Church Sports Ministers Gather in England to Discuss Mission in Sport

The first international conference about sports ministry will be held in this unique conference at St Aldate's Church in Oxford from 13-16 April. It has been organised by the CSRM, an association of Church Sports and Recreation Ministers which wants to facilitate a network of Church Sports and Recreation Ministers/Directors (professionals) around the world.

This organisation is Christ-centred, biblically based and committed to Christian ministry through sports and recreation. It provides the opportunities for Church Sports and Recreation professionals to call people into a personal and growing relationship with Jesus Christ.

At first sight it may seem to be a remarkable combination: sport and Christ. However, in this era sport has gained an important place in everyone’s lives. Whether actively participating or just passively watching sport, it is something people are involved with and surrounded by everyday.

As sport is a major socialising agent in the western world, organisations such as the CSRM see a huge potential in this field. Just as famous pop stars are influential, so are famous athletes and sportsmen. Sportsmen can use their popularity to promote the Gospel to new souls.

During the conference, practical seminars and Bible teachings will be held for both experts and newcomers in this mission field. There are also opportunities to share thoughts with other people in different countries working in the sport mission field.

Some topics of the seminars will be:
-Church and sports mission to local community
-Church and sports mission to the nations
-Church and sports mission to youth

Besides these topics, there will also be a range of optional seminars. The key speakers are Graham Daniels, General Director of Christians in Sport and Dave Oakley, Assistant UK Director, Ambassadors in Sport.

Graham joined the Christians in Sport staff in 1989 as National Evangelist and took on the role of General Director in 2002. His background is in professional football and football management and has also been a broadcaster with the BBC.

David has been involved in sports mission globally for over 30 years. Currently he is based in Manchester, for Ambassadors in Sport (AIS), an international mission that seeks to envision, equip and enable Christians to be and to share the good news of Jesus wherever football is played.

The cost of the conference is £185. £160 when the booking takes place before 31st January 2005. Spouses can attend the conference for £50. Students and members from Christians in Sport associate church can get a £60 and £10 reduction respectively.