Friday, 14 May 2010
As you know, a Sport's Academy has been a dream of mine for many years now. We started the soccer component of this ministry and it took off. Chris Hope led this effort and I watched him as he organized, planned, and coordinated fields, etc.
I started dreaming about having a sports and recreation minister full-time and not waiting until we build our new Life Center. Every leadership model says you need to "Staff ahead of your needs". I "GOOGLED" Sports and Recreation Ministry and was shocked at how much is already out there. Westside Baptist Church in Gainesville has had this ministry for over three years now and it has absolutely revolutionized their church. Try that website and see what you find.
This ministry is not just for kids and students. It is for the entire church body. There will be adult leagues of all kinds and we will invite the community to participate. There is a strong evangelistic and discipling component to this ministry. If we just wanted to "PLAY" we could partner with the YMCA or some other organization. BUT, we want to reach people for our Lord and see them grow.
I met last evening with our council and trustees about hiring Chris Hope full-time as the Sports and Recreation Minister. I presented the plan and the job description, etc., They are as excited about the possibilities as I am. Tom Grubbs, The Minister of Sports and Recreation at Westside Baptist said their starting this ministry kicked off the passion for building their Life Center with Gymnasium, etc. The only problem was they built too small because the ministry exploded.
The possibilities here are unlimited. I am PUMPED about this and I know you will be also. Chris will start on Monday, May 17th and will have an office in the Ministry Complex. We will be attending a meeting in Gainesville on the 10th June that will include all the staff at Westside Baptist involved in their Sports and Recreation Ministry and the President and Founder of "Upward Sports".
Pastor Lloyd
