Using Technology in Sports Ministry

During the fall of 2009, I made a presentation to the Sport Chaplains Roundtable in Lansing, Michigan (USA) re: the use of technology in Sports Ministry. An outline of that presentation with some comments follows. I hope it is of value to you as you consider what technologies to employ and the values that shape how you use them.

 

Using Technology in Sports Ministry

• What to do? Which technologies can enhance our effectiveness in ministry with sportspeople?

• What should I NOT do? What is there about such technologies which could actually harm our ministries?

• How to do it? What are some values which should guide how we approach technological advances?

• Email – many of us use email all the time, but it’s used less and less by people under 30 years of age.
• SMS Text Messages – many people now prefer this mode of communication over all others.
• Facebook – there are many ways to use this wisely and many more to use it foolishly.
• Twitter – what of value can be expressed in 140 characters?
• LinkedIn – with whom do you connect on this site?

Guidelines for use of technology:

• Consider the purpose for your writing.
  • To encourage
  • To challenge
  • To console
  • To inspire
  • To inform

 

• Use proper etiquette.
  • bcc: in emails – few things are more annoying (and insecure) than seeing hundreds of addresses in the header of an email.
  • Please use proper grammar – writing badly does not enhance your ministry nor does it inspire confidence in you.
  • Check spelling – this is pretty easy, but if not done can lead to embarrassment.
  • Use photos and video wisely – especially in international relationships. There are a number of ways to use photos poorly and thereby jeopardize one’s friends in oppressive countries.

 

• Errors to avoid
  • Personal information of coaches or players – Don’t share personal information about sportspeople, ever.
  • Injury information – Your sharing of this kind of information can be used by gambling interests and in the USA is even illegal in itself.
  • Critical thoughts re: team, coaches or players – This is an express ticket to the loss of your privileges with the team or club.
  • Items meant to build your status – Don’t be a name dropper. Don’t post photos with high profile players.

 

• Inspire and encourage
  • Coaches – speak to their hearts prior to competitions and then afterward.
  • Athletes – challenge them to be their best before game time and then either congratulate or console once you know the result.
  • Chaplains – lead and encourage your colleagues as you know they are preparing to share the Lord’s heart with those in his/her charge.