League Night – Staying Connected
Posted by: Kevin M. Stone in Outreach on
Aug 14, 2008
Since joining the staff at my church I’ve found it challenging to stay connected to people outside the church. As a corporate guy I obviously spent my whole day working with people outside of the church, many of whom very far from God. Now, I really have to work at it.
For more than 4 years now the guys in my neighborhood have gotten together every other week to shoot pool. It is organized league play (8-Ball) with a cash prize for the top 3 players and a catered event held at one of the participant’s homes at the end of the season. One of the things I really like about how the league is organized is that the purpose of the league is clearly understood. Being the winner and being all concerned about winning the game is not the focus. We do the league because we’re interested in spending time together and getting to know one another better as neighbors and friends. Cool!
Last night was league night. We had a larger than normal turnout (about 14 players). It was a great night. Yes … I won all 3 of my games, but that’s not why it was a great night. The number of players that showed up to play (at Joe’s house) and the fun we had together is what made the night great.
It’s been fun for me to have made the career transition to ministry that I’ve made since the first season of league play. The guys are curious to hear about CCV and how we’re growing. I’ve had the pleasure of talking about our building programs, Kids’ Camp, and all the other cool stuff that’s happening around here. Of course, I often invite them to church or to bring their kids to one of our children’s events.
So far, none of them have come to church. But, you know what? I don’t really care. I don’t think that is what it’s all about. Just hanging with them and being part of their lives is all that I’m doing for now. Hopefully, I’m still here and available to serve them in some way when the time comes.
For more than 4 years now the guys in my neighborhood have gotten together every other week to shoot pool. It is organized league play (8-Ball) with a cash prize for the top 3 players and a catered event held at one of the participant’s homes at the end of the season. One of the things I really like about how the league is organized is that the purpose of the league is clearly understood. Being the winner and being all concerned about winning the game is not the focus. We do the league because we’re interested in spending time together and getting to know one another better as neighbors and friends. Cool!
Last night was league night. We had a larger than normal turnout (about 14 players). It was a great night. Yes … I won all 3 of my games, but that’s not why it was a great night. The number of players that showed up to play (at Joe’s house) and the fun we had together is what made the night great.
It’s been fun for me to have made the career transition to ministry that I’ve made since the first season of league play. The guys are curious to hear about CCV and how we’re growing. I’ve had the pleasure of talking about our building programs, Kids’ Camp, and all the other cool stuff that’s happening around here. Of course, I often invite them to church or to bring their kids to one of our children’s events.
So far, none of them have come to church. But, you know what? I don’t really care. I don’t think that is what it’s all about. Just hanging with them and being part of their lives is all that I’m doing for now. Hopefully, I’m still here and available to serve them in some way when the time comes.
