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North Coast District United Methodist Church

Sports Ministry

Here is a list of some Sports Ministry Programs that would be great to start at your church or perhaps you can just get together with family and friends.

Sports Ministry 101

2nd Timothy 4:7-8, 1st Corinthians 9:24, Psalm 19:4-5, Nehemiah 8:10, Phillippians 3:14, Hebrews 12:1-2, 1st Corinthians 15:57, Michah 6:8, Proverbs 17:22, 1st Corinthians 9:25-27, Mark 12:30, Psalm 100:4.

Aerobics:  Aerobics is any form of exercise which requires oxygen to be supplied throughout the actual exercise.  Anything from walking, dance, cycling, running, exercises that conditions the heart and lungs.  Aerobic exercises should last at least 30 minutes for benefit, 60 minutes is now recommended at least 3 times a week.  Senior aerobics can be done from a chair if needed.  All ages can participate.

Archery:  One of the oldest sports know. (3000 B.C.) Archers shoot arrows as close to the middle of the target from a set distance.  Each archer shoots the same number of arrows and score points according to the color of the target they hit.  In a real target:  10 Yellow, 8 Red, 6 Blue, 4 Black, and 2 White.  A large open space must be available.  Safety is very important.  Not recommended for younger children.

Backpacking:  Individual or in a group.  Overnights or for a day.  Our Metro Park System and beautiful lakefront provide many opportunities to be in God's creation.  Go south and east and find hills to climb and new territory to see.  Be sure to pack a First Aid kit and have comfortable hiking boots/shoes.  Take what you need in the pack and don't forget to praise God for the beauty of the earth.

Badminton:  Don't have space for basketball or volleyball, how about a badminton court.  36 ft. x 22 ft. or so.  The equipment is relatively inexpensive and birdies do not harm windows, ceilings or furniture.  It can also be played outside for church socials or parties.  Badminton can be played by children and adults.  You could tape two courts down in most fellowship halls and have a great time in any weather.

Baseball/Softball:  Get your church teams together this spring and join in the fun of organized leagues in your area.  Most recreation centers have softball leagues in place and church groups can be involved in those or call the churches in your area and create a league of your own.  The key is finding a place to play.  There are many fields in the Metro-parks, but they are on a first come, first serve basis.  Most schools have fields, but may cost $ to use them.  Fun for most ages!

Basketball:  You don't need a full gym to enjoy some basketball fun with friends.  There are many type of portable baskets that can be set up in any space for a "half-court" game.  Some also adjust height for younger players.  Roped off parking lots can become a great recreation area for the neighborhood on Sunday afternoons in good weather!  Most ages can use skills, some can really play!!

Bocce:  Bocce Ball can be adapted to fit any space you have available.  Most often it is played in a long, narrow, track of sand or grass.  But an open field will work as well.  Tossing the small ball first, the two teams try to get their larger ball the closest to the small ball.  The expense is only for the Bocce Set.  Many ages can play and enjoy the game.

Bowling:  A fun activity for the whole family.  Bowling can be done for special events, special groups or in league play.  There are many bowling alleys all over the greater Cleveland area.  Many are looking for teams to form leagues.  If your church has a few bowlers interested in starting a league, talk to some of the churches around you and see if they too have some folks that wold like to be a part of a church league.

Darts:  A game of darts can be played by older children and older adults and everyone in between.  Traditional darts require only 8 to 12 ft. clear space with the target on the wall.  There is also a game called "Dartball" which follows baseball rules as darts are thrown underhand to a board resembling a baseball field with designated area for singles, doubles, triples, homeruns, balls, strikes and outs.  It's fun and can be played inside on these cold winter evenings

Hockey:  The game of hockey can be played on the ice, on concrete or in the grass. It can also be played inside with proper equipment. Hockey with skates, whether ice or in-line requires special skills and expensive equipment.  Hockey in a roped off parking lot, played with a small ball is not as expensive and can be just as fun.  Goals, sticks, balls or pucks are needed to play.
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Rope Jumping:  See how many folks in your church can jump 100 times without stopping.  Try some trick jumping.  It great aerobic exercise!  See if you can get a Double Dutch Jumping Team together.

Skiing/Winter Sports:  If there are some in your church who are into skiing!  Take a ski trip!  Take adults and youth, tell them to bring their friends, and then have devotions with hot chocolate!  Tobogganing, cross-country skiing, etc. Use the Metro-Parks.  Go sledding for a cheaper theme!

Snowboarding:  Try something new!  Go snowboarding instead of skiiing.  Be adventurous!

Weight Lifting:  Weight lifting is becoming more and more popular as a way to get in shape and keep in shape.  Mostly anaerobic, it needs to be used with an aerobic workout.  It doesn't take much space, but needs a strong floor.  Basements work best.  Find some weight lifters in your congregation - start a gym in your church.

• What other sports or activities do you think might work in your  church?  
   

• What do any of these have to do with ministry?
   

• What can people learn from being involved in sports and recreation?
   

• Work with what you have and then, don't be afraid to dream!
   

• Health and Fitness is a full-time job!