The Undeniable Power of Sports Ministry Outreach

For many of us, sports play a significant role in shaping our lives and forming our characters. Sports have the power to unite people from all walks of life, bringing them together in a shared passion for competition and teamwork. Sports have the undeniable power to bring people together, unite communities, and inspire individuals to reach their full potential.

It is no wonder that sports have become a global phenomenon, with an estimated 80% of the world's population playing and watching sports. But can sports be more than just a source of entertainment and competition? Can they be used to make a positive impact on the world, and even to share the Gospel message?

Playing handball in Germany, cricket in Nepal, and football in Salem, sports has given me (Samuel) countless opportunities to grow, connect with others, and even share the love of Christ. I still remember the joy of playing cricket with kids in a remote mountain community in Nepal. We had to chase the ball down the hill every time someone had a hit, but I will forever cherish the laughter and camaraderie we shared. It was in moments like these that I realized the true power of sports to transcend any language barrier we may have.

Evangelism and Discipleship Through Sports

Growing up, I played 12 years of competitive handball in Germany. Looking back, at the experience it was as challenging as it was rewarding. Handball is where I learned to communicate, seek the success of all, and push through the pain. It was during that time in my life that I walked away from and came back to my faith in Jesus. I saw firsthand the impact that my beliefs had on my teammates. Today, I continue to play sports, including soccer in a rec league in Salem. But more than just playing for the sake of competition and physical health, I see this as an opportunity to minister to my teammates and share the love of Christ. Whether it's providing comfort and support in times of pain and struggle, or encouraging believers in their faith, I know that sports can be a powerful tool for outreach and discipleship.

Many organizations and ministries have recognized the potential of sports to reach people with the Gospel, and have developed training programs and resources to help equip believers to use sports for evangelism and discipleship. One such program is the Sports Ministry elective offered by YWAM’s Discipleship Training School. The Sports Ministry elective is facilitated by experienced ministry leaders who have spent decades using sports in a missional context. These facilitators have firsthand knowledge of the unique challenges and opportunities of sports outreaches and can provide practical guidance and support to participants.

A First-Hand Account

One of those leaders is Likius Hafeni. Likius played in the Namibian Premier League from 2001- 2007. As a Christian athlete, he initially struggled to find ways to share his faith with his teammates. When he discovered the principle of "Pray, Play, Say" outlined in Colossians 4:2-6, which he now teaches in YWAM’s Sports Ministry Elective, things shifted. He realized the need to pray for his teammates, exhibit Christ-like behavior on the field, and seize opportunities to share the gospel when they arose. He was the only Christian soccer player in the league, and his profession of faith in Christ was widely known. Even though as a Christian he was an extreme minority, during away games on Sunday mornings, the coach would ask him to share a passage from the Bible with the entire team.

This became a regular occurrence, spanning several years. He had the privilege of spreading the gospel to a group of individuals often overlooked — the sports community, which frequently played on Sundays and thus remained largely unreached. Likius now has 20+ years of sports outreach experience that has taken him to many nations in Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America. From 2001-2007 he was the Country Facilitator for Sports Ministry in Namibia. Now that Salem is home base for him, he coaches different local soccer teams and travels to facilitate sports camps and training opportunities.

The Sports Ministry elective covers a range of topics, from the power and potential of sports to the practicalities of running community festivals and sports camps. This elective uses the "Ready, Set, Go" curriculum, which is part of a global movement that aims to make disciples for Christ in all nations in the world of sport and play. It is designed to equip participants with the tools and knowledge they need to effectively minister to people through sports. In 2005, Likius was responsible for overseeing the soccer activities for a sports camp in Brecon, Wales.

“I had a group of 8 boys,”  he reminisced on the powerful experience, “And during our sessions, we explored the ’I am…’ sayings of Christ from the book of John. One evening we gathered in our small group to discuss the teaching. Toward the end of our discussion, I felt a prompting from the Lord to make an altar call. I asked the boys to close their eyes, and I inquired if anyone desired to accept Christ into their lives. To my amazement, all 8 of them raised their hands. I led them in prayer, and that day they received salvation.”

Ministry at Major Sports Events

Another sports outreach opportunity is what we call “Ministry at Major Sports Events”. It’s exactly what you imagine it to be. Major sporting events vary depending on location and the popularity of the sport. When we think of top athletes and marketing machines we typically think of internationally recognized events like the Olympics, FIFA World Cup, Super Bowl, Wimbledon, The Masters, or Tour de France to name a few. These events often draw crowds much greater than a typical fan base.

We would however also include less-known events that have gained in popularity lately. Like the X-games, local marathon runs, Esports tournaments, Tough Mudder, or any of the many Red Bull events.

During the 2006 FIFA Men's World Cup in Germany, Likius had the opportunity to work in Stuttgart. While there, he had a conversation with a couple from England who were members of the Church of England. Unfortunately, they had a negative experience that led them to leave the church.

“Initially, I tried to share the gospel with them,” Likius recounted, “but they expressed their disinterest in hearing about God. Instead, they asked me to share about my life in Africa. I recounted how God had transformed my life and helped me overcome rejection. By the end of our conversation, the wife asked me to sign the booklet I had given them because it had significantly impacted her life. By sharing my own story of parental rejection and how God saved me, I was able to help them in overcoming their feelings of rejection from the Church.”

The point is that wherever people are, that’s where we want to be. Loving on them, sharing the gospel, serving their needs, and getting stoked on the beauty of sports.

When speaking to a sports fan or player it is important to understand that they may have never connected their sport and their faith. Most people play sports because they love it or are good at it or both! They may never have considered that we were perfectly created. Designed to run, play, compete, and share life together. They may never have reflected on what their intense commitment, investment of time, or performance-orientedness is healthy, and what has become toxic.

From where do we get our value? A win, praise of others, the starting lineup- Or has all that been settled because as sons and daughters of God, we are deeply secure?

How do we deal with injuries that may rob us of what we love? Anger, depression, blame, denial, trying harder – Or falling into the strength and hope of Jesus who is present in our suffering?

Conclusion

Whether it's through community events, sports camps, or one-on-one conversations with sports enthusiasts, there are countless opportunities to use sports as a means of outreach and discipleship. In a world where so many people are passionate about sports, there may be no better way to bring the Gospel to every county, every city, and every community. So let us embrace the power of sports to bring people together and make a positive impact on the world around us. We can equip ourselves to effectively minister through sports and make a real difference in the world. This is why we started the YWAM DTS Sports Ministry Elective.

Next time you go out on the pitch, play in a way that reflects Christ, pray for and with your teammates, and take this call to action and share the Good News of Jesus with another sports enthusiast this week. Join us as we go to every locker room, stadium, gym, park, pitch, and playground!

Samuel Matthias - Sports Enthusiast and YWAM Salem Campus Leader
Likius Hafeni - Soccer Coach, and YWAM Sports Ministry Elective Contributor