
[3] Hebrews 4.9 & 11.25; 2 Corinthians 6.16; Revelation 21.3.
[4] Colossians 1.18-24; Ephesians 1.22f & 5.23.

Next Week
Next week's blog will outline general theological concepts related to The Church and its local assemblies.
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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, sports theology and ethics written by Dr. Greg Linville are archived at: www.csrm.org

The Church has utilized many ministry strategies throughout history: hospitals, schools, arts, music, dance etc., but sport has a few distinctive advantages over other worthy endeavors… 

A. Its Relevance 

1. Sport attracts the two missing groups of most churches. Men and youth. What’s the common denominator? Both are hormonally challenged!  Any one with teens will tell you they are often “bouncing off the walls” because they have so much energy. In addition, it’s well documented the male hormone drives men towards activity. Most youth stop attending church shortly after the church stops providing refreshments, recreation and activity-based learning – usually about grade 3 or 4.  Men get and stay involved in churches providing manly “roles" and "rolls” (think donuts!).  It is important to feed men (physically and spiritually) and provide them with roles based on activity rather than communication.  But what is most important...it is vital to “challenge” men with the adventure of following Christ. Churches engaging in dynamic activities for youth and men will grow. 

2. Sports activities and sports facilities attract people. There’s something about seeing: families enjoying a parking lot of “inflatable games;” men kicking up the dust on a softball field; young adults running and jumping as they play ultimate Frisbee; or women "digging" and "spiking" volleyballs. Far more people are attracted to athletic pitches, fields and courts than ever think to attend a church service because the church has beautiful architecture. 

3. Sports activities provide continual marketing opportunities. Local papers keep league standings and will often advertise your upcoming leagues and activities for free. The print and other news media are always looking for innovative activities to feature and sports, tournaments and events all provide great stories for media in need of continuing story lines. 

B. It fulfills church growth principles 

1. Sport Ministry focuses on outreach. Most churches know they will not grow if they don’t evangelize. Yet they are often unaware of a very dangerous principle called “maintenance creep.” The shift from “outreach,” to “pastoral care” is often so subtle most churches aren’t even aware it is occurring until it is too late and their evangelistic efforts are no longer receiving the priority needed for continued success. Sports oriented activities are naturally attractive to the unchurched in ways unparalleled by any other ministry. 

2. It provides a role for everyone. Traditional churches are based upon verbal skills. Preaching, teaching, fellowshipping and even singing are all based upon verbal exercises. These activities are perfect for those who are gifted communicators. Not so much for those who are more inclined to activity. Many people are excluded from being able to serve or lead within the church. A sports outreach opens up roles for many non-involved parishioners. 

3. It provides a natural “back door” activity that church members can invite friends, families and co-workers to.” Whereas, most un-churched people are not receptive to invitations to a church service, they are very open to playing on a softball or football team. Furthermore, it provides a continual opportunity for relationships to deepen and develop because sports leagues occur at least once a week for months at a time. This becomes even more relevant by the fact it normally takes 6-7 years for a totally non-churched, secularized, non-believer to come to a personal faith in Christ! Most church outreaches last one hour, one day or perhaps in the rare occasion, one week. Sports keeps people involved for years, greatly enhancing outreach success. 

C. It has built in accelerators 

1. The accelerator of relevance is primary. The statistics of how many people participate and are interested in sport fluctuate each year but regardless of the year or the study the results are always the same: vast majorities of people are involved in sport, thus making it the most relevant connection to a secular world the church has. 

2. The accelerator of relationships is crucial to the overall goal of reaching and discipling those far from God. Men who met each other for the first time just prior to the game physically embrace one another after a teammate “puts one in the net” or "over the fence."  Sports bring disparate people together quicker than any other ministry. 

3. The accelerator of communicating faith is unparalleled. Sporting analogies, metaphors and experiences provide unique, insightful and relevant ways to communicate a personal and growing relationship with Christ. 

D. It is cost effective 

Would those who attend your Christian Education classes pay money to attend? Do you charge those attending your youth group or small groups? Yet, millions of people pay churches up to $150 per person to participate in leagues or other sporting activities. In addition, local businesses are willing to sponsor teams or otherwise advertise at your sports facilities and events. Concessions, sports gear and fundraisers such as marathons and tournaments are all “economic engines.” Sports ministries are far more cost effective and have a far greater potential for raising funds than any other ministry in the local church. 
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This blog is an edited article written by Dr. Greg Linville's in July of 2010.

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, sports theology and ethics written by Dr. Greg Linville and other authors are archived at: www.csrm.org