Discipling action sports people

How does the world of action sports help ‘warm’ people to being a disciple?

There are many aspects of action sports that help the surfer, climber, skater, or BMX biker to be open to Christ.

I’ve learned that action sports people love and value what God has made. They appreciate creation as they play in it all the time! In a way, they are great worshippers!

I’ve observed that people in the action sports culture already know the required total commitment to a cause - they already completely base their lives around their preferred sport. This idea is at the heart of being a disciple. As we reach out to them, we help them replace sport at the center of their lives with Jesus.

They also respond well to being discipled in community because they already belong to a tribe. As they are called and respond to a new ‘Jesus tribe’ they understand that they go back on mission to their action sport tribe as ambassadors for Christ. I’ve learned over and over how action sports people are risk-takers and pioneers and will, in turn, make great missionaries. Many now live for Jesus in the skating, surfing, or rock-climbing world.

Action sports people have not typically responded to traditional church methods and language. They are often seen as rebellious and counter-cultural! But if the ‘missionary’ enters their world and genuinely lives the authentic life of a disciple, they will respond warmly.

Scripture to ponder – Luke 15:3-4

Then Jesus told them this parable: “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?”

Key Lesson: Go after the lost sheep, and they in turn will be great in doing the same.