Today’s note is a reprise from one I shared in
July of 2011. It seems even more appropriate as social media has only increased
in its use and its visibility to the culture at large. It certainly is used
widely, not necessarily wisely, by the men and women in sport. We must consider
ways to use technology wisely and in a Christ-honoring way. I hope these
thoughts are of value to you and our service of sportspeople.
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?
o Email – many of us use
email all the time, but it’s used less and less by people under 30 years of
age.
o SMS Text Messages – many
people now prefer this mode of communication over all others.
o facebook – there are many
ways to use this wisely and many more to use it foolishly.
o Twitter – what of value can
be expressed in 140 characters?
o LinkedIn – with whom do you
connect on this site?
Guidelines
for use of technology:
Consider the purpose for your writing.
o To encourage
o To challenge
o To console
o To inspire
o To inform
Use
proper etiquette.
o bcc: in emails – few things
are more annoying (and insecure) than seeing hundreds of addresses in the
header of an email.
o Please use proper grammar –
writing badly does not enhance your ministry nor does it inspire confidence in
you.
o Check spelling – this is
pretty easy, but if not done can lead to embarrassment.
o 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
o Personal information of
coaches or players – Don’t share personal information about sportspeople, ever.
o Injury information – Your
sharing of this kind of information can be used by gambling interests and in
the USA is even illegal in itself.
o Critical thoughts re: team,
coaches or players – This is an express ticket to the loss of your privileges
with the team or club.
o Items meant to build your
status – Don’t be a name dropper. Don’t post photos with high profile players.
Inspire
and encourage
o Coaches – speak to their
hearts prior to competitions and then afterward.
o Athletes – challenge them
to be their best before game time and then either congratulate or console once
you know the result.
o Chaplains – lead and
encourage your colleagues as you know they are preparing to share the Lord’s
heart with those in his/her charge.
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