Soccer and Christian ministry have increasingly intersected in the 21st century, creating opportunities
for outreach, community building, and the promotion of values such as teamwork, discipline, and
compassion. The relationship between soccer and Christian ministry can be understood in several keys
ways:
- Soccer is a universal language. It moves through cultures, languages, and geographic
barriers. It is promoted on the internet; kids can watch it on many media platforms. They
want to do the same things in their own lives that they see others doing. - This global appeal gives us, as a Christian organization, the opportunity to share our
faith. It can be the only way to gain an entry point into a community and its young
people. Soccer training and tournaments give the opportunity to share the gospel
message in a non-traditional way. It’s engaging, and not a solo sport. - Soccer also gives the community an opportunity to engage and embrace local activities
and sponsorship programs for its young folks. Soccer builds teamwork and fellowship,
discipline, and a collective goal, which easily aligns with Christian values. The whole
sport gives community to a specific group of young people who may otherwise be
wandering life as they become young adults. - And it also provides concrete role models for those players to emulate in their formative
years on the fields through the diligent effort of those coaches and supporters provide.
Here we see positive mentorship.
And so in January of this year, a mere 6 weeks ago, Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church and School
started a soccer program with those teens who were new to our English classes. These teens wanted to
play soccer, and it was clearly obvious that english was not their biggest draw to us. These kids lived
down the road from us in another village, but had heard about our English class.
God was in the details, and now it is a mere 6 weeks later, and there have been already two
tournaments. In between those times, the team of nearly 20 have learned some details of the game to
make them a better playing team. Even more so is the emergence of a few young men who have not
only truly heard, but listened to the gospel message and have come forward to claim that message as
they own, and join the family of believers in our church.
Yesterday five young men came forward and committed their lives to Christ, and they were warmly
welcomed in their leap of faith going forward.
And so, in this time of media frenzy, and teen hormone energies, once again another part of this
ministry platform is emerging. Soccer and Christian ministry are intertwined, with this sport providing
a dynamic and relatable platform, for sharing the gospel, building community, and promoting Christian
values in this 21st century diverse culture. At the end of the program, there were 5 youth from our English class who join with Youth Sport Ministry became and offered their lives to Jesus. Praise to the Lord for this fruitful from Youth Sport Ministry. Amen
