by Garrett Glende
As the leaves turn and the weather cools, sports fans mark their calendars for their team’s next big game. Fall is here and the new season brings about the most exciting months for many die hard followers of the Chargers, Trojans, or (quite unfortunately) the Lakers. Here at LBC, guys and gals alike drape themselves in their team’s colors and gather together to have fun and cheer on their favorite team. But most would much rather spend their time in fellowship, actually playing in the games themselves. This is the reason for the sports ministry.
Whether it be playing basketball, softball, football, soccer, or volleyball, Lighthouse definitely has its fair share of talented athletes who love to get on the field and compete. The sports ministry provides a more formal venue for members to come together and get to know one another more through sports. For many people, especially guys, the easiest way to make friends is to go play ball on a Saturday afternoon or Sunday after church. In this way, sports provide an immediate connection that creates comfort and makes it easier to have deeper conversations. Many members make a deliberate effort to participate in sports activities for the specific purpose of encouraging the body and fellowshipping with other brothers and sisters.
Among the organized events that the sports ministry oversees is the Lighthouse Bible Church Basketball Association, LBCBA, and the men’s and women’s Mission Bowl’s. LBCBA is a basketball league that takes place during the spring months where players are split into teams that play against each other every week. Games are fairly intense and competitive, but the captains stress that God’s glory is at stake in everything we do, even playing basketball. Through LBCBA, people have learned that winning is not the most important thing when playing. The glory of God and the testimony of the Christian are at stake every time you step onto the court. Non-believers should be able to observe any LBCBA game and notice a difference from the rest of the world in terms of attitude, respect, and character. We must shine the light even on the court.
Probably the most notable of all the sports ministry events is the annual flag football tournament, the Mission Bowl. The goal of the tournament is to raise money in support of LBC mission teams to the Czech Republic and Argentina, while building relationships with other local churches and having fun on the field. For many members, the Mission Bowl marks an exciting few months in the year where weekends are filled with practices and many opportunities to meet new people. Football provides a great way to make friends and become more comfortable at LBC. Most players enjoy the practices themselves more than the actual tournament. There is something about those times in practice playing together that encourages unity and fellowship. Daniel Chong, who is a part of LBC’s College Life ministry, says that “football is a great sport due to the unity that it requires to execute a play correctly, which is exactly the reason why it’s a great way to fellowship with older brothers in Christ.” This year’s tournament is sure to provide just as much fun and excitement as the previous contests. The men’s tournament will be held on November 15th and the women’s will be on November 22nd. If you are interested in playing, contact Jin Lee (men) or Hansol An (women).
Overall, the sports ministry is a great opportunity to serve the church in a very practical way. In one sense, it is encouraging just to see people come out and play even if they might not be as skilled as others. In this ministry of attendance, fellow brothers and sisters are encouraged by a devotion to building up and participating in Christ’s church. So even if you don’t think you’re cut out for it, consider it a way to fellowship and build relationships within the body of Christ.
Go Lighthouse!