Congregations Are Like Sports Teams

Occasionally we read in the newspaper about a losing sports team that has dissension among its players. It could be that a player says something negative about a teammate in public, suggesting the teammate caused a loss, or worse, is the reason for several losses. Such behaviors and attitudes can divide a team.

Teams have goals. Each member on the team is expected to work hard to achieve them. Teams that let squabbles take precedence over team goals often do not do well.

 

Today’s reading is 1 Corinthians 1:10-17. The congregation at Corinth had a lot of assets and opportunities. The congregation lacked no spiritual gift. Further, Corinth was a major port city and many of its residents were very wealthy. Port cities attract many visitors, and the Corinthian Christians had the potential to spread the Gospel to many foreigners without ever leaving the city.

 

Unfortunately, as Paul tells us, there were divisions in the congregation. There were many leaders, and each had his followers. Further, there was a divide between the rich and the poor (1 Corinthians 11:21). Finally, members of the congregation were suing each other instead of working out their differences outside the pagan court system (1 Corinthians 6).

 

Paul scolds the Corinthians and tells them to work together and be united around Christ.

 

What do sports teams and congregations have in common?  Quite a bit, actually.

 

Like a sports team, congregations have tasks. These are Christ given tasks, and they include caring for each other, worship and administering the sacraments. Perhaps the most important tasks are evangelizing and teaching.

 

Sports teams have athletes with different abilities. Congregations are comprised of people with various spiritual gifts.

 

Sports teams plagued by dissension may perform poorly. Congregations with divisions may likewise have difficulty getting its job done.

 

When a sports team is pulling for the same goal, they may not always win, but they will be fun to watch. A congregation that pulls in the same direction will be more effective.

 

Yes, a congregation is a lot like a sports team.