Check Out Your Local Sports

The following is an edited re-post of a series I published a number of years ago called, Youth Worker Tip of the Day (YWTD). Since I have revamped the blog, I am going through past posts and giving them new life!

BE A REGULAR AT YOUR LOCAL
​SCHOOL SPORTING EVENTS

One of the things about student ministry that I truly love is being able to go to our local Jr/Sr High School to cheer on our students as they compete in their various sporting events. For me, this is an area where we can make some of the biggest investments in our relational ministry with students. Coffee conversations, meals and one-on-ones are important, but there is something unique about watching a student striving to accomplish something special on the playing field. Not to mention the teaching moments that avail themselves in both the win and/or the lose.

​If you haven’t made it part of your ministry to visit our local high school, you need to do so! Attending your local sporting events can create these three opportunities for you and your ministry.

Become a Cheerleader

By attending your local sporting events you become a cheerleader for your students. Get excited about the game, and your students efforts. Cheer them on. Let them know that you will be there for them and congratulate them afterwards. When a students see you taking time to be there for them, you deepen the relationship. It shows that you care for them, that you’re interested in them, and that they’re just not another number at youth group.

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Connect with Parents

Connect with parents. When I go to a game, I almost always sit with the parents. Why? Because it gives me the opportunity to make a connection with the parents. I get to hear from them; concerns, needs, thoughts, etc. It’s amazing how much you can learn about the family dynamics when you just sit and listen. Sitting with parents also gives me the opportunity to praise their kid in front of them. Every parent wants to hear that their kid is doing good, this is the perfect time to cheer them on.

Get a Glimpse Into Your Schools Culture

By attending your school's sporting events you get a snapshot of your high school’s culture. Want to know what high school is like these days, go to a Friday night football game or a basketball game. All you have to do is sit back and watch. You will see who’s in and who’s not, who is with who, what’s hot, and what you need to study up on. The pop culture is alive and well on most high school campuses. Attending the sporting events is your window into the high school world.

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Of course there are plenty of other reasons to go to your high school events, these were just three quick reason why I go to our local high school. What I'd like to know is, it you attend sporting events, what are your reasons for going! What have you learned from cheering on your students? And how has it impacted you student ministry? Please share your comments below. I'd love to hear from you! 

​- jay

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Jay Higham is a veteran youth worker of over 25 years; having worked with students in the local church and Christian camping settings. Jay is currently serving as the student ministry director at a church, located in Western PA. Jay has been married to Amy for over 21 years. Together, they are raising 5 kids, (4 boys and 1 girl). Jay is an aspiring author, blogger, speaker, vlogger, and social media junkie. He is passionate about student ministry, family ministry, and training youth workers to love and serve their students with passion and excellence.