Have you had any experience ministering to athletes’ families? If so, what were some ways you ministered to family members and how did that contribute to your relationship with the athlete? If not, which of the ideas presented in this lesson seem like something you could integrate into your ministry in the future? How might you implement that?

[Austin]

Honestly, I only have a little experience ministering to athletes’ families. However, I agree with the lecturer that you build trust with the athletes when you minister to their families.

I particularly love the first and the fifth points of the lecturer’s ideas. For
the first point, we also mistakenly assumed that athletes like sports, so their
conversation should only be about sports events. Little did I realize that a
few athletes have other preferences or hobbies when they are out of the sport.
As for the fifth point, I also like the idea of providing a discipleship touch
to their families through social media.

[Austin]

Not yet. I think to start by saying congratulations on birthdays would be a good start.

[Austin]

Some ideas:

-I cant make it all about sports. If I only focus on the athlete’s performance on the field, it can send the message that they are only interested in the athlete’s success. Instead, I need to/should take the time to get to know the athlete’s family and show genuine interest in their lives.
-Find practical ways to serve and embody the presence of Christ. I can represent Christ to athletes and their families by performing simple acts of service, such as dedicating a new baby or blessing a home.
– I can also offer ways to love, lift, and encourage family members of athletes. I can show love and support to athletes’ families by offering to pray for them, and by simply being a listening ear. I can also offer practical help, such as providing financial assistance or helping to find a job.
If I were to minister to the families of athletes, I would focus on the following ideas:

I would offer to pray for the families of athletes.
I would provide childcare.
I would offer practical help.
I believe that these are just a few of the ways that I can minister to the families of athletes. By showing love, support, and compassion, I can make a real difference in the lives of these families.

[Austin]

I have not had the opportunity to minister to a sports team, but I have engaged several student athletes as a professor. Being truly present in what matters to the person we are serving is everything God wants.

[Austin]

One of the ideas that I would surely implement is making discipleship touches, which I believe shows not only the athlete but his family a well, that you’re heart is there to serve them and not what they possess. But to truly seek the establishing of God’s people back to the kingdom.