Bibliographic Information

Sports ministry

David Lewis ... [et al.]

Human Kinetics, c2024

  • : pbk

Available at  / 2 libraries

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Other authors: David Irby, William Galipault, Wayne Rasmussen

Includes index

Description and Table of Contents

Description

The hope of the Gospel is a universal message, and sports are arguably the universal language. Sharing the former through the latter is a powerful combination for changing lives. And for students with a heart for both, the field of sports ministry presents compelling career opportunities. Until now, there has never been a college textbook devoted to the subject. With the arrival of Sports Ministry, college and university instructors have a dedicated text for educating students on the how-to process of developing viable sports ministry programs that share the Word and positively influence the world in which we live. The book begins with a description of what sports ministry is and a historical overview of the sports ministry movement, including stories of prominent individuals and organizations past. Students will learn about the many sports ministries serving today at the local, national, and international levels, such as the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Athletes in Action, and Missionary Athletes International. Through each chapter's Sports Ministry in Action and Interview With a Professional sidebars, students will get a glimpse into the lives and ministries of individuals and organizations working in sports ministry and learn about the career opportunities available in the field. The underpinnings of sports ministry are evangelism and discipleship, and to that end students will learn various methods for Gospel communication within the sports context. The book also deliberates the intersection of sports and faith, weighing the positive and negative aspects of competition and whether competitive sport is compatible with faith. Included are six principles for making decisions regarding sport participation and a three-step process for using biblical precepts to determine ethical behavior in sport. Chapters dedicated to finances, facilities, and legal considerations inform students on the corporate aspects of running a sports ministry program. These include the five main approaches for securing financial resources, a framework for planning and selecting the right facility, and strategies for mitigating risk. The final section of the book looks at the implementation of sports ministry programs locally and internationally. Four common types of local church-based events are discussed-onsite, community, jaunt event, and short-term missions-with examples of each included. Students will gain an understanding of key administrative responsibilities for organizing international missions. The cross-cultural nature of sports ministry-both locally and abroad-requires students to cultivate an awareness of and respect for other cultures to foster friendship evangelism, essential to any successful sports ministry. Sports Ministry is the definitive resource for building an effective sports ministry program. When done right, sport is a powerful platform that God will use to transform lives for His eternal purposes. With Sports Ministry, students will gain the knowledge and tools to share their faith and offer hope to others through the universal language of sport.

Table of Contents

Part I. Sports Ministry Primer Chapter 1. Introduction to Sports Ministry Introducing Sports Ministry A Vision for Sports Ministry Why Sports Ministry? The Universal Power and Popularity of Sport Youth Sports Sport Helps Define the World Defining the Term Sport Harnessing the Power of Sports for the Gospel Sports Ministry Defined Summary Review and Discussion Questions Chapter 2. A History of Sports Ministry Historic Integrations of Faith and Sport Muscular Christianity Sport: A God-Given Ability or a Deterrent to Faith? Summary Review and Discussion Questions Part II. Contemporary Approaches to Sports Ministry Chapter 3. Sports Ministry in the United States Understanding Sports Ministry in the United States The Beginnings of Organized Sports Ministry in the United States in the 20th Century The Values and Goals of These Sports Ministry Organizations and Initiatives Approaches and Methodologies Additional Significant National Sports Ministry Organizations Summary Review and Discussion Questions Chapter 4. International Sports Ministry Why Minister Internationally? Where Sports Ministries Have Gone Summary Review and Discussion Questions Chapter 5. Faith Considerations Designed for Play The Problem of Competition The Potential of Competition The Bible and Sport Assessing Sport as a Place for Ministry Summary Review and Discussion Questions Chapter 6. Gospel Communication Gospel Communication Biblical Narrative Parables Prayerful Dependence on God Summary Review and Discussion Questions Chapter 7. Ethical Considerations for Christians in Sport The Hammer Analogy A New Christ-Centered Ethos A Work in Progress The Tension Between Competitive Sport and Christian Faith The Compatibility of Competitive Sport and Christian Faith A Divide Between the Sacred and the Secular Sportianity: A Critical Review Christian Ethics Through a Biblical Lens: Linville's Three-Step Process Governing Principles for Ethical Behavior in Sport Ethical Consideration One: Pagan Associations With the Origins of Sport Ethical Consideration Two: Sport and the Sabbath Ethical Consideration Three: Considering Gamesmanship Winning and Losing The "Salt and Light" of Christian Influence Summary Review and Discussion Questions Chapter 8. Financing Sports Ministry Financial Considerations in Sports Ministry Financial Management in Sports Ministry Basic Elements of Financial Management in Sports Ministry Understanding Financial Challenges in Sports Ministry Summary Review and Discussion Questions Chapter 9. Sports Ministry Facilities The Importance of Planning for the Right Sports Ministry Facility Determining What Type of Sporting Facilities Are Available for Effective Ministry The Process of Creating a New Sports Facility: From Concept to Completion Additional Sport Facility Construction Considerations Maintaining a High-Quality Sports Facility Summary Review and Discussion Questions Chapter 10. Legal Considerations A Basic Understanding of the U.S. Legal System and Legal Terminology State Legal Systems Additional Legal Considerations for Sports Ministries Key Legal Issues Facing Sport Ministries Lack of Understanding and Knowledge of Legal Elements and Responsibilities ADA Requirements for Sports Programs and Sports Facilities The Importance of a Proactive Risk Management Program The Importance of Accountability Summary Review and Discussion Questions Part III. Developing a Viable Sports Ministry Chapter 11. International Sport Mission Trips Benefits of Short-Term Sport Missions The Importance of Partnerships Types of International Short-Term Sports Ministry Trips Short-Term Sports Ministry Precautions The Importance of Service and Relationship Building Administrative Responsibilities Pre-Trip Team Training and Post-Trip Debriefing Helpful Travel Tips Summary Review and Discussion Questions Chapter 12. Sports Ministry in the Local Church Assessing Ministry Mission and Objectives Assessing Church and Community Demographics Four Typical Church-Based Sports Ministry Locations Hosting Events Funding Church Sports Ministry Church Sports Ministry Resources Equipping Responsibilities for the Sport-Minded Developing Church Sports Ministry Leadership Examples of Local Church Sports Ministries A Precaution Summary Review and Discussion Questions Chapter 13. Sports Ministry Organizations SMO as Parachurch SMO Examples Summary Review and Discussion Questions Chapter 14. Cultural and Leadership Considerations Cultural and Cross-Cultural Considerations Jesus Adapts to Cultural Norms Sports Ministry Application Women as an Example of Cultural Norm Discernment Implications Defining Nonnegotiables Support for One Another Leader-Led Teamwork Summary Review and Discussion Questions

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