Christian Education Olympics

I have to admit I’m already a bit obsessed with the Winter Olympics. Watching Canada win in women’s hockey and mixed doubles curling and team figure skating among other events has gotten me pumped. As the church, what do we do with this sporting phenomenon which many people have at least some interest in?

I started musing about what the events might be for a Christian Education Olympics – how many craft materials can be traced and/or cut in a set time, how many texts/e-mails/phone calls can be responded to accurately, how many meetings can be attended in a single day with the correct notes and materials for each, how many directives can be given to learners to keep them focused and on task… I’m sure you could think of many more.

We are on the cusp of Lent, and these Olympic games will be in full swing for another two weeks. What do we do with this, given that many people will be watching? Here are some suggestions to ponder:

1. Talk about how the athletes have made sacrifices to train and represent their country. They are ambassadors of sport and their nation. We may not be athletes, but God uses all of us to represent Christ to the world. Make a list of qualities that would make others know that we follow Jesus.  

2. Athletes encounter adversity in their quest to reach their goals. Lent is a time to reflect on Jesus’ journey to the cross and the opposition and trials He faced, as well as the 40 days He spent in the desert. Jesus willingly faced all of this for us. Come up with some ways of showing gratitude for what Christ did for us and do them (i.e. make a thank you poster, share God’s love with others). Talk as well about the adversity we face in life and what God does for us in those times.

3. Athletes develop their stamina through training, what they eat and how they live. As Christians we need to pay attention to how we live as well as our choices and training. Think of some spiritual practices to teach to your learners to help them develop soul stamina, such as various kinds of prayer, meditation, giving to others, or walking a labyrinth.

4. Our culture is only too happy to have a single winner and many losers in reality tv and sports. Have a conversation about what it is like to win and to lose. Emphasize that no one is a loser in God’s eyes. Our faith isn’t a competition (some adults need to learn this) but a beautiful mosaic of followers of Jesus whose complimentary gifts build the church’s ministry. Church is a team sport where every player contributes. Challenge your learners to take note of the different gifts people share in worship and other times they are at church.

5. Talk about the gift of encouragement and make a list of all of the different people who help the athletes do their best (i.e. coaches, trainers, doctors, family, teammates). Who has God placed in their lives to encourage and nurture them? Encourage your learners to think of who cheers for them and to say thank you, perhaps making medals that say “#1 Helper” or “Best Cheerleader” to give to them.

6. The Olympics reminds us of our global village and how we have so much more in common than separating us. Challenge your learners to have more of a global perspective, to perhaps learn about where some of the countries are on the map, and even what some of the struggles are in these places. Pray for situations and people needing God’s love and help.

We don’t need to worry about the accolades we receive in this life, because our faith will be rewarded in the world to come. Instead, we are challenged to run with perseverance the race that is before us (Hebrews 12:1) with our cloud of witnesses cheering us on.

Be sure to take some time to check on your own stamina and how strong your spiritual muscles are. As you invest in digging deeper in your spiritual life, I pray that you find reminders of just how much God loves you as you are.