INTRODUCTION
Sports Quest (SQ) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization which for over 20 years, has strategically used soccer as a platform to share with youth and adults what it means to have Jesus Christ as their Personal Savior and to live out their lives for Him according to God’s Word. With this deep experience in using soccer, we are now well positioned to apply the same methodology to other sports as the Lord leads.
WHAT IS SPORTS QUEST?
Far too often churches are forced to allocate few, if any, resources focused on outreach programs and community involvement. SQ is ideally positioned and intentionally purposed to support the church by creating meaningful opportunities for unreached youth and families through sports. In many areas of large metropolitan cities, there are a significant number of refugees and immigrants from all over the globe. These families try to navigate the many challenges of living in a new country, with few recognizable commonalities from their home culture. The local church can capitalize on the fact that through sports, a door exists for meaningful relationships to be forged. SQ is uniquely qualified and positioned to address this problem and bridge the relationship gap through its evangelistic and discipleship focused sports programming in partnership with the local church.
SQ creates services to carry out the Great Commission mentioned in Matthew 28:19-20. SQ initiates the sports programming so that the organization can be faithful to the calling God has given the founders Jim and Debbie Spence. SQ strives to come along side missional, outwardly focused churches and organizations to enable them to apply a tested and effective outreach ministry tool within their own communities. Through these various partnerships, SQ can equip others to be effective stewards of the resources God has provided and the geographical areas in which He has placed them.
WHO ARE WE TARGETING?
SQ will be reaching out to churches and organizations that we have been privileged to work with in the past. We will also solicit new relationships as God leads through social media, events, conferences, word of mouth, and other types of targeted marketing. SQ will promote both the educational and outreach options and accompanying benefits. SQ will also be able to specifically design any program offering to meet the needs of the church or organization that utilizes our services.
HOW ARE WE UNIQUE?
Over the years SQ been blessed with multiple opportunities to develop what is now a unique brand and skill set amongst sports outreach ministries. Camps, clinics, tournaments and team training over a 20 year period has solidified a reputation of excellence, integrity and attention to detail. We desire to continue most of the existing outreach programs while adding an educational and equipping component within the Sports Quest Institute (SQI). Through curriculum based programing, the goal is to provide lay people within the church the essential tools and competencies for effective and dynamic sports outreach within their own communities. As a result of completing various sports ministry modules, students will be empowered to minister within the existing SQ framework or be mentored to initiate programs of their own in connection with the local church.
HOW HAS THE MINISTRY BEEN FUNDED IN THE PAST?
There is a need within the ministry to achieve positive cash flow through the services it offers to ensure sustainability. Over the past 20 years fees have been accrued from the training of competitive teams. Such funding has been a major source of income, amounting to approximately half of SQ’s annual budget. In May 2016, SQ intentionally “stepped away” from the club training environment, believing the Lord to be leading us in a new and exciting direction…The NEW ERA!
WHAT DOES THE “NEW ERA” LOOK LIKE?|
The NEW ERA represents a statement of intent; a pledge to press on and not grow weary; to move forward into the future and not dwell on the successes of the past. The NEW ERA is NOT a new direction since the message, the method and the motivation remain the same…
· The message – Salvation is found in Christ alone by faith alone: “for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12)
· The method – Soccer will be the primary platform to share the Christian faith
· The motivation – Always for God’s glory; never for self-interest
There is still MUCH work to be done, and it’s in this context that we usher in the NEW ERA – one of renewed commitment, passion and purpose, as we seek to enhance and expand the ministry for the sake of the gospel.
HOW WILL THE MINISTRY BE FUNDED IN THE NEW ERA?
Outreach
· In the NEW ERA, targeted outreach programs (camps, clinics, teams etc.) will continue to exist in order to subsidize some of the ministry expenses incurred throughout the year. Nominal fees will be charged to financially able families who in turn, may also choose to contribute towards full or partial scholarships for disadvantaged/underserved children. SQ will continue to seek scholarship funds ranging from $250 to $5,000 from local businesses and churches.
Most significantly, the NEW ERA will strive to create a sustainable funding model to provide a firm foundation for all future ministry endeavors.
HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED?
Your financial gifts (monthly/one time) will be directed to the most urgent, strategic projects and initiatives to complete the vision of reaching kids (and families) for Christ through soccer/sports. And of course…we covet your prayers for all aspects of the ministry.