Basketball Semi-Finals - A High-Class Outreach Opportunity?
Athletes in Action, a division of Campus Crusade for Christ campus ministry, together with Fellowship of Christian Athletes held the 9th annual Legends of the Hardwood Breakfast in St Louis on April 2, 2005 - the same day as the semi-finals of the NCAA men's basketball tournament.
The 2005 Legends of the Hardwood Breakfast stands as one of the premier events held during the Final Four weekend with the vision of using the platform of the Final Four to share Christ.
"This was an outreach event," said Erik Arneson, Huddle Director for St. Louis FCA. "[We] outreached business men and women from the community."
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Sixty to seventy percent of the crowd were executives, and the rest were their families.
But also "part of the reason why we do this event is to present Christ to athletes and coaches," said Arneson. "The hope is that when people come, they'd be encouraged spiritually."
This year, the program included Clark Kellogg, College Basketball Analyst with CBS Sports, who shared a Gospel message to a crowd of near 700. After the message, people were welcomed to fill out a response card, indicating if they had made a decision for Christ, which then be followed up by Christian Business Men's Committee (CBMC). Out of those present, 120 people indicated they had received Christ.
Jerry Colangelo, Phoenix Suns CEO and Managing General Partner shared his testimony of faith. He attributed his success in the business world to his relationship with God and a life of prayer.
"And Colangelo had plenty of credibility to connect with the players, coaches, and businessmen in attendance. After all, he had been where they were, and had been successful," stated Andy Lynch, spokesperson for Athletes in Action.
Rounding off the line-up was Ernie Johnson, Studio Host for “The Inside Stuff” on TNT, who emceed the event. The Harlem Globetrotters also performed as part of the program.
The annual Coach Wooden "Key’s to Life" Award was presented to 10-time NBA/ABA All-Defensive 1st -team member, Bobby Jones for outstanding character and leadership in the home, on the court and in the community. Jones won the NBA Title in Philadelphia in 1983.
Jones shared, "It’s very humbling. I’ve been to the banquet a number of times and was the main speaker one year. It’s just very impressive to see so many influential people that are committed to Christ, using their platform.”
Several coaches of division I colleges said it was the best event of the whole weekend. Statements written on the comment cards also indicated the program was "outstanding," and "excellent," and many appreciated the speakers' talks.
Dave Lower, Associate Director with Basketball of Athletes in Action and Director of Legends of Hardwood Breakfast said, "I think that at this point in our society - 9/11, the death of the Pope, and the important role values played in the Presidential election - there's more of an openness to hear about Christ because they haven't found the answer to what they're looking for yet."
AIA was founded in 1966 by David Hannah, who desired to capitalize on society's great love of sports and utilize the platform given to athletes to reach the world for Jesus Christ. Included in the ministry efforts are ministry to college and professional athletes and coaches.
FCA's mission is present to athletes and coaches the "challenge and adventure of receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord," serving Him in their relationships and in the fellowship of the church, and FCA does this mainly through student-led "huddles" on campuses.
The AIA-FCA partnership has enabled Legends of the Hardwood Floor to be born as a Christian event to rival its secular counterparts during the high-energy weekend of the Final Four semi-finals.
For more information, visit www.legendsbreakfast.com.
