MPC-goers “Get In The Game”
They come from all backgrounds, neighborhoods, ages and skill levels. Men, women, teens and seniors alike. They assemble on the ball field, the bike path, and the volleyball court, all in the name of fun and fitness…and fellowship.
More than just a pleasant pastime, athletics are a natural avenue for deep friendships. “Sports are another outlet for people to have fun and feel comfortable around other believers,” shares Adam Farmer, coach of MPC’s fast-pitch softball A-team. “It is important to be ‘plugged in’ to smaller groups of individuals to share and enjoy friendship and fellowship as well as good competition.”
Connecting is all about relationships – with God and one another. Which is why the athletic ministries at MPC offer so many opportunities for players to connect with others. The sports offerings are varied: men’s basketball, bicycling, bowling, fishing, golf, ladies volleyball and 2 co-ed softball teams. A network of Christian coaches, in every sport, encourage and develop each other to improve their coaching skills while demonstrating their Christian walk.
While striving for the “W,” teams are encouraged to keep an eye on the bigger picture. Adam says that “our softball teams want to be competitive—and we usually are—but our main purpose is to connect with people.”
Jack Williams, longtime coach of the C-Team agrees. “Sports are a setting to compete, but also an opportunity to catch up on each other’s lives and discover ways we can encourage each other.” He even grows philosophical about softball. His enthusiasm for his team and the ministry reaches deeper than balls and strikes! “Irenaeus said, “The glory of God is man fully alive,’ ” he reflects. “It may look like we’re just making errors and striking out, but in reality church fast-pitch softball is a demonstration of man and woman fully alive. The Kingdom of God needs its ball fields where we can chase fly balls, lay down bunts and return to dust at home plate.”
New sports participants and anyone interested in coaching are invited to contact Rob Spaulding at the Church Office for more information.
