T.E.A.M. Purpose

The purpose of our work with athletic ministry has two focuses: evangelism and personal growth. Both come from looking at Scripture. We also find these two principles represented in our university’s mission statement.

Principles for Success

The principles that make athletic ministry a successful endeavor are listed below:

• Athletics (sports) have universal appeal.
• Athletic language is universal.
• Athletes have natural gifts that are appealing to many people.
• Athletics are the front porch of the university.
• To whom much is given, much is expected.

People

People will always be the focus of the athletic ministry. We want to have an outward focus on making a difference in the lives of people and making an impact in the world around us. We believe that focus will reach many different people groups. Our primary people group focus is stated below.

• People in need
• Student-athletes

Process

The process is about how we are going to accomplish our purpose. Recalling that our purpose is a two-fold focus on evangelism and personal development, we will establish a model program that will maximize our relationship with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and other athletic ministry organizations. We simply want to use the tools around us — resources that are already in place — in order create opportunities for our student-athletes to minister to others.

• Champions of Character (NAIA)
• Other athletic ministry organizations

Projects

If we can dream it, we can achieve it! While there are parameters we must operate under, our Athletic Department can dream really big for its athletes and organize trips or projects that can have an incredible impact on the world around us and on our student athletes.

• Locally
• Nationally
• Internationally