Is there a best sport for ministry? Yes, all of them.
The title was a teaser to get your attention! However, there is a best sport for YOU to employ to reach who God is currently calling YOU to reach.
A senior pastor of a formerly vibrant church called me to discuss ways the church could employ sports for ministry. After three months of prayerfully seeking God’s leading, assessing resources, and considering opportunities, we landed on volleyball.
Why VB? This once-thriving church had decreased in attendance while significantly growing in the age of attendees. The pastor sensed God leading the church to intentionally reach out to young adults. VB is a great sport to attract young adults – both men and women.
One hurdle arose, the volunteer who agreed to lead this new VB ministry to reach young adults was only available one night per month. Trusting God, the church posted a banner on their gym inviting people to play VB on the 2nd Friday of each month – young adults came by the dozens. After three Fridays, they had two full courts of 6-on-6, and people waiting to rotate in.
Here is the amazing way God works, because the initial volunteer leader was only available one day per month, others offered to lead a weekly gathering on another night of the week to play VB, and also study the Bible. The church still plays VB on the 2nd Friday of each month AND every Monday young adults study God’s word and play VB. God used the first step of a few to grow something much bigger. It’s the first step that we need to take.
Bottom line, when deciding what sport to employ for eternal ministry purposes, prayerfully seek God’s leading for who He wants to reach through your church, assess the people and physical resources available to you (this includes those passionate about ministry and specific sports), and consider the opportunities for serving those in your community through sports.
BTW, after 26+ years helping churches think through how to effectively employ sports for ministry, I like VB for several reasons. Click here to add your church to the Eternity Sports growing list of churches that use sports for ministry. Together we will be greater!
