Why We Have a Church Softball Team
1Timothy 4:8 “For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.”
What business does a church have keeping a softball team? Isn’t this something that people who want to play can do outside of a church-sponsored team? Some may question a church’s involvement in a softball league, but through the years I have seen several benefits that come from it.
The biggest benefit I have seen is in helping new families integrate into the church more quickly. New families with an interest in athletics, whether the husband, wife, or teens, are often excited to hear about our team. In the process of playing on the team they meet and learn the names of other players from the church far more quickly than they would otherwise. As a person goes up to bat, several are calling out his or her name (“come on Sam, we need a hit”) and as the at-bat continues, they will hear the name repeated several times by many people (“good hit, Sue” or “nice try, Harry”).
While out in the field, the same thing happens (“nice play, Renee”). By the end of a typical evening, they will have become familiar with many people. Then, upon arriving in church on Sunday, they will feel more comfortable and at home because they not only know more people but now have something to talk about. A new person playing on the team will feel a part of the church in a matter of just a few weeks. Without the team, it may take months.
There are also benefits for the family members who don’t play. They can gain the same recognition of names as they watch the game, but they also make friends as they fellowship with the other spectators who have come to watch. At softball games new people see some of the same people they see in church on Sunday, but in a different setting. They have an opportunity to learn more of the personalities of the people they see in church. They see the joking around, good-natured banter, and emotional support among the players and spectators. People they see dressed up on Sunday are wearing casual athletic clothes. It helps to make them more relatable.
Through the years I have seen many families become quickly integrated into the congregation through the softball team. That is why I am quick to “recruit” new players for the team. It is not just about winning games and playing sports.
Pastor Don (first baseman )