The 2nd Global Congress on Sport and Christianity was held October
23-27 in Grand Rapids, Michigan on the campus of Calvin University. https://calvin.edu/events/2GCSC/
This ecumenical gathering of
sport administrators, coaches, athletes, pastors, theologians and anyone else
who seeks to explore the mutual impact of belief and sport, and also wants to
affect a cultural shift in modern sport and the role it plays in a life of
faith. We heard from Tim Tebow, professional athlete, ESPN analyst and
author; Loretta Claiborne, recipient of the 1996 Arthur Ashe Award for
Courage; Miroslav Volf, renowned theologian; and other noted names in the
world of sport and faith.
BACKGROUND: In 2016, the Inaugural Congress on Sport and
Christianity took place in York, England, hosted by York St. John University.
The event drew nearly 200 participants from 24 different nations. Best-selling
author, activist, and scholar Tony Campolo delivered the opening address,
setting the tone for posing questions and seeking answers in sport through the
lens of authentic Christian faith. Other keynotes lectures and more than 80
additional presentations were given by scholars and practitioners, each
providing new insights and reflections on the culture of sport as it relates
Christian thought and life.
In 2019, the energetic
conversation continued. The 2nd Global Congress, hosted by Calvin
University and Hope College, took place at the Prince Conference. Co-Directors
Brian Bolt (Calvin University) and Chad Carlson (Hope College) did a great job
of putting it all together. The congress welcomed participants from every
populated continent around the globe.
The keynote speakers were
from widely varied backgrounds and experiences in sport. The breakout sessions
were well presented, thoughtful, and well received by the hundreds in
attendance. The campus of Calvin University served the conference well. It was
a privilege and an honor to make three presentations and to moderate a block of
breakout sessions during the congress.
As per usual, I enjoyed the
time between sessions, conversations over coffee or lunch, networking with
friends, new and old, and discussions of the ideas presented during keynotes
and breakout sessions. I value these moments even more highly than the
presentations. This event is unique in that it welcomes both academics and
practitioners of both sport and ministry in sport to the table as equals. People
from both perspectives are treated with respect and are given a receptive ear.
I have been watching, but
have not seen any information about a 3rd Global Congress. I imagine
it would be scheduled for 2022.
Dr. Brian Bolt and Dr. Chad
Carlson co-chaired the 2nd Global Congress on Sport and Christianity. The
pair is podcasting to encourage the conversation on sport and faith. You can
listen at www.brianrbolt.com or by
subscribing to "Dig Deep:
Sport, Faith, Life" via iTunes to
catch the latest podcast episode. I have subscribed to this podcast and find
the discussions to be thoughtful and perceptive. Have a topic or idea you'd
like to hear Dr. Bolt and Dr. Carlson discuss? Please send them a line at sport.christianity@gmail.com.
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