Unveiling the Tapestry of Fellowship and Strategy

Last month, I had the privilege of representing our vibrant VAY Sports Ministry at the North American Sport Movement (NASM) Big Region Face-2-Face meeting. Held at YWAM Basecamp in Los Angeles, this gathering was a melting pot of visionary leaders in sports ministry. For those unfamiliar with NASM, it is a fellowship committed to harnessing the unifying power of sports for gospel-centered outreach and discipleship.

As someone deeply invested in the VAY Sports Fest, I want to share how my involvement with NASM directly benefits our community. The meeting was a powerful reminder that sports ministry isn’t just about competition; it’s about creating a platform for faith, leadership, and community to flourish.

The event commenced with a simple icebreaker but quickly delved into meatier subjects such as global sports ministry history and the crucial “Nine Heart Values.” Through these discussions, I gleaned valuable insights that resonate with our core mission at VAY—to welcome and mentor young adults in their faith journey through sports.

A cornerstone of our time together was the session on “Discerning the Season,” where we collaborated to identify strategic focuses. Remarkably, we discovered a shared need across North America for youth and young adult development and church collaboration—themes that align perfectly with the goals of VAY.

What struck me most was the emphasis on active listening—gathering ‘evaporation data’ from local leaders, ‘condensing’ it through prayerful discernment, and ‘rain down’ initiative through collaboration. This process mirrors what we aspire to do at VAY: listen to our community, understand their needs, and seek God’s direction for growth and impact.

One of the key learnings from the conference was the strategy of navigating the ‘Up, Deep, Wide, and Forward’ seasons of ministry, which was immediately beneficial for discerning how to respond to the changes at my church. It provided a blueprint for spiritual growth, internal community strengthening, expanding our outreach, and boldly stepping into the future. [I will write about this more in the future]

As I return to VAY, I am equipped with fresh strategies, enhanced global perspective, and an invigorated spirit. The synergies between NASM’s vision and VAY’s mission are clear: to develop leaders who are not only passionate about sports but are also grounded in their faith and ready to serve.

In essence, my experience at the NASM gathering was not just an exchange of ideas, but a strengthening of our collective mission. As we gear up for the upcoming VAY Sports Fest, I am eager to implement these enriched approaches to amplify our impact on young lives, fostering an environment where sports and spirituality converge to create a lasting legacy.

Together, we’re not just playing a game; we’re shaping a community.