Football + Faith

As pastors and church leaders, we don’t have to compete with culture; we can embrace it.

One of the most exciting opportunities we have as the Church is to leverage the biggest day in American football to reach people for Christ.

For the last several years, Life.Church has been intentional about creating a sermon and lobby environment that matches the fun and festivities of the big game.  

This year, the football championship is on February 5. Here are a few ways your church can maximize this “Super Sunday.”

Fresh, engaging content

How many opportunities do we get to combine faith and football? Take advantage of the day and use engaging content that relates to the big game. Download Football Sunday, a free resource from our partner The Increase. Football Sunday is a 30-minute sermon replacement video featuring interviews with professional football players, including players on both championship teams.

Last year more than 7,000 people accepted Christ at a Football Sunday event across the country.

That’s right. Over 7,000 people today have a different eternal address because the Church leveraged an opportunity to try something different!

You can find everything you need to do the event in your church—from the video to promotional elements like social graphics, posters and invites—for free on the Open Network.
 

Football décor

Fill your lobby with football décor big and small. Look at party stores for football themed items, or create your own by using what you have. Ask folks to bring their tailgating chairs, coolers and tents—that’s free and creates natural buy-in for your attenders! Also, you’d be surprised what you can create with green outdoor carpet, white spray paint, orange cones, tires, and multicolored flags.

Encourage your staff or volunteer team to come dressed in the jersey of their favorite team to add to the look. You can even reach out to local high school football teams—we’ve had team mascots, guys in full tackle, and other decorations in our lobbies from around the community.

Food and fun

Create an environment that allows families to stay and play. Depending on your budget, offer some football-friendly foods like pretzels, popcorn, nachos, or hot dogs. Create fun stations for kids and adults to play games like football or bean bag toss. Staff these games with volunteers whose goal is to get to know and engage attenders, especially new families.

Finish the game

This is a fantastic opportunity to create momentum heading into Easter. This has potential to draw a strong crowd and connect people to the church prior to another powerful weekend like Easter. Cast vision for all God is going to do in your community during this first part of the year, and create energy, engagement and excitement!

When we embrace cultural events and celebrations like football’s biggest game, we can expect people far from Christ to come and experience His fullness in the midst of fun, food, and games. Share your ideas for leveraging America’s biggest game in our online community.