The legendary UCLA basketball head coach John Wooden once said, “Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of knowing you did your best to become the best that you are capable of being.” Hall of Fame American Football Coach Vince Lombardi indicated, “People who work together will win, whether it be against complex football defenses, or the problems of modern society.” John Wooden paced the hardwood floors of basketball gyms while Vince Lombardi treaded the sidelines of the frozen tundra of Green Bay and I’m convinced that both coaches realized the gravity of how competition in the realm of sports, and athletics provides the platform to teach fundamental life lessons to young people. Both men used their respective sport to express seeds of faith and foster environments to cultivate the lives of their players. It would be a natural fit for the church to expand or develop sports related activities for mission effort towards young people.
Other than technology, I firmly believe athletics is the perfect medium outside of the comfortable four walls of the church to engage young people from diverse backgrounds. Whether it’s the soccer field, baseball diamond, or cheerleading pyramid, each form of athletics provides a classroom to encourage teamwork and discipline. Years ago, I began to work as a volunteer, coach, and mentor at a local recreation center, which allowed me to encounter the diverse youth of the community. I had direct contact with young people from different backgrounds and economic perspectives. Coaching youth basketball and flag football granted me the opportunity to inspire effort, enforce discipline, and challenge the young people to strive for excellence in the classroom. Sports has advanced in our society such much we have dedicated networks, books, and live events occur year round.
Tim Tebow, the son of two missionaries, used his NFL quarterback career to magnify his relationship with the Lord and expressed how immensely rewarding his fellowship in Christ. According to a report from ESPN, Manny Pacquiao is establishing a boxing education institute in Beijing, and I really foresee this as an opportunity to minister his life style to a massive number of Chinese youth. Since soccer is the most popular sport world wide, it obviously expands beyond race, gender, and economic differences.
It is vital for the church to develop creative mission driven sports camps or events to engage young people because the commitment and level of dedication will leave a deep and lasting impression. I have no doubt about the potential influence and how we can integrate scripture fundamentals in properly exposing youth for servant-hood.