Sports as a tool!

Often times it’s the staff that gets credit when something goes off without a hitch in the sports ministry… However, its rarely the case, and today I want to share about the one of our wonderful leaders that breathe life into the ministry every day. She’s one of those people that believe in what we’re doing as a ministry and committed to serving and using the ministry how it was designed.

I have yet to find a sport that actually saved someone of their sin and it is this thought that often keeps people from thinking sports belong in the church. I’m here to tell you it can be the biggest tool the church has.

• Sports gives people an opportunity to get involved and serve in a capacity that people can relate to.
• Sports can engage people who would otherwise would never step foot inside a church building.
• Sports can give you a chance to connect with people you may not otherwise meet.
• Sports give you the avenue to reach those around you who don’t know Christ.

I am blessed with hundreds of people within our ministry that dedicate some time out of their daily lives to serve, and I want to introduce you to one. Her name is Mariann McDonell, and she has been around Shepherd Sports so long I can’t remember a time without her. She has been faithful to serve and has committed to using her God-given passion, for health and fitness and leading others, for his kingdom through this ministry.

Mariann heads up our Run/Walk Club, and she has engages this group with an enthusiasm and love for them that we desire in all our leaders. She encourages new leaders in the ministry, and seeks out encouragement in areas of training where she needs additional support. It is always a joy to see this group huddled up on Saturday morning praying under the parking structure and driving home on a Wednesday night as 20 or more people are leaving our church campus for a run together.

Our Run/Walk Club just finished another event last week, and they had 5K, 10K and Half-Marathon participants. We had one first place finisher, two-second place finishers and one-third place finisher within their age groups.

The spirit of this group is love and sacrifice, two things that we always want people to see when they enter a Shepherd Sports program. Our ministry is blessed to have Mariann and so many other people like her. Below is an email Mariann sent out to her crew before their last event. It shows her dedication and commitment to these people.

Hello Team Shepherd!! 

Well......it's almost here!  This Saturday, we will meet at Church (t-shirts are in!!!!), Wednesday again at Church and then.......Saturday the 23rd, we will not be training....but......if you want to carpool to the expo, we will meet at the parking structure at 1:30.  We can pick up our packets and check out the course! 

Please plan on Saturday evening church service as Sunday will be a great day to stay and cheer on our 1/2 marathoners as well!  Bring your friends and family for a fantastic day! 

Race day, we will meet at the parking structure at 5:30am and carpool to the event.  Anyone who wants to drive themselves are free to do so.  We will try to meet close to the registration booth.  Shouldn't be hard to miss all the red shirts!!! 

Love the dedication and all the great fellowship in this group!

See ya tomorrow! 

We are thankful for Mariann and ALL of our leaders at Shepherd Sports. You make our mission come alive and fulfill God’s word through your service.