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Recreation
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City of Roswell
P.O. Drawer 1838
Roswell, NM 88202-1838
(505) 624-6700
Fax: 624-6889 |
THE LEISURE INCIDENT
CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR
"Church Recreation and the Leisure Incident"
May 17, 2026
By Kim Elliott, CLP
Recreation Director
City of Roswell
The Leisure Incident affects us all. It makes no difference if we are young or old;
rich or poor; short or tall; single or married; religious or non-religious. The benefits
of recreation reach across all of these parameters. You can receive the benefits of
recreation no matter who you are, where you live, or what you believe.
The leisure incident has many facets that can shine in the communities life. One of
those facets is religious. We would be negligent if we did not look at this aspect of
leisure.
Leisure is a part of our lives. It makes no difference what church we attend. The
church has a responsibility: a) to help its people see that quality leisure time is an
important element in religious experience, b) to help its people discern between right and
wrong choices of recreational activity, and c) to help its people properly use their
leisure time wherever they may find themselves.
Life finds purpose - and is expressed in work, play and worship. Wholesome recreational
activities can be an expression of Christian reality.
The church must be concerned with the spiritual growth of an individual, but, the
church must also be concerned with physical, social and intellectual growth. The church
must be concerned with the whole person. Recreational activities can help in all of these
areas.
There has to be some value or benefit to a local congregation in order for the church
to buy in to providing wholesome activities for their members. These benefits can be seen
as twofold: individual and community:
First the individual benefits:
1. A good recreation program can help the individual use his/her time
in a wholesome manner. More leisure time means that a decision has to be made concerning
how the individual will use it. A church recreation program can help the individual to
channel time and effort in ways that are worthwhile. The church can then channel thought
in the spiritual direction by providing good leadership in the activities.
2. A good recreation program will provide the opportunity to improve and maintain
physical fitness. If our body is God's Temple why not take care of it? We are to be good
stewards in taking care of the bodies God has given us. A good leisure program should also
help to develop an awareness of the importance of sound health habits.
3. A good recreation program will help its participants to relax.
Physical activity helps to lessen the tensions and frustrations inherent in today's
society. It provides an outlet for our emotions.
4. A good recreation program can help the participants to make new friends and become
closer acquainted with others.
5. A good recreation program will encourage those with leadership abilities to come out
and lead.
6. A good recreation program will help meet personal needs. There is a need for
accomplishment, a need for self-expression and creativity, a need for recognition, a need
for new experience and the need for belonging. Place all of these needs in a church
setting and with a proper perspective and the individual will benefit.
7. A good recreation program will help to provide enjoyment for the individual, helping
the individual to have a more positive attitude and lead a less stressful life.
8. A good recreation program will allow the participants to see Jesus in action.
Second, the church as a community will also benefit.
1. A good recreation program can help the church use her time in a wholesome manner.
Wise use of time, even as a congregation, is important to God.
2. A good recreation program can help provide fellowship for the congregation. A good
recreation program would provide many opportunities for fellowship.
3. A good recreation program would help provide another means of evangelistic outreach.
Some people might feel ill at ease in a formal church setting. It might be easier to get
them to come to a religious gathering in the park than it would be to get them to come to
the church building for a service.
4. A good recreation program will encourage and present opportunities for leadership.
Many activities provide many opportunities for leadership roles.
5. A good recreation program encourages and produces a spirit of unity. As people work,
play, learn, grow and share together, they draw closer together.
6. A good recreation program would help to promote family unity. Activites for the
whole family can be planned which will help to draw the family closer together.
7. A good recreation program helps the church to be visible in the community.
8. A good recreation program will help to attract new members.
It is the responsibility of the church to help the whole person grow. This means growth
spiritually, physically, socially and intellectually. A good church recreation program can
do just that!
Parks and Recreation! The benefits are truly endless!
Parks and Recreation - The Benefits are Endless...TM
