Growing Our Passion for Ministry Like Disciplined Athletes

Full disclosure: My interest in sports ranks as minimal. I will, on occasion, watch horse racing or a football play-off game on TV. During state high school basketball tournaments in Minnesota, I may tune in to games between small town schools. That’s about it.

But even I get excited when Minnesota hosts a major sporting event, like the Super Bowl in 2018 and now the NCAA Final Four on April 6–8. My interest lies more in the exposure and hype for my northern state than in the actual games. How will promoters market the finale of March Madness in Minnesota? What will those attending the championship basketball games at U.S. Bank Stadium think of Minneapolis and of Minnesotans? And, will we get an April snowstorm that challenges everyone from organizers to attendees?

The Final Four is a big deal with athletes and fans focusing on the game and businesses on the financial benefits. Minnesota tourism offices showcase the best of our state. I appreciate the enthusiasm, the energy and the excitement that accompany these basketball games.

We need that same excitement when it comes to God. Let me restate that. We need an excitement exceeding that for a national sporting event. We need to be on fire for Christ.

That’s easy enough to write. We “need to be.” But the truth is that Christians too often grow complacent. We forget that a wide world awaits the gospel. The stresses and busyness of daily living distract us from our God-directed mission to Therefore go and make disciples of all nations... (Matthew 28:19, NIV). How can we grow our passion for ministry?

We should approach ministry like a disciplined athlete who trains daily. Read the Bible every day. Pray. Attend church services. Listen to Christian music. Read daily devotionals and other faith-based publications. Participate in Bible study. Make time for God. Then practice what we’ve learned. By our words and actions, we can show the love of Christ.

God gifts each of us with unique personalities, skills and talents. Just like athletes play different positions, so do we. You’d never want me in a church choir. But I’m passionate about writing, which I can use to further God’s kingdom. I consider myself a good listener, a necessary skill in offering genuine care and compassion to those who are hurting. Whatever your gifts, get out on the court and use them, just like those basketball players.

For most of us, opportunities to share the good news of God’s love, forgiveness and salvation exist within our families, our neighborhoods, our communities. We are God’s local team, His local fan base, those best positioned to spark excitement for Christ where we live. The Holy Spirit can, and does, work through us anywhere.

Just like marketers of the Final Four in Minneapolis aim to generate interest, create a positive image and welcome visitors, we should do the same in ministry. If we exude joy in Jesus, people will naturally be drawn to us. And when we build those personal connections, God opens doors. We can Sing to the LORD, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples (Psalm 96:2–3, NIV). That includes right in our own communities.

Audrey Kletscher Helbling, working from her home in southern Minnesota, is grateful for the opportunity to work with Warner Press in the writing ministry. She recently joined the team as blog coordinator and continues to write blog posts and greeting card verses for Warner Press. Audrey is also in her tenth year of blogging on her personal blog, https://mnprairieroots.com.