Recently, I was asked if Transformation Church is going to start a Christian sports league. The idea of churches starting Christian sports league is to create an environment for Christian parents to send their Christian kids to play sports with other Christian kids. It’s also an outreach to non-Christ followers as well. I’ve coached in leagues like this for years. I believe they have a purpose in the 21st Century, but their impact will not be what it once was because fewer and fewer non-Christians will join Christian sports leagues.
Christ followers must meet non-Christ followers on their turf.This is one of the reasons why Transformation Church does not have a Christian sports league. Instead, at TC, we send Christian families and Christian coaches into non-Christian sports as missionaries. Sure, our kids and parents may hear foul language and see bad attitudes. But of course I’ve heard and seen this in Christian sports leagues too.
When we hear foul language and see bad attitudes, that means we might be right where Jesus would be! Remember, He was called a friend to sinners (Luke 7:34). How can we be friends to sinners if we are in Christian ghettos? Every Christ-follower is a missionary, seeking out the Christ-less.
Jesus says that His followers are SALT. In order for salt to be effective it must be close in proximity. Salt preserves, adds flavor, and creates thirst. As you allow the Holy Spirit to live through you and your children in non-Christian sports leagues, God will use you to positively influence the people around you (preserve), add flavor (Fruit of the Spirit –Galatians 5:22-23), and create a thirst in them so you can point them to the One who is Living Water.
Marinate on that,
Pastor Derwin
