If we’re honest, there are more times than not when we encounter families who have placed sports as a high priority in the rhythm of their family, and it really gets under our skin. You may have even grimaced a bit just reading that sentence. We get it—the time those kids and families are spending at practices, games, and traveling is taking them away from a lot of good things that you have worked hard to plan and offer them at church (and they just aren’t around very much). That being said, if we aren’t careful, we can subtly (or maybe even directly) find ourselves in a “church versus sports” state of mind and attitude. As children’s ministry leaders, we can’t let that state of mind or that attitude take root. Even though we may struggle with how we can best engage these families who are not as physically present as we would like for them to be, our focus should be answering the same ministry question we are always asking: How do we best come alongside, support, and minister to these kids and families who the Lord has placed under our care? How can we influence and support kids and parents to follow Jesus and live for His glory (yes, even the ones who have placed a high priority on athletics)? It can be a real tension within our own minds as well as within the walls of our churches. That’s why in this month’s coaching video, we want to give you and those who serve alongside you some practical ideas on how you can maybe shift your focus (maybe even your church’s focus) to support, encourage, and disciple the kids and families who have made sports a central part of their lives.
Click the image above to watch the video or click HERE!