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 any type of sports ministry, but I would love to be. I envision myself implementing engagement in the following ways:
Making myself available and actively engaging with female athletes, coaches, and their families. I would want to be present at games and practices to provide support, encouragement, and spiritual guidance. I would also want to connect with athletes and their families outside of the sporting context to build relationships.
Organizing events or activities during the offseason to maintain connections and build relationships. This could include things like Bible studies, community service projects, or simply getting together for coffee or lunch. I believe that it is important to build relationships with the people you serve in order to truly minister to them.
I believe that sports ministry can be a powerful way to reach women with the gospel. Sports can provide a context for women to connect with each other, build relationships, and learn valuable life lessons. I am excited about the possibility of using sports to minister to women and help them grow in their faith.Here are some specific ideas for how I would implement engagement in a women’s sports ministry:
Start a weekly Bible study for female athletes. This would be a great way to connect with women from different teams and backgrounds and build relationships.
Volunteer to coach a girls’ or women’s sports team. This would give me the opportunity to work directly with female athletes and help them develop their skills both on and off the field.
Organize a women’s sports ministry conference. This would be a great way to bring together women from different churches and communities to learn from each other and grow in their faith.
I believe that these are just a few ways to implement engagement in a women’s sports ministry. I am excited to see how God will use me to reach women with the gospel through sports. -
I’m not currently involve in any type of sports ministry. My son plays professional football, he played for CFL, Canadian Football League for 3 years and starting his 5th year with NFL. He tells me a lot about what goes on in the locker rooom, practice field, and on actual game. The expectations from players are very high. Sometimes there are no room for errors. The fact that a receiver dropped the ball does not negate that fact his a bad receive; the quarter back should trust him and throw the ball to him again… Your Pepp acronym does not apply to athletes only, it should be applied in life. Football is a life game; what happened on the football field can be applied in life
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Yes, I am involved in High School Sports ministry thru FCA. The trait that i think is important is patience. i am working to get more access to the teams on campus. it takes time.
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I am not currently involved with Sports Ministry, but I have several students that are involved in sports. I can see myself implementing the principle of ‘Patience’ because working behind the scenes while waiting on the Holy Spirit to move is my safe space. And, it is beautiful to see a heart and life change for God at the end of prayer and time spent.
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Although, I’m not currently serving as a sports ministry leader or chaplain, I value being fully prepared and patient with the team and staff at all costs. As we know the journey of a believer is to walk with God and not move ahead of him, so implementing that similar approach with those seeking him is one I’ll surely follow.
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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 appreciate the four principles of success because they are the same essentials that are vital to being an effective Pastor. Each of the principles, Preparation, Engagement, Persistence, and Patience requires a specific discipline. The challenge for the former Athlete, getting into Sports Ministry… is to be inconspicuous because they are used to being seen. This requires transition and a true sense of humility.
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I have the most challenge with persistence. It is easy for me to focus on administrative demands for my ministry when there isn’t a clear desire or response from athletes, coaches, or the program for engagement. These words (paraphrased) from the instructor were well received “We model care and concern when we are resilient in our commitment and persistence.”
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Persistence is a struggle for me because I find it difficult to think long-term and act act accordingly. Also it is difficult to manage expectations and balancing my expectations is something I would like to work towards as well. As a competitive person, I’d like to see the best in everyone and believe that they can achieve as far as they push themselves. But sometimes in the midst of it my own competitive spirit catches up and I lose sight on what is important. Especially in the area of sports ministry, I hope that I can overcome this by remembering that ultimately I am there to serve the Lord and His people, and I hope that by seeking God regularly I remind myself of why I do what I do
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I think preparation is difficult for me because I keep so much in my head and I have my hand in the sport I coach in so many ways (coach, minister, media, promoter, meet director), so writing down things could help me with the “preparation” principle. Although I function well by doing things from my head, I see that writing things down helps me ponder over things more in case I need to think deeper or differently about something.
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In my first year of serving as a chaplain, I have lived in the tension of knowing that being patient was crucial in this ministry. I spent much time this year praying for God to slow my steps and my mind, asking Him to not allow me to get ahead of Him. I am grateful that the Holy Spirit guides and directs in this way. I have learned that God opening the doors for ministry to take place is always more successful than when I barrel through.