Discussion Questions
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Are you currently involved in any type of sports ministry? If so, how do you see yourself implementing any of the four key success principles described by Colin Pinkney (Preparation, Engagement, Persistence, Patience)? How could you improve your implementation of any of these? (If you are not currently involved in sports ministry, how do you envision yourself implementing one of these principles in your future ministry?)
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I am not currently involved in sports ministry. One of the principles that I would implement in my future ministry would be E – Engagement. Within in the engagement principle would consist of being a good listener. Be willing to listen first before responding to a problem or situation.
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I am eager to share the gospel with all players now, I can practice patience with how I approach them and focus on being available!
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I am involved with sports ministry through FCA in my community. I want to focus on “persistence” because I truly believe that supporting players and coaches (and their families) takes time…time spent in their environment, with them, praying for them, etc.
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I am currently in a shadowing program for my university with a Professional Sports Chaplain. I can certainly envision how to become involved as part of a sports ministry by applying the key success principles described by Colin Pinkney—Preparation, Engagement, Persistence, and Patience.
1. Preparation
In sports ministry, preparation is essential for success. For instance, planning to be involved in sports ministry, I would need to prepare by studying both the spiritual needs of athletes and the unique challenges they face in their sports careers. This might include theological training, counseling skills, and an understanding of the pressures of competitive sports. Additionally, preparing tailored Bible studies or spiritual lessons that resonate with athletes’ experiences would help deepen the impact.
Future Application: I would envision implementing this by staying current with both spiritual materials and sports psychology to provide the best possible support to athletes.
2. Engagement
Engagement refers to the ability to connect and build relationships with athletes and the sports community. A successful sports ministry is about meeting people where they are, on and off the court. Engaging athletes through team prayer, one-on-one counseling, or even simply being present at their practices and games would help build trust and meaningful connections.
Future Application: I would make sure to be present consistently at practices and games, engage with players and staff, and offer support in an open and approachable manner.
3. Persistence
In sports ministry, persistence is key, as change does not happen overnight. Athletes may face ongoing struggles with injuries, performance issues, or personal problems. I must be persistent and consistent in offering support, encouragement, and faith guidance, even when immediate results are not visible. This principle requires a deep commitment to the long-term spiritual growth of the athletes.
Future Application: I would plan to continuously follow up with athletes over time, even if progress seems slow, understanding that faith journeys can be gradual.
4. Patience
Perhaps the most critical principle, patience, is required to wait for spiritual growth and change in athletes’ lives. I must remember than often, ministry results are not immediate, and athletes may take time to open up or engage deeply in spiritual matters. Patience allows me to offer steady support without pressure, helping athletes grow in faith at their own pace.
Future Application: I envision myself practicing patience by offering consistent, non-judgmental support to athletes as they navigate their personal and professional lives, trusting that spiritual growth will happen in its own time.
Improving Implementation
If I were involved in sports ministry, I could improve my implementation of these principles by regularly seeking feedback from the athletes I work with. This feedback could help refine my engagement methods and ensure that I am addressing their specific needs effectively. I would also ensure to create a balanced approach between spiritual guidance and understanding the unique pressures athletes face in their profession, helping me maintain persistence and patience in a more nuanced way. This reflective approach could help fine-tune my ability to be adaptable, patient, and persistent in my efforts to spiritually support athletes.
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Yes, I am involved in basketball ministry. I see myself implementing the Preperation key. By learning all of my teammates problems and issues and allowing them a place to relay and convey their problems. I could improve by being more persistent and vocal.
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Do you currently, or do you think you might, struggle with any of the four success principles (Preparation, Engagement, Persistence, Patience)? For example, do you find it difficult to be patient or find it frustrating when you don’t have the access you would like to have? How might you overcome this?
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I plan to be available and not to give up. Being a good listener is key for me and coming around others to help where it is needed. Follow up is so important so that others know you can be counted on.
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I don’t think I’ll have a problem with implementing any of the four success principles. But becoming acquainted with them changed me a bit. Applying them I believe, makes me more versatile.
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Patience is always difficult — especially when things I consider to be of lesser value interrupt the process. Learning to wait is such an important lesson.
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Out of the four success principles, patience is the one that jumps off the page for me. Being goal oriented, I want to put a check mark next to the task and make my way down the list, but sometime I need to slow down.
One way for me to combat this, is to slow down and focus more of the task and less on the check mark next to it.
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I find it challenging to be patient sometimes. My strategies to overcome this include:
a) Setting realistic expectations can help manage frustrations and increase patience.
b) If a job seems overwhelming or time-consuming, breaking it into smaller, achievable steps can make it feel more manageable and reduce impatience.
c) Taking care of oneself and managing stress can increase patience. Engaging in activities that help to relax and recharge can alleviate impatience and improve overall well-being.
d) Regularly reflect on your progress and challenges. Being open to making changes and adapting your approach can help you overcome impatience and find new ways to achieve your goals.
Developing patience is a gradual process. By employing these strategies consistently and with prayers, I believe we can overcome impatience and foster a more fulfilling experience while serving in the sports ministry.