Allies and Opponents to our Ministries

About a week ago I asked you a couple of questions about your greatest allies and opponents in serving sportspeople. The responses from several of you are listed below. I hope they both inform and encourage us as we serve.

 

1.  Who are among your strongest allies in serving sportspeople?

2.  Who are among your strongest opponents in serving sportspeople?

 

From Ken Cross of the Sports Chaplains Network - USA

Presently, I am the chaplain for 2 teams so I have two answers, Team A & Team B.

Strongest Allies:

A. Players, after a coaching change, wife

B. Coach, supports staff

Strongest Opponents:

A. Asst. Coaches, a Christian of any kind makes them uncomfortable.

B. a few players that I believe God is wooing.

 

From Stuart Weir of Verite’ Sport – United Kingdom

Allies:

1. Athletes
2. Family
3. Administrators
4. Church
No opponents really.

From Richard Gamble of Sports Chaplaincy UK – United Kingdom

Allies:

·        Competitors (players/athletes) - With Christian athletes we find it very helpful working together as a team in the club environment.

·        Support staff (physios/athletic trainers/equipment mgrs., etc.) - Physios are always a great gatekeeper and can flag up players that are in need.

·        Families of coaches or competitors - I have found building good relationships with an athlete’s family often then causes the athlete to open up to you also.

Opponents:

·        Administrators – I have found these to be the most negative, perhaps because they come from a different generation or that they struggle with the access you have to elite players.

 

From Russ Talley – chaplain to Northern Illinois University Football – USA

Allies:

·        Coaches - Very important.  It is the head coach's program.  Without his placing value on the ministry, there would be none.  I have been blessed to serve two head coaches who both have granted unlimited access to the team.

·        Competitors (players/athletes) - Crucial.  These are the focus of the ministry.  The athletes are influenced by their peers, so the reputation here is important.

·        Pastors - Very important for prayer and advice.

·        Your family - The most important!  My wife and children support me with prayer.  This ministry takes precious time away from them.  Their understanding and support for all the time spent ministering to the team is crucial.

Opponents:

·        None listed

 

From Kevin Anundson at Southwest Minnesota State University - USA

Allies:

·        Our strongest allies are coaches, administrators and the athletes.  From the University president to the janitors, we’re made to feel welcome and appreciated.

·        It’s a wonderful season that we have enjoyed, but do not take for granted and praise God for the doors he has opened and continued to keep open.

·        Our church this year chose to give us financial support (we feed a crowd weekly) just like they do for 4 international missionaries.  We’re also regularly prayed for at our church’s Wednesday night prayer meetings and our two elders recognize and extend appreciation to Karla and me.

From Edgardo Gamboa - Sport Ministry-Score Int. Costa Rica

Allies:

Coaches are my strongest allies because they open the doors to the Sport program where they Coach and this allows you to access their players and facilities.

 

Opponents:

The strongest opponents sometimes are not people but lack of materials and human resources.  We need materials to give to the Coaches and players and many times funding to invest in the lives of Coaches. For example to invite them for a coffee or lunch, where you may present the Gospel or disciple them.  The human resources are very important because you cannot follow up everyone and to reach everyone; therefore you need a team of co-workers and volunteers to help you in the task to serve Sport people.