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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