Fishermen Ministries Have Seen Thousands Profess Faith
"A growing number of churches, fishing ministries and parachurch groups nationwide are targeting unchurched anglers and outdoor enthusiasts - people outside the typical church's radar," according to Charisma Today/Religion News Services.
"The U.S. National Fish and Wildlife Service estimates that there are approximately 50 million sport fishermen in the U.S." the news service states - more than enough "catch" for The Bass Anglers Sportsman Society, Fellowship of Christian Anglers Society (FOCAS), Let's Go Fishing Ministries, and Fishers of Men, who have seen many people come to faith as a result of their ministry.
"Leaders of fishing ministries point out that the New Testament is replete with references to fishing and that Jesus often taught and performed miracles with fishing as the backdrop," states the release from Charisma Today/Religion News Services.
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Team Jesus Ministries is another fishing ministry that focuses on catching people for Jesus, according to Terry Chupp, founder and president. Team Jesus Ministries uses the platform of Chupp's professional bass fishing background combined with fishing and other recreational activities to evangelize.
Chupp says over 5,000 people have professed faith since 1987 as a result of the ministry.
While singing the song, "People need the Lord," in 1987, he had a spiritual conversation with Jesus. He realized "the Lord Jesus" was communicating to his heart that "there are people who need Him," and he must share the gospel.
Chupp began his ministry by fishing across the country, organizing events in local communities and inviting churches to preach. Over the years, it expanded to larger-sized events, such as revivals. This Sunday, Chupp will preach the gospel in Albertville, Ala during a fish fry.
"I will go there and do some casting tricks, and I will share the Lord Jesus Christ," says Chupp.
Jesus essentially turned a fisherman into a fisher of men, Chupp confesses about himself. "In Mt 4:19, Lord Jesus Christ said, follow me and I'll make you fishers of men. That’s what the Lord Jesus said to me," he said. Even though he felt that he was "only a fisherman" and quite insufficient, the Lord told him that "The majority of those who served with Him as disciples were fishermen." Thus began Team Jesus Ministries.
Also, "the great blessing" is that he has led so many to the Lord, who are now in ministry, including professional bass fishermen who then go on thank God in front of millions of people on ESPN, he explained. "These [professionals] are heroes to so many," says Chupp, emphasizing on the impact the ministry has made.
In addition, he plans events for children. Using a goldfish in a bowl and a dead 'lure,' he shares the Bible and analogies of fishing with the children. "We have many people like those lures, who are not alive. They're dead. They have never been born again," says Chupp, and encourages children to profess faith.
Currently, the ministry is trying to reach 300 children between 7 and 12 through a children's event.
Just like in fishing, 'If you do not cast, you do not catch,' the ex-professional fisherman said. If you do not share the gospel of Jesus Christ, you do not catch men, women, boys, and girls, but if you're willing to cast, the Holy Spirit of God will give you all you need to catch them for Jesus. It's not us, but it's Him in us doing what He's told us to do: be loving and obedient and go fishing for Him," says Terry Chupp.
There are two upcoming Team Jesus Ministries tournaments. The 1st Annual Lake Guntersville Team Jesus Tournament will be held April 23, 2005 in Guntersville, Alabama and the 8th Annual Mobile Delta Team Jesus Tournament will be May 21, 2005 in Mobile, Alabama.
Both tournaments will feature an event for children ages 7-12, including a 45 minute fishing session, 45 minutes with a clown ministry, and 45 minutes with a minister, followed by a wiener roast. All kids will receive a rod and reel and a Team Jesus Ministries hat.
