Can Fantasy Football Be Used for Discipleship?
- Elizabeth Delaney Headlines Contributor
- Updated Aug 06, 2024
The fast-approaching fall season brings to mind the fun of tailgate parties, team jerseys, tasty treats, and football season! The thrill of preseason leads to the excitement of the regular season and, of course, the joy of fantasy football! Many churches take a break from their typical church-related activities over the summer and search out creative ideas to stir up fresh interest in small groups for the fall and winter months.
President and founder of UNPACKIN' it Ministries, Bryce Johnson, has developed a way to draw the interest of fantasy football lovers into church small groups by using a Gospel-centered approach to fantasy football. He calls it Fantasy Football Fellowship, or FFF for short.
"We are thankful to be able to provide this free ministry to churches and the fantasy football community. We believe fantasy football is a blast, yet we want people to enhance the experience to include deep fellowship while growing in their faith," said Johnson in a statement.
His ministry's mission is to "challenge, encourage, and inspire sports fans to follow Jesus and become more like Him."
The nonprofit organization also "provides sports fans opportunities to unpack sports, faith, and life, according to the UNPACKIN' it Ministries website.
Johnson's YouTube channel said FFF offers fantasy football lovers the opportunity to experience "something real during the fantasy season."
Fans are told that they'll experience " a real God, real relationships with Jesus, and real fellowship with other members of your league."
Sports fans still compete in their regular fantasy football leagues through their preferred fantasy football platforms. However, FFF blends a passionate hobby and competitive activity with a faith-based element, leading members to experience life change.
The participants gather for weekly "league meetings," where FFF provides content. The content uses parallels from fantasy football and relates them to life and Biblical truth. Breakouts, insights, and podcasts are also offered at the Fantasy Football Fellowship website.
Fantasy Football Fellowship doesn't require any skill. It's an easy activity, and anyone can join and play. According to the Fantasy Football Fellowship website, participants not only gain Biblical understanding that helps them grow in their faith, but they will also enjoy building deeper relationships within the league and their small group.
One church league leader described the FFF experience as "a great way to have fun, hang out with some cool people, and learn more about yourself and Jesus."
He added that his league had a great deal of fun and that FFF" helped form new friendships and helped foster relationships where significant caring, sharing, and prayer take place."
Johnson is also a speaker, writer, and radio host with a B.S. in Electronic Media and Broadcasting. According to the UNPACKIN' it Ministries website, he is connected with Salem Web Network, Athletes in Action (CRU), Promise Keepers, and several other organizations.
Photo Credit: ©Canva Pro/Fantasy Football Fellowship
