A note of caution – Ministry Through Sportspeople often displays a utilitarian attitude which engages the sportsperson for what he or she can bring to a person, an organization or a cause rather than simply as people in God’s Kingdom.
Some characteristics of such a utilitarian attitude toward sport and sportspersons are:
· Cultivating relationships with the high profile players while neglecting those less well known ones.
· Seeking the player or coach out only when you need something done.
· Players begin to avoid you because they think you will want something from them.
· Soliciting donations for your ministry from the players and coaches you’re serving.
· Using your position with the team to generate publicity for yourself or to promote your personal agenda.
· Sharing info with the media to enhance one's public profile (being seen as an insider).
· Using your position with the team for free tickets, gear, etc… Even worse is to abuse such privilege for personal gain.
· Engaging a person long enough to share the Gospel message with him or her and then withdrawing from them when your personal mission is accomplished.
· Seeking out high profile players so you may tell others, "Player X attends my church. You should join us." This may be true, but the sportsperson can feel like a pawn for one’s ambition for growing church attendance.
· Saying, "Sport is a good tool for ministry." It certainly is, but such a statement betrays an attitude which does not value sport in its own right.
· Saying, "Sport is a good platform for sharing the Gospel." It certainly is, but saying this can make the sportsperson feel used.
Whether your ministry is primarily ‘to’ sportspeople, or primarily ‘through’ them:
· Be wise and intentional about your ministry.
· Examine your motives and adjust your methods.
· Guard your heart from pride.
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