CYO Sports as Youth Ministry
Why CYO Sports?
Total Youth Ministry is a concept that presents a promise and a challenge to all of who collaborate in serving God's people. Youth ministry is a multi-dimensional approach reaching out into the lived experience of young people. It is interested in the total person, not simply the social, athletic or religious education dimensions. Through youth ministry we work to construct an environment the encourages the development the relationships between youths and believing adults who can articulate and share their faith in a wide variety of situations. By attentive listening and concern, the "mentor" aids the youth on reflecting on the actions of God in his/her own life thus enabling that young person to begin formulating answers formulated in the light of witnessed tradition and gospel values. The options in ministry to, for, by and with youth are expansive and varied. The "ministry moment" might occur in the privacy of a counseling session, it could occur in the excitement of a basketball game, or it might take place through a quiet reflective moment during a retreat. Each approach is valid and each is important. Total youth ministry is a diverse but integrated, holistic, pastoral ministry for youth which depends on harmonious collaboration among many individuals.
Athletics are a vital and important part of total youth ministry. Young people are interested in athletics and readily come forth to participate in athletic programs. Athletics inherently have many of the components of youth ministry as enumerated in the Vision of Youth Ministry. Similar to almost any aspect of the total youth ministry program, can be either an effective influence in the formation of a Christian value system and lifestyle for an adolescent or a detrimental force, depending on the nature of the experience and the "key person" of the minister. In this case the minister is the coach.
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