Research paper

Biblical Basis For Sport Ministry

Calvin Cunningham

Liberty University

1. Abstract

The religion and sports are two different entities and the manner and there continues to be a heated debate over the relationship between the two. There are religious benefits that are associated with elite sports and the promotion of biblical and scriptural goals and objectives. However, there are likely negative outcomes that make the support for ministry’s support for elite sports a controversial move.

1. Introduction/Thesis

The support for sporting activities by religious leaders and institutions, that is the churches, is based on religion and the Bible and ought to be encouraged. There are many benefits of the Church being involved in sponsoring sports teams. These teams are a great source of inspiration, with some participants advancing to greater and advanced levels in sports.

Thesis Statement

The support for Sports Ministry is largely based on the Bible and it is the objective of the ministry to ensure that the likely negative aspects associated with ministry sports are curbed and the positive elements that are beneficial to ministry promoted.

1. Supporting Idea: Leadership of ministry teams illustrates and represents elements of Spirituality.

1. Exemplification of variation in the Leadership models in the bible

1. There are different leadership models of leadership in the bible, especially in relation to the Old and the New Testament. The exemplification of the models as they are represented in the Bible can be done through ministry teams, facilitating greater understanding of the scriptures (Eguizabal, & Lawson, 2009).

1. Promotion of Unity and Cohesiveness

1. Churches and Ministry Organizations have an obligation to promote Unity

1. Teams are one of the most efficient tools that can be used by religious organizations for the purpose and goal of promotion of unity. These teams undergo a development process and with the scriptures being a foundation, the goals and objectives of unity and cohesion are achieved and promoted. Once the members and participants of these teams are united, they set an excellent example to be emulated by other followers (Krispin, 2017).

1. Pride, Humility and Supporting Ministry Teams

1. Controversy in relation to athletic Identity in relation to sporting

1. There are a broad range of controversies that are associated with the support for ministry teams with sinning, pride, the loss of humility and idolatry being perceived as highly likely outcomes for sports ministry athletes. Culture is an integral aspect in relation to the sporting and its formation could have a positive or a negative effect on sportsmen and women (Watson, 2011).

1. Inconsistencies between lite Sports and Christianity

1. God’s intent in elite sport and the concept of creational normativity.

1. There appears to be inconsistencies between elite sports is a direct violation of the intended goal and objective of the sport which is creational normativity. This is characterized by issues and problems that are either emotional as well as those that are related to the health of sports participants (Sinden, 2013).

1. Conclusion

The support for sporting activities through ministry and the church is in line with the Biblical guidelines. The ministry benefits through the promotion of unity and cohesiveness through the teams, an aspect that is likely to be emulated by religious followers. There are controversies that are associated with the support for sporting in ministry as well and these include; health issues that could arise from participation, the development of pride and loss of identity by an individual as well as engagement in sin by participants of elite sports.

References

Eguizabal, O., & Lawson, K. E. (2009). Leading ministry teams, part I: Theological reflection on ministryteams. ChristianEducationJournal, 6(2),250-264.Retrievedfrom http://ezproxy.liberty.edu/login?url=https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.liberty.edu/docview/205455879?accountid=12085

Krispin,Keith R.,,Jr. (2017). STRENGTHENING MINISTRY TEAMS: FACILITATING UNITY AND COHESIVENESS. ChristianEducationJournal, 14(1),42-51.Retrievedfrom http://ezproxy.liberty.edu/login?url=https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.liberty.edu/docview/1891730791?accountid=12085

Sinden, J. L. (2013). The elite sport and Christianity debate: Shifting focus from normative values to the consciousdisregardforhealth.Journalof Religion and Health, 52(1), 335-349. doi:10.1007/s10943-012-9595-8

Watson, N. (2011). Theological and psychological reflections on identity in sport. Journal of Religion andPopularCulture, 23(2),182200.Retrievedfromhttp://ezproxy.liberty.edu/login?url=https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.liberty.edu/docview/894325722?accountid=12085