Journal: Conspectus
Volume: CONSPECTUS 14:1 (Sep 2012)
Article: A Strategy For Developing A Sustainable Sports Ministry Through Soccer Evangelism In The Local Churches In Tshwane Using Browning’s Multidisciplinary Model
Author: Tim Tucker

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Conspectus 14:1 (September 2012) p. 153

A Strategy For Developing A Sustainable Sports Ministry Through Soccer Evangelism In The Local Churches In Tshwane Using Browning’s Multidisciplinary Model

Tim Tucker

and Noel Woodbridge1

Abstract

Due to the recent participation of numerous South African churches in various outreach programmes during the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, there has been renewed focus on the opportunities available for sports ministries in local churches today. The aim of this article is to present a strategy for developing a sustainable sports ministry through soccer evangelism in the local churches in Tshwane, using Browning’s multidisciplinary model with its four sub-movements: descriptive theology, historical theology, systematic theology, and strategic practical theology.

Introduction

South African churches remain largely disengaged from sport. However, in the past thirty years, there has been a gradual re-engagement between Christians and sport in South Africa. However, this has been largely led by para-church and mission organisations, such as Sport for Christ Action South Africa (SCAS), and Athletes in Action

Conspectus 14:1 (September 2012) p. 154

(AIA). Both of these organisations (formed in the 1980s), and others like them, largely worked within the world of student and professional sports, rather than through local churches. Some churches have formed sports teams and play within so-called ‘Christian Leagues’, while other churches provide opportunities for recreational sport. However, it is still quite rare today to find a church with a specialised sports ministry department.

The aim of this article is to present a strategy for developing a sustainable sports ministry through soccer evangelism in the local churches in Tshwane, using Browning’s multidisciplinary model.

1. The Current Situation (Descriptive Theology)

The first sub-movement in Browning’s model is what he calls ‘descriptive theology’. In terms of this sub-movement, all of the practices of a religious community are ‘theory-laden’ (Browning 1991:6). Descriptive theology involves an in-depth description of these practices in order to uncover the various meanings present in the current situation. It asks the basic question: how do we understand this concrete situation in which we must act? (Browning 1991:55).

The question arises: what is the current situation of sports ministry in South African churches? Due to the recent focus on the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ in South Africa, a re-engagement between church and sport is occurring as more and more churches are developing sports outreach p...

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