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Strategically Relevant, Effective and Efficient
"Evangelistic-Disciplemaking" Sports Outreach
Strategically Relevant, Effective and Efficient
"Evangelistic-Disciplemaking" Sports Outreach
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Local Church Sports Ministry and Gender Issues
The blogs in this series are excerpts from Dr. Linville’s yet to be released book. They explore the realities occurring in local church Sports Outreach Ministries in relationship to an evolving culture and shifting trends within sport, The Church and society in general. This blog examines the Creation Narratives as they specifically relate to homosexual activity and same gender marriage. The end goal of this Biblical exegesis is to aide local church Sports & Recreation Ministers comprehend, and proactively structure, their outreaches with theological clarity and relational love and sensitivity. Introduction to the Process The process for this series of blogs in terms of contemplating each of the passages, consists primarily of referencing the work of others: scholars, apologists, preachers, thinkers and then articulating the issues and drawing a few conclusions. Creation Narrative Accounts –Genesis 1 & 2 There is a definite difference of opinion about the Creation Narratives when it comes to determining a biblical ethic regarding homosexual activity. Dr. Mel While states the narrative accounts say nothing about homosexuality and therefore can’t be used to condemn homosexual activity and relationships. Kevin DeYoung has a completely different take on the Creation narratives. I believe DeYoung would agree with White to the point that the word homosexual is not used anywhere in the passage yet his main rationale for determining the passage condemns such activity is based on a much more significant biblical/theological foundation. In essence, DeYoung utilizes a valid theological principle in regards to hermeneutics (bible interpretation) called biblical apriori. This means the bible communicates doctrines, and the ethics that emerge from such doctrines, in overarching themes which are found throughout the bible. For DeYoung, the Creation Narratives clearly establish the foundation for the broader biblical support of hetero-sexuality and marriage being reserved for one man and one woman. On the importance of biblical aprioris, I believe White would agree with DeYoung, although not as DeYoung interprets this passage. As I understand White, he uses the apriori strategy to support his position for love being the highest ethic (see below). White would not agree Genesis 1&2 support traditional hetero-sexual marriage. I would encourage everyone to read DeYoung’s clearly articulated 5 rationales for believing Genesis 1 & 2 support marriage to be reserved only for one man and one woman, and also read White’s equally clear articulation of the Creation Narratives in his 5th premise of his apologetic for homosexual activity and marriage. The stark contrast could not be more apparent. Identifying the Issues If the Creation Narratives do in fact provide the foundation for hetero-sexual, monogamous marriage and activity as DeYoung believes, then White’s argument faces an arduous uphill battle. If White’s argument is irrefutable then at best, it leaves room for his main rationale for homosexual activity and marriage….which rests significantly on his 7th premise which raises the biblical apriori “love ethic” above all others. As will become apparent over the next weeks, what a local church determines to be biblical (Level #1 Theological Truth) will greatly inform how they organize (Level #2 Philosophical Principles) and eventually expedite their Sports Outreach Ministry (Level #3 Methodological Models). Next week’s blog will begin to explore Genesis 19 in regards to homosexual activity. 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 A Plea For Grace This set of blogs discusses the most socially charged issue of the current day. The author is seeks truth; desires to provide both questions and answers to further the discussion; engage in civil discourse; and most importantly provide a haven for love and grace. I encourage all readers to: “know your mind, but not have your mind made up.” As Martin Luther stated, I believe we should be open to being persuaded by Holy Scripture and evident reason (logic). I start by asking for grace when I don’t use the right term to describe something or someone, and I plead for forgiveness when I offend someone due to my own fallen nature which may lead to unintentional insensitivity, ignorance or hurtful language. My intent is not to hurt or injure anyone, but rather, it is to seek Christ’s will for all of us who are attempting to follow Jesus as we travel this path together. Recommended Books & References consulted for this series of Blogs – A select list…
The 3-Tier Paradigm
This series of blogs are excerpts from Dr. Linville’s yet to be released book. They explain and outline the 3-Tier Paradigm introduced in his yet to be published book. The 3-Tier Paradigm is the organizational structure upon which Dr. Linville’s series of Sports Outreach Ministry books are based and serves as the guiding light for how the association of Church Sports & Recreation Ministries (CSRM) executes its equipping of local churches. This blog is the final in this series and outlines the significant relevance of the 3-Tier Paradigm for the Sports Outreach Movement. Relevance of CSRM’s 3-Tier Paradigm Two Local Church Sports Ministers called in the same week. Their churches were attempting to write position papers in response to the prevailing cultural shifts regarding gender issues. They had contacted denominational leaders, universities and various sports-related para-ministries but were disappointed with the lack of, and/or depth of, the responses they received. Another issue that has a long history of controversy, but has resurfaced due to recent changes in policies by some sports-related, para-ministries and churches, is the Sunday Sport debate. The 3-Tier Paradigm provides the foundation and structure for how to envision, plan for and implement truly Christ-honoring; theologically sound, biblically-based and strategically-relevant Sports Outreach in relationship to such dilemmas. Gender Issues Church Recreators and Sports Ministers are struggling with changes in cultural values as they impact their women’s leagues. Never before have they been faced with finding compassionate ways to relate to all women registering for their woman’s softball league in light of a growing trend of transgenderism. Women on opposing teams who play third base are fearful of losing their teeth due to the speed of the batted ball from transgendered players. In addition, women on opposing teams, as well as teammates, are extremely uncomfortable sharing changing rooms, restrooms and shower facilities with transgendered league members. The answers to such dilemmas can be found, but without the 3-Tier Paradigm the possibility of following the lead of a secular society is very real and even more troubling is the high likelihood, the church’s interaction with the transgendered will be negative; not at all Christ-like. There are at least five Level #1 Theological Truths that must be considered in relationship to gender related issues. They include:
Organizational Principles for Local Church Sports Outreach - Rationale for 3-Tier Paradigm6/30/2015 The 3-Tier Paradigm
This series of blogs are excerpts from Dr. Linville’s yet to be released book. They will explain and outline the 3-Tier Paradigm introduced in his book. The 3-Tier Paradigm is the organizational structure upon which Dr. Linville’s series of Sports Outreach Ministry books are based and serves as the guiding light for how the association of Church Sports & Recreation Ministries (CSRM) executes its equipping of local churches. This blog will outline the rationale for the 3-Tier Paradigm Rationale for CSRM’s 3-Tier Paradigm CSRM exists to: “equip local churches to change lives through sports outreach.” The equipping is designed to mobilize, equip, empower and enable churches for Evangelistic-disciplemaking. CSRM’s Vision is: “A changed Life.” A changed life is defined as a person who has become a life-long, dedicated-disciple of Jesus Christ. A changed life assumes new disciples will emulate Christ in all they do, manifested through a biblically-based lifestyle that includes significant and regular participation in a local church. This new Christ-centered ethic transforms new disciples in their character and impacts every area and role of their life… spouse, parent, church, employee/employer, citizen etc. CSRM’s Mission to equip local churches, accomplishes CSRM’s Vision and is enabled by, manifested in, and communicated through, a tri-fold organizational structure of training curriculum encapsulated in a: 3-Tier Paradigm. CSRM’s 3-Tier Paradigm
Unless CSRM, or for that matter, any church, Christian ministry, organization or academic institution is founded upon solid Theological Truths, it cannot properly envision its distinctive reason for existence, nor can it organize itself on biblically-based, Philosophical Principles. And, unless, it is rooted in orthodox theology and biblical philosophy, its Methodological Models will be flawed, and thus will, at the very least, not meet the 4-Fold Evaluation Assessment of being: Relevant, Strategic, Effective or Efficient. At worst, such models may in fact be unbiblical. Thus, the rationale of the 3-Tier Paradigm is to envision, organize and expedite a Sports Outreach Ministry which is truly: a) Christo-centric and honoring; b) Evangelistic-disciplemaking focused; c) Biblically-based; d) Strategically-relevant; and e) Effectively-efficient. Next week’s blog will be an overview of Level #1Theological Truths which will provide both the “why” Sports Outreach Ministry exists and also its ethical foundations and circumference. This blog is an excerpt from Dr. Linville's book Christmanship and a 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 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 |
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