Next month the Rugby World Cup (RWC) erupts at different venues across Australia. Inspired by the successful evangelistic initiatives that flourished with the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, many Christians are preparing to take the gospel to rugby fans from home and overseas.
“God has given us a wonderful opportunity to share the truths about Jesus with people through the Rugby World Cup,” says the Rev David Tyndall of Anglican Sports Ministries. “It is up to us not to drop the ball, but to take a punt and encourage those who love the game ‘they play in heaven’ to trust him who can get them out of the sin bin.”
Mr Tyndall suggests churches run a Rugby and Netball Sports Clinic in the September-October school holidays and approach a local rugby or netball club to provide equipment. “This has the added benefit of linking the church with a community group,” he says.
The Bible Society has published a Gospel of Mark ‘Souvenir Edition’ called Beyond the Try Line, including the testimonies of Jason Robinson, Nick Farr-Jones, Michael Jones and Andre Vos, plus World Cup statistics, the 2003 match schedule and how to become a Christian.
Athletes in Action have produced Rugby Legends – Beyond the Game, a video of testimonies from international rugby stars plus rugby footage, which serves as an introduction to the story of Jesus. It is hoped that churches might buy copies of the video to give away or to show before ‘big screen’ showings of matches.
Churches in the northern region are planning a major dinner for around 400 men on November 17 at the Manly Pacific Hotel. Dr John Best, ARU Medical Director, will be guest speaker. “There are often less men in our churches, but men really do need to hear the Christian message,” says the Rev Brian Heath, rector of St Alban’s, Frenchs Forest, and one of the organisers. “The rugby provides a great opportunity to reach men.”
An interdenominational information session on Rugby World Cup ministries will be held at St Thomas’, North Sydney on September 21 at 2.30pm. “This is an opportunity for people to be made aware of the ministry opportunities available and to pray together,” said Mr Tyndall. “It will also be the launch of Anglican Sports Ministries.”
