Articles

Activities, Rest, Leisure, Sports, Games, Theater, and Arts in the Bible

- May 12, 2008 - Todd Downing

The bible is full of references, direct and indirect, to recreation in both the Old and New Testament.

Recreation has many different meanings in the Church. Some see it as something for activities, sports, leagues, and games to provide the members of the congregation a place for fun and fellowship with a religious focus. Some promote it as full service activities, arts, fellowship, and opportunities to feed the soul, mind, and body with soulful and healthful fitness. Some see it as a way to reach out to the community and connect in different ways than other ministries in the church.

Recreation is the “refreshment of one’s mind or body after work through activity that amuses or stimulates.”ⁱ Its purpose is to recover, refresh, or renew your health by enjoyment or relaxation. Its etymology can be found in part from the Latin word recreationem meaning “recovery from illness” and recreatus meaning “to refresh, restore.”ⁱⁱ

It is important to distinguish that Recreation is a Ministry. It is the fulfillment of the commandment to remember the Sabbath and keep it Holy. It is also obedience to recreate (not re-create) and recharge. (Exodus 23:12) 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says the ‘your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit.’ It is through recreation, activities, exercise, meditation, and leisure that we maintain His ‘temple.’ Recreation is also an engine of outreach, evangelism, and spiritual growth by providing more avenues for introduction, induction, and involvement with the Church.

“Renewal and restoration are not luxuries. They are essentials. Being alone and resting for a while is not selfish. It is Christlike. Taking your day off each week or rewarding yourself with a relaxing, refreshing vacation is not carnal. It’s spiritual. There is absolutely nothing enviable or spiritual about a coronary or a nervous breakdown, nor is an ultrabusy schedule necessarily the mark of a productive life.”ⁱⁱⁱ

“A relaxed, easygoing Christian is miles more attractive and effective than the rigid, uptight brother who squeaks when he walks and whines when he talks.”^iv

Church Recreation programs are designed to be organized opportunities for recreation, physical fitness and social activities that support the physical, mental, and spiritual needs of the Church family and visitors. Organized activities in a safe, Christian environment yields a more balanced and effective Christian life through physical fitness or leisure opportunities.

Footnotes

i recreation. Dictionary.com. The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Houghton Mifflin Company, 2004. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/recreation (accessed: May 12, 2008).
ii recreation. Dictionary.com. The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Houghton Mifflin Company, 2004. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/recreation (accessed: May 12, 2008).
iii Charles R. Swindoll
iv Charles R. Seindoll