Sports Ministry Certification #4: Enhancing Your Professional Image

Enhances Professional Image
One of my pet peeves throughout my career as a sports and recreation minister was the lack of respect this ministry receives from the “rank and file” people of the church.  Other ministries such as preaching, worship, small group, men’s ministries, and women’s ministries always took priority of time, attention, and announcements. 
            At times, I felt like people viewed sports and recreation ministries as “second class” or “unnecessary” to the fulfillment of the church’s mission.  I know numerous churches do not have sports and recreation ministries, but that does not mean they are not an important ministry partner like other programs.
             In some churches, the sports and recreation minister’s office is in the recreation facility and disconnected from the other ministry offices.  This “separation” does not help the level of respect with other ministries at all.
             One of the benefits of certification in the sports and recreation ministry world is the level of expertise and knowledge one obtains as to the equal worth of ministry in a person’s life.  Knowing why we do what we do and having the certification credibility assists us in conveying the message that we are as important as other ministries in the church. 
             Certification will give the knowledge as to how the sports and recreation ministry is biblically based.  Despite there not being a reference to sports and recreation singled out in the scriptures, the texts studied in certification will give you the ability to influence those in your church as to its spiritual significance. You will obtain instructions as to how to make sports and recreation a part of missions and outreach programs as well as how to use it in your disciple-making process. 
              With an entire section of learning in philosophical principles, certification will give you the information to communicate the overall importance of the sports and recreation ministry to the church. 

Would you like to enhance your professional image and see your ministry gain the level of acceptance as other ministries?  If so, register for certification today by clicking here.
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This blog is the 4th in a series on Sports Ministry Certification written by Professor David Waddell.   All rights reserved.  For any reproduction right, including copying, computer reproduction, etc. contact:

David Waddell  - <dwaddell@olemiss.edu
 
Other blogs and articles on Local Church Sports, sports theology and ethics written by David Waddell and other local church Sports, Rec & Fitness Ministers are archived at: http://www.csrm.org/blog/