Decision for a Day, or Dedicated Disciple

While local church Sports Outreach Ministries and sports-oriented, para-ministries believe they strongly agree on the vital importance of evangelism, they may not realize the other group often applies a different meaning to the term evangelism.  To many within the para-ministry world, it is defined as a “decision for the day.”  Conversely, the way most of The Church world perceives the end goal of evangelism can best be described by the term: “dedicated disciple.”  Thus, it follows, if the end goal of “a decision for a day” evangelism is to have someone raise a hand, fill out a form, say a prayer, or go forward at a meeting, then a ministry’s philosophy and all subsequent methodologies will be conceived and implemented to have these “decisions for a day” occur.  However, if the end goal is to “go and make disciples,” both the philosophies and methodologies will be significantly different.  The efforts to establish life-long, dedicated disciples entail a longer view and different approach.

For example, if a particular congregation and/or denomination believe the end of their efforts are to have participants in their sports and rec activities pray a prayer to receive Christ then the thrust of their endeavors go into creating opportunities for that.  By contrast, if churches and denominations believe the end goal is baptism, church membership, attendance at church services, financial contributions to the church and/or participation in a bible study or disciple group, then they will organize their ministries towards those ends.  The reality is, most churches tend to tip towards either evangelism (the initial efforts to reach those far from Christ) or towards discipleship (developing disciples to full spiritual maturity).  Churches stress only one end of the continuum to the overall detriment of all involved.  It is to this concern and for this reason; CSRM chooses to use the term evangelistic-disciplemaking.  The reason it does so will be explored over the next number of blogs….

The next blog will continue the discussion on evangelistic-disciplemaking 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

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

General Descriptions of The Church
The Nicene Creed states The Church is “one, holy, catholic and apostolic.” [1] Other descriptions and distinctions made by theologians through the millennia include: visible and invisible; local and universal; militant and triumphant; organization and organism.[2]  Reflection upon these terms is helpful for determining the relationship of the Sports Ministry Movement in general, and as they relate to the specific relationship of the Sport, Recreation and Fitness Ministry of local congregations of The Universal Church.

1. The Church is one, holy, catholic and apostolic
The Church being one, holy, catholic and apostolic means it is united in and through Christ, and even though there are various expressions as evidenced by a myriad of different denominations and worship traditions, The Church is still one, still united as the Body of Christ, and separated from the world in the sense it is “in the world, but not of the world.”[3]  Apostolic means the church originated from and was built upon the teaching and lives of the Apostles and current Church leadership should be able to chart its lineage back to the first apostles and to the Biblical mandates for Church leadership.
2. Visible and Invisible 
Visible and invisible means those whose faith is clearly proclaimed by their life as they publically emulate Christ and in their associating with a local congregation.  Their faith is then affirmed by their words whenever they verbally declare Christ is Lord.  The visible Church is how humankind “sees” The Church but it must be understood God sees beyond the outer forms of participating in congregational services and maintaining official memberships.  He sees into the heart and He alone knows who really is or is not in The Church.  Thus, we speak of the invisible Church which certainly includes most of those who are participating members in a local congregation, but also would include some who are only visible and known to God.[4]
3. Local and Universal
Local and universal means there are assemblies of The Universal Church worshipping and ministering the world over.
4. Militant and Triumphant 
Militant and triumphant refers to those yet living on earth who stand and advance as soldiers of Christ (militant), as well as those who have passed from this life and currently exist in heaven with Christ (triumphant).  The two will be physically united for all of eternity when God brings about His future consummation, and their temporary separation cannot cause spiritual disconnect as realized each time the militant Church takes part in a Lord’s Supper.
5. Organization and organism 
Organization and organism refers to human organized activity in cooperation with the organic work of the Holy Spirit.  Humankind organizes and administrates both local congregations and overarching denominations of The Church.  The Holy Spirit organically operates to bring those far from Christ into a personal, faithful relationship with Jesus in the fact and reality of “wherever two or more of you gather Christ is in their midst.[5]

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[1] Edmund P. Clownery, the Church (Downers Grove: Inter Varsity Press, 1995), 72.  ISBN 0-8308-1534-1
[2] Ibid., p. 119.
[3] John 18.36;  1 Peter 2.11f.
[4] A most poignant example of this concept of the Visible and Invisible Church occurred repeatedly over the course of hundreds of years amidst the turmoil of the Catholic, Anglican, Presbyterian and Free Church struggles in Scotland.  The most succinct yet helpfully-illuminating summary of this can be found in Chapter 8 of Iain Murray’s significant book: A Scottish Christian Heritage. Iain H. Murry, A Scottish Christian Heritage (Edinburgh: The Banner of Truth Trust, 2006), ISBN-13: 978 0 85151 930 2.
[5] Matthew 18.12.
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Next Week
Next week's blog will summarize a basic Theology of The Church and its local assemblies.  Future blogs in this series will discuss issues related to Sports Outreach Ministry, The Church and its local congregations such as: Can participating in sport be considered worship; Lord's Day issues; etc. 
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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
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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?

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.
________________________________________________________________
 
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

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?

A THEOLOGY OF CHURCH - REALLY?
I'm surprised at how many local church Sports, Recreation & Fitness Ministers have never contemplated a Theology of Church!  Even now, most reading this blog are saying: "Come on...give me something that is more practical and can really help me reach those far from Christ.  If you are looking how to recruit referees, train coaches, deal with irate parents or for relevant post game devotions for your adult leagues....there are many excellent resources available to you already.  In fact, just navigate around the CSRM website and you'll be connected with the most recent, cutting edge resources available.  But, you'll spend a long, frustrating time trying to find anything about the theology of The Church and its relevance to local church Sports Outreach.  This blog introduces the topic...

The first ology(1) of local church Sports Outreach is Ecclesiology. Simply defined, Ecclesiology refers to the biblically-based theological study of The Universal Church of Christ,(2) and also the assembling together of individual believers in local congregations that make up both the “invisible” and “visible” Church of Christ.  

DOES A THEOLOGY OF CHURCH REALLY MATTER?
Yes, in fact, this may well be the most important ology to consider to make your Sports Outreach effective. Simply stated, how The Church and its local assemblies are understood theologically, greatly determines how a local church Sports, Recreation and Fitness Outreach Ministry is conceptualized, organized and administrated.  One’s ecclesiology determines the overall effectiveness and success of the Sports Outreach Ministry.  The Level # 1 Theological Truth of ecclesiology serves as the anchor upon which all other Sports Outreach Ministry Level #1 Theological Truths hang.

(1) Ology is the word I use to identify the theologies needed to truly envision, plan for and implement a local church Sport, Recreation and Fitness Ministry.
(2) The word church is capitalized whenever the Universal Church is being considered.  The word appears in lower case whenever it is used to describe a congregation or assembly of believers.

Next Week
Next week's blog will outline the 6 New Testament words/phrases used to describe and define The Church and its local assemblies.
________________________________________________________________
 
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