fter challenging Christians to build relationships with unchurched people, I am often asked: “How can I make connections with people who aren’t like me? Where can I meet and develop these kinds of friendships?”

I generally explain that coworkers, next-door neighbors, and family members who don’t know God are great places to start. But another excellent idea is through recreational activities, hobbies, and sports. I have seen “sports evangelism” work for me and for many Christian friends.

My friend Tim is a big football fan. He’s a Monday Night Football regular. Now, instead of watching alone or with some Christian buddies, he invites Christians and unbelievers to his house to watch the games. He has found it’s a great way to connect with people from a wide spiritual spectrum.

According to Tim, it becomes an “even playing field” for everybody. The goal is not to “cram Jesus down their throats,” but to develop relationships that lead to deeper things. Two unchurched members of the Monday Night Football crew now attend a small group in our church.

Nicole’s hobby is running. She periodically competes in middle-distance races. This past summer she competed in Atlanta’s Peachtree Road Race. She ran the race with an unchurched friend. Her friend occasionally attends our church, and, more important, is in an authentic relationship with a Christian who prays for her and connects with her on a regular basis. Running . . . as an effective pathway for kingdom growth!

Sports evangelism is my number one avenue for connection with unbelievers. I played softball for a couple seasons on a team with only two Christians and developed good friendships with men who were far from God. Now I play golf with friends who are unchurched. This time gives me positive connection with people who would (to this point) never enter into a “religious” atmo-sphere. I pray my golfing buddies Pete, Kevin, and Shawn will one day end up worshiping Jesus at my church. And when they do, I will know that God used sports to lead them into an eternal relationship with Him.

Jesus’ model of ministry was “incarnational.” He went where the people were so He could draw them to Himself. Love sports or not—sports are where the people are. And it seems to be a great place to throw our nets.