Church and Football

Is there anything wrong with the church entertaining football inside the basilica or on the grounds?

The church is a place where the word of God is preached and taught to exhort and impart to the community the good news of Jesus Christ that salvation is free to all who believe. Live in very different times, where some churches want to meet the community within the atmosphere of worldly activities.

Here are a few ways in which they may intersect:

1. Community Engagement: Church-sponsored football events are an opportunity to serve the local community for engagement and social interaction. People gather at churches for religious services and community events, while football games bring together fans to cheer for their favorite teams. Churches may host events or gatherings centered around football games, such as watch parties or fundraisers.

2. Shared Values: Both institutions often promote values such as teamwork, discipline, dedication, and perseverance. These values can be emphasized in sermons or teachings within religious communities, as well as in the ethos of football teams and organizations. Some churches may draw parallels between these values and the lessons learned from sports, including football.

3. Rituals and Traditions: Just as churches have rituals and traditions associated with religious practices, football has its own set of rituals and traditions. For example, fans may have pre-game rituals, chants, or traditions they observe before or during games. Some churches may incorporate elements of football into their rituals or events, such as themed services or outreach programs centered around football season.

4. Moral and Ethical Discussions: Both church and football can spark discussions about morality, ethics, and social issues. Topics such as sportsmanship, fair play, competition, and the role of athletics in society are often debated within both religious and sports communities. Churches may use sports-related themes or events as a platform to discuss moral and ethical principles with their congregations as well as outreach.

5. Player Faith: Many football players are known for their faith and may openly express their religious beliefs. Some athletes attribute their success on the field to their faith, and they may share their religious experiences or testimonies with fans. Churches may celebrate and support athletes within their congregations, offering spiritual guidance and encouragement.

6. Charitable Endeavors: Both churches and football organizations often engage in charitable endeavors and community outreach programs. They may collaborate on initiatives such as food drives, fundraisers for local causes, or volunteer efforts to support underserved communities. Football players, teams, or leagues may partner with religious organizations to amplify their charitable impact.

7. Church Venue: Some church buildings are designed or labeled as multiplex whereby, the church uses the site for Sunday services and weekly bible study. The basilica will use the same site for fundraisers such as weddings, showers, receptions, and fundraisers. Regardless, of the fact that the church building is multiplex, the basilica is to ensure that no alcohol, sexual promiscuity, or anything that goes against the word of God is allowed. The church must remember the organization is a house of prayer (Matthew 21:13).
   

Overall, the intersection of church and football reflects the broader connections between sports, culture, community, and the church. It provides opportunities for community building, moral reflection, witnessing, and shared experiences among diverse groups of people. The church may want to consider holding events inside a recreation building separate from the basilica. If the church does not have a recreation building, consider renting a big tent with air/heat ventilation for major community events. Or, rent a large hall or park recreation center.

I recommend the church keep the extracurricular events outside the church building, doing so helps the basilica keep to the scripture that says, "My house shall be called a house of prayer" (Matthew 21:13). Let's keep the peace at all costs- "Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:3).