T-Ball, New Christians, and the Church

T-Ball league has a lot to offer us in helping relate to new Christians.


T-ball players sometimes run to Third Base first.
New Christians run to the Book of Revelations or Page 1 of the Bible.
We need to help them begin their reading journey in an easy-to-understand part of the Bible, such Mark or John.

T-ball players don’t play specific positions in the outfield. They just spread out.
New Christians sometime don't get to serve anywhere, or are put in too-difficult positions.
We need to let them enjoy serving all over the place, and allow them to experience some Kingdom work without giving them too much responsibility.

T-ball players can never remember the batting order.
New Christians don’t understand our service structure or the “Appropriate Church Service” techniques and traditions.
We need to design services that are friendly to the new person and help them understand why we do what we do.

T-ball players wear a little bit of everything—jeans, shorts, ballpants, sweats.
New Christians are not sure what to wear to church.
We need to create an environment where anyone can wear anything to church. No matter what you wear, you still get to join in.

T-ball players all bat through in each inning. There is no three-out rule.
New Christians want to join in, without strict rules that they don’t understand.
We need to relax on the dogma, rules, and deep theology and make sure New Christians get to have fun and enjoy this new community during the first chapter of their spiritual journey.

T-ball players don’t all know the name of their team, just the color of their shirt.
New Christians don’t understand all the denominations labels, nor do they care.
We need to help New Christians enjoy being on the team without bogging them down with labels, distinctions, and differences.

T-ball players all win. No one keeps score.
New Christians want a positive environment. They don’t want to feel like they lost a game.
We need to celebrate wins right from the very start of their spiritual journey. Point out the the spiritual strides forward. Rewards them. And don’t make them feel like a loser when they mess up. They need to feel like winners.

T-ball players love their free drink at the end of the game.
New Christians want to feel appreciated.
We need to discover ways to reward new Christians and make them feel like they did a great job each week they are on their journey.

T-ball players have fun whether it’s practice or a game.
New Christians want to enjoy their journey, whether at a weekend gathering, or sering on a team.
We need not to bore new Christians with mundane meetings or training sessions. We need to create dynamic training and discipleship sessions that engage their hearts and minds.