New Beginnings

The more things change, the more they stay the same.  It seems we have more ways to communicate than ever: posts to emails to tweets, party lines to wireless to texts, telegram to land-line to satellite, and yet it often seems we are less in touch than ever.  CSRM is in some ways changing, but the bottom line is we are changing how we do things, not what we do.  We are changing how we communicate, not what we communicate.  We are still committed to our vision: "equipping local churches to change lives through sport" and we are still committed to our four-fold strategy: Conferences, Consulting, Connections, Certification, but we are reevaluating how we do what we do and how we communicate it.  For example...

Websites are great - if they work and are updated - and we're happy to announce that CSRM has completely refurbished ours and are committed to using it and other electronic means to stay in touch with you.  We invite you to use it and then let us know how we can make it better.  Please peruse and then let us know what you'd like to see on the website - how can it serve you better?

It's a new beginning for our website but also for the CSRM structure and organization.  CSRM has experienced our worst financial year and we have done what most of you and your churches have done - downsize and worked to be more efficient.  The Board of Directors has decided to reorganize with a leaner staff and implement a new structure for funding future staff.  Staff change include...

Our longtime European Director - Bryan Mason - has retired from a formal position with CSRM but continues to "equip local churches to change lives through sport" via Higher Sports.  Higher Sports has developed a "top shelf" option for local churches to reach the youth of their communities through the sports of Rugby, Football (Soccer) and Cricket.  We are still very much connected with Bryan and you can contact Bryan through this website.  We are still partners in ministry and you can be assured Bryan will be attending every CSRM Sports Outreach Summit he can make.

Dr. Vickie Byler has been hired by Joni and Friends Ministries in the role of providing camping and other recreational outlets for the physically challenged.  We are excited for her and those she serves and look forward to a continued partnership in the future as she develops how local church sports ministries can better serve the physically challenged.

Maranda, Martha and I continue on, striving to do our best to fulfill our vision of "equipping local churches to change lives through sport".  Maranda Curl is in the role of Conference Coordinator and Martha Wertz continues in the role of Office Assistant while I remain as Executive Director.

The Board has spent the majority of their time - post conference - on trying to reorganize and prioritize our efforts.  Stay tuned here in the near future as we unveil the plan for the next step for CSRM.  Be assured it is a new beginning, not a change from our vision to "equip local churches to change lives through sport."  We firmly believe our future looks bright and with God's directions and blessings, and your help, we will continue to lead the way in "equipping local churches to change lives through sport."