Why Sports Ministry?

Why is it that Sports Ministry is a named part of the Diocese of Gloucester’s Vision? We asked sports ministers, volunteers and the public about sport and faith, and whether there could be a link between the two…

When asked in the street, a young woman said, “Sport in society gives a good family environment, it makes you feel as if you’re part of something, being on a team.” – but when asked about the role of faith communities, the answer wasn’t quite so rosy.

Nathan Youlton, PSALMS Sports Minister said, “Something that probably isn’t as relevant as it used to be is the church, and we think it is still relevant, in all manner of ways. Exploring the character of Jesus is absolutely fundamental to sports ministry; investing in relationships is at the heart of it. Sport has a natural way of building relationships and exploring faith and life in a way that not much else does.”