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"Evangelistic-Disciplemaking" Sports Outreach
Strategically Relevant, Effective and Efficient
"Evangelistic-Disciplemaking" Sports Outreach
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Local Church Sports Outreach Ministry Syndromes #5 – When do you Work
This set of blogs revisits and updates a series of articles that address common obstacles faced by many Local Church Sports & Recreation Ministers. The articles first appeared in CSRM’s Journal “The Sports Minister” and were excerpts from Dr. Linville’s Manual: “Initiating A Sports Ministry in the Local Church.” The end goal of the series is to help identify, define and explain various “syndromes” that can short circuit a successful and effective Sports Outreach in a Local Church. The “Just When Do You Work Syndrome” The elder’s wife came into the Sports Ministry office scowling. She completely ignored my pleasant greeting and countered with: “Just when do you work? I’ve been here the last three mornings and you’re never here.” A Sports Minister’s Hours By necessity a Sports and Recreation Ministry takes place during hours people are free from work and school commitments. Most can participate in leisure pursuits during late afternoons, evenings and weekends. Therefore, most Sports Ministers must work hours closely mirroring those times. A congregation’s Sports Minister’s day normally starts in mid-afternoon and doesn’t often end much before midnight. In addition, they work 12-16 hours on Saturday along with bearing different ministry responsibilities each Lord’s Day. By comparison, most other church staff members work a more typical 8-5 schedule, Monday through Friday, and have Saturdays off. This divergent schedule often stresses communication amongst staff, forcing staff members to work extra hard to communicate. Church staffs are encouraged to remember when planning staff and church meetings for early mornings that most Sports Ministry staff members have just gone to be a few hours before. Other Schedule Conflicts Another overlooked aspect of schedule differences is when to schedule whole-church business meetings, retreats and special events. Most of these meetings are conducted during prime ministry time for a Sports Minister. Most churches would never consider scheduling a business meeting at a time when the Sr. Pastor could not attend, or have to curtail his ministry to attend, yet in most cases, churches schedule such meetings at times that are in direct conflict with Sports Ministry activities. For the Sports Minister conducting a church meeting at 7:00 PM on a Thursday evening is akin to scheduling it for a Senior Pastor at 11:00 AM Sunday morning! What’s a Sports Minister To Do?
Next week’s blog will start a series on overcoming obstacles in Local Church Sports Outreach Ministry This blog is an excerpt from Dr. Linville's Manual - Initiating a Sports Ministry in the Local Church reproduced in “The Sports Minister” – Spring 2000. 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 Local Church Sports Outreach Ministry Syndromes #4 – King of the Hill This set of blogs revisits and updates a series of articles that address common obstacles faced by many Local Church Sports & Recreation Ministers. The articles first appeared in CSRM’s Journal “The Sports Minister” and were excerpts from Dr. Linville’s Manual: “Initiating A Sports Ministry in the Local Church.” The end goal of the series is to help identify, define and explain various “syndromes” that can short circuit a successful and effective Sports Outreach in a Local Church. The “King of the Hill Syndrome” Due to the great visibility of the Sports Outreach Ministry and because Sports Outreach provides relationships with the greater community, Sports Ministers often gain more notoriety than other church staff members. While this has definite advantages for the church, it often creates some interesting situations for the church and staff. The Most Readily Known Person The most readily known person in most churches is the Senior/Lead Pastor. However, in many churches with large and established Sports Outreach Ministries, this is not the case. Sometimes it is the Sports Ministry itself which is well known, but often the most recognizable person from the church is the Sports Minister. This is especially true if the Sports Minister has been at the church longer than a more recently hired Senior Pastor. The dilemma which can result from this is a battle of egos. In the worst case scenario this pits the Senior Pastor against the Sports Pastor and vice versa. Instead of uniting against the true adversary, the two battle each other. If both parties recognize the potential benefits which a truly unified relationship can accomplish, the church and its ministries will flourish. If not, someone will soon be looking for a new church to serve. Similar Problems Similar problems can occur between the Sports Minister and other church staff members. Sports Ministry for churches is a fairly recent phenomenon and as a result, the sports ministry is what makes news. The reality of this hits when local media; community journals; denominational newsletters and other news agencies all highlight what they consider a novel new church endeavor - Sports Ministry. While the Vacation Bible School of a church may be phenomenal, the local paper will not run a feature story on it, because it is no different than the other 500 Vacation Bible Schools in town. This notoriety has its own way of finding the Sports Minister and thus there is often a jealousy on the part of other staff members. Sports Ministers must be sensitive to this and never make the assumption that their ministry is any more important than any other staff person, and conversely other staff members need to rejoice that their church will reap the benefits of having a high profile ministry. Eventually that high profile ministry will positively impact each of the other ministries through the adding of new people and resources to the church community. What’s a Sports Minister To Do? Nothing can replace active, authentic relationships and clear, pro-active communications with church staff, elders and members. Sports Ministers are advised to remember “friends don’t fire friends.” If a Sports Minister is not truly loved and appreciated by the church staff and elders, their tenure will not be long, regardless of how successful their ministry is. A few suggestions…
__________________________________________ Next week’s blog will discuss the first Local Church Sports Outreach Ministry Syndrome – “The Just When Do You Work Syndrome” This blog is an excerpt from Dr. Linville's Manual - "Initiating a Sports Ministry in the Local Church" as reproduced in "The Sports Minister" Journal - Winter 2000. 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 Local Church Sports Outreach Ministry Syndromes
This set of blogs revisits and updates a series of articles that address common obstacles faced by many Local Church Sports & Recreation Ministers. The articles first appeared in CSRM’s Journal “The Sports Minister” and were excerpts from Dr. Linville’s Manual: “Initiating A Sports Ministry in the Local Church.” The end goal of the series is to help identify, define and explain various “syndromes” that can short circuit a successful and effective Sports Outreach in a Local Church. The “All They Do Is Play Syndrome” While all Local Church Sports and Recreation Ministry “Syndromes” have cross over similarities the “All they do is Play Syndrome” has some inherently distinct and unique applications. If not addressed, this syndrome can have a significant adverse impact on the effectiveness of the ministry. Its More Than Play with a Prayer What appears to the untrained eye is a congregation’s Sports Outreach Director is always “playing.” The accompanying question often becomes: “Why are we paying someone to play sports?” A quick look below the surface is necessary What often goes unseen and, if even seen, is greatly underappreciated is the great sacrifice most Sports Outreach Ministers make in order to make the ministry function, let alone be strategically-relevant and efficiently-effective. Most Sports Outreach Ministers are in the ministry because of their love for Christ, their commitment to lead a congregation’s evangelistic-disciplemaking endeavors and of course their enjoyment of sports and recreation. Yes, they love to compete themselves, but are often hampered in that due to their responsibility as a servant leader. What is not always observed is how many games, innings, or matches the Sports Minister does not get to participate in because they forfeit their playing time so others can participate. Moreover, they most often cannont enjoy their athletic endeavors because of their need to organize, supervise, control, strategize and in general lead the activity. It is similar to Pastors and Music Ministers who cannont fully enjoy or appreciate Sunday worship services, because it is their responsibility to serve others. Therefore Sports ministers do far more than play, and quite often, are very frustrated by their own lack of athletic involvement. In addition, Sports Ministers put in many “hidden” hours prior to, during and after each and every recreational or sporting activity. While most people participating just show up at the event, Sports Ministers arrive early, work the entire time and are the last ones home. It may all look fun, and certainly it has an element of enjoyment, but Sports Ministers put in huge amounts of work that is never seen and often not appreciated. Another aspect never seen by the casual observer is what happens behind closed doors when Sports Ministers have to take the brunt of an angry “soccer mom” whose son is “not being treated fairly by his coach,” or the “baseball dad” who is certain “the umpires cheat!” No one envies the 28 year old Sports Minister who has to lovingly explain to a 48 year old man he should consider “competing” in the “veterans” league rather than the younger-aged “open” league. For every moment on a field or court that brings enjoyment to the Sports Minister, there are moments spent wading through hyuman dynamics associated with competition. Being able to work through difficult situations begins to address another dilemma most Sports Ministers encounter. In order for a Sports Minister to be successful, he/she has to have a personality and temperment that is able to handle confrontation, diagreements and angry people. They must have the ability to be “hard nosed” and pointed without totally alienating those they are confronting. They must be leaders who can lovingly “take charge” and be able to not only handle unpleasant and even volatile situations but moreso, be able to turn these into “redeemable opportunities.” Yet it is often this very character quality that makes them difficult for many in the church to relate to them. Church leaders stand and smile appreciatively on the sidelines of a hotly competed basketball game watching their “mighty midget” command the respect of two giants about to “duke it out” on the court, yet these same leaders greatly resent the same midget when he stands between their heated exchange at an elders meetings and tells them to “go sit down until you’ve cooled off!” Generally speaking, people who attend church are often offended by strong personailities who are direct in their interpersonal relationships. This combination can present great difficulties for Sports Ministers who use these abilities very effectively and successfully during a game but find they are resented in church meetings. Successful Sports Ministers learn they must be aware of these potential pratfalls and work hard in developing warm interpersonal relationships, while the church leaders must appreciate the gifts of their Sports Ministers and recognize those traits are the very ones that make he/she successful. What’s a Sports Minister To Do?
__________________________________________ Next week’s blog will discuss the first Local Church Sports Outreach Ministry Syndrome – “The King of the Hill Syndrome” 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 Local Church Sports Outreach Ministry Syndromes
This set of blogs revisits and updates a series of articles that address common obstacles faced by many Local Church Sports & Recreation Ministers. The articles first appeared in CSRM’s Journal “The Sports Minister” and were excerpts from Dr. Linville’s Manual: “Initiating A Sports Ministry in the Local Church.” The end goal of the series is to help identify, define and explain various “syndromes” that can short circuit a successful and effective Sports Outreach in a Local Church. The “Step Child Syndrome” Local Church Sports and Recreation Ministries are often treated as second class citizens within the local church. This is made manifest in four specific ways… Defining “Real Ministry” 1. Often members of a local congregation perceive the “real ministry” of the church occurs on the Lord’s Day, and only in the Sanctuary. They believe all ministries “good” but only value the more traditional ministries such as preaching, worship, Christian Education and youth ministry, considering only them to be spiritual and necessary. Church members must realize that while some people are gifted and called by God to teach a class, sing in a choir, or serve in the nursery, others are gifted and called by God to evangelize through sport or to disciple through coaching. God has gifted members of His Church to be involved in many different ministries and various kinds of outreaches. None of these ministries are more important or less blessed of God. While at certain times or in certain ways one must take priority over the other, all must be recognized as important and equal. The Bible clearly teaches that all members of the body of Christ are equally important (1 Corinthians 12; Romans 12.3-8; Ephesians 4.13). 2. When church members assume that traditional ministries are the most important, and are the only real necessary ministries of a church, they overlook the Great Commission. Matthew 28.19,20 clearly indicates the major expectation for followers of Christ is to go to all the world to “make disciples.” When church members place a higher emphasis on maintenance ministries (ministries which only serve the needs of the current members and attendees), they in essence, have relegated outreach to nonbelievers to a second class standing and have focused only on discipling to the exclusion of evangelism. Furthermore, they fail to recognize that sports ministries may well be the most effective ministry a church has for discipling. Thus, it is of vital importance for the leadership of the church to not just accommodate a Sports Ministry, but rather, raise it to its proper level of respect and strategic Biblical prominence in the everyday life of the church. Defining “Real Ministers” 3. Second class citizenship also becomes apparent in how they view and care for their Sports Ministers. Because Sports Ministers are viewed to be “second tier,” they are typically paid less than other staff members…often amongst the lowest of the entire staff. They are not viewed with the same respect or with the same esteem as other staff members. If one truly believes the Scriptural teachings that all gifts are equal, then each staff member must be viewed as equal as well. 4. Beyond, a general lack of honor and accompanying lower pay, one of the key ways Sports Ministers are slighted is in the lack of official ministerial recognition by congregations and/or denominations. Whereas churches usually do not allow their other ministerial staff members to serve without ordination, recording or licensing, they often do not require or confer this same recognition upon their Sports Ministry staff. This harms the Sports Minister from a professional standpoint as well as financially because ordination is almost always tied to a higher salary. If all staff members are viewed as having equally important ministries, then all should be ordained, recorded or at least licensed…and paid accordingly. What’s a Sports Minister To Do? A) Get Theologically and Ministerially trained (including degrees) B) Seek Ordination/Recording or Licensing C) Look to build synergistic relationships and ministries with other church staff D) Be present, and take a leadership position, in Lord’s Day services and ministries __________________________________________ Next week’s blog will discuss the first Local Church Sports Outreach Ministry Syndrome – “The All They Do Is Play Syndrome” This blog is an excerpt from Dr. Linville's Manual "Initiating a Sports Ministry in the Local Church as reproduced in "The Sports Minister" Journal - Fall 1999. 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 Local Church Sports Outreach Ministry Syndromes
This set of blogs revisits and updates a series of articles that address common obstacles faced by many Local Church Sports & Recreation Ministers. The articles first appeared in CSRM’s Journal “The Sports Minister.” The end goal of the series is to help identify, define and explain various “syndromes” that can short circuit a successful and effective Sports Outreach in a Local Church. What is a Syndrome Originally derived from two Greek words (sun – together/with & drom – race/run), the English word Syndrome has evolved into two primary meanings. The first is primarily associated with identifying medical maladies and diseases. The second describes predictable, characteristics, conditions or patterns of behaviors that often occur when certain are circumstances are present. This series of blogs is based in the second meaning, but it is recognized that a failure to know and understand these syndromes will result in a weak, anemic and sick Local Church Sports Outreach. What is a Local Church Sports Outreach Ministry Syndrome Some are called “Church Recreators,” some have the title of “Sports Director.” The list seems almost endless: “Activity Pastor,” “Recreation Minister,” “Family Center Administrator” and “Sports Minister.” While they have different names, most share similar experiences when it comes to being under-appreciated, misunderstood, over-worked and under paid. Most Local Church Sports Outreach Syndromes find their origins in the fact that Sports Outreach Ministry is unique and much different from most of the other church ministries or departments. The various Local Church Sports Outreach Ministry Syndromes include among others: “The Step-Child Syndrome,” “The All They do is Play Syndrome,” and “The King of the Hill Syndrome.” Each will be identified, defined and explained over the next number of weeks. A Word of Caution Sports Ministers are strongly urged to engage in this series of blogs in the spirit of taking the information shared in these blogs for the purpose of building bridges to other church staff and ministries, rather than using them in any self-serving or vindictive way. A church that has all of its ministries well organized and synchronized is far more efficient and effective in attaining its evangelistic-disciplemaking mandates and goals. These syndromes are provided to enhance and expand local church impact, not start a war amongst church leaders. __________________________________________ Next week’s blog will discuss the first Local Church Sports Outreach Ministry Syndrome – “The Step-Child Syndrome” This blog is an original composition from Dr. Linville. 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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