Now Playing.....Fall Soccer

I am excited about the events of this past weekend - Upward Fall Soccer started in Hanover. This fall season we will be hosting soccer at Broadus Memorial Church off Pole Green Road. With any new opportunity, you never know what it will be like. But this Saturday, it was awesome. Eighty three players participated, new families have joined the league, new fields have been set, and the soccer was fun to watch.

As our Upward Sports ministry continues to grow and develop, it's in our long term plans to give away that which God has provided for us. Over the past ten years we have had the opportunity to see basketball, flag football, soccer, cheer-leading, and challenger basketball develop and work among local church partners for space, volunteers, and building relationships with the people of Hanover County. And this fall is no exception. Broadus has a great team of volunteers who are committed to see recreation, soccer, be used as a resource for investing in the lives of people in our community. As you head out on Pole Green Road towards Rte 360, stop by and see what "new and exciting things" God is doing through recreation.

Coaching with the Intent to Develop Character

Had the opportunity to host a conference call yesterday with CSRM (Church Sports and Recreation Ministers Association, www.csrm.org). Part of our desire as an organization is to connect with others, both nationally and internationally, who are using sports as an avenue for sharing Christ's love with others. This year we are focusing on providing connecting moments through monthly meetings in area locations, to phone / web conferencing, and summits.

The topic for yesterday was Coaching with the Intent of Developing Character. Lately, I have felt overwhelmed with the negative press regarding universities, coaches, and players decisions and character issues. While issues are at the top level, be aware that on the local level they are happening as well. The "professional experience" is now making its way into our middle schools and recreation leagues. From contacts with college coaches to sneaker and uniform endorsements; are students are being hit with making character decisions everyday. The question we have to ask ourselves is this: What are we doing to help develop Godly Character?

Rolando Lamb, America's Character Coach, joined us on the conference and shared with us some insights regarding character. Romans 5:3 is a great passage of scripture that references the building of character and we also see a great example in 1 Kings 15:5 with reference to David doing right in the Lord's eyes. Character comes down to the choices you make and the actions you take. Character is values in action.

While working with recreation leagues and families who participate with you, here are some points to consider :

• Be above reproach / Be an example -Coaches, next to parents, have the opportunity to have the greatest impact on the young people they are working with. Model for them character that counts.
• Be intentional about developing character - You have to have a plan in place. Know what your end goal is and stay focused. You will need to provide a combination of explanation, demonstration, motivation, application, and repetition as you seek to teach character.
• Believe and invest in the kids you are working with - Kids have to much potential for us to let them fail in society. Get across to them that you genuinely care.
  
• Group players together with others on the team to help challenge them and create an atmosphere that draws the best out of them. Proverbs 20:5 makes reference to drawing out the potential of people.

As you work with your leagues, train coaches, and invest in local recreation programs; be intentional about providing Godly instruction and character.

Sunday Best

I love the potential influence I have with the kids participating in our sports leagues. There are a lot of great kids just waiting for the outside influence on their lives and I try to impart just a few of my passions on them. So, here's my last piece of influence....

The photo you see is a picture of me and the Hoppe (HOP-E) boys this past Sunday morning prior to worship. Each one was wearing their new 2011-12 NFL favorite team jersey. Gotta love it! Obviously they are passionate about their teams (they had the jersey on) and passionate about being at Cool Spring (they showed up for church).

While there is, has always been, and will continue to be a debate of "proper attire" to church on Sundays, I couldn't help but smile when they walked in. For I had seen the wrestle of a parent who loved the jerseys and loved the passions of their kids to wear them to church; but also had a heart of being respectful for others around them during worship. And I understand both aspects. However, as a Rec Minister (the guy on staff who plays everyday) I gently spoke with the voice of freedom regarding the celebration of church and the first day of the NFL season. Well, I guess it rubbed off. The boys beamed with smiles from their experience in Sunday School that morning and the freedom to express their excitement for the family's afternoon activity (in reality, the percentage was pretty high that day of adults who wish they could wear the same outfits).

While I really have no scripture to tag to this story and make it spiritual, I can sit back and see that and exciting day of worship at church combined with the passion of recreation activity brings out the kid in all of us. So go ahead, put your throw backs on from days past and join us at Cool Spring Church while we look forward to an exciting life with Christ together.