Those of us who have grown up with sports, it's all part of various enshrined celebrations. There are birthdays, weddings, Easter holidays, Christmas, the summer holidays, and for those who are sporty, the football end of season weeks leading up to the semi-finals.
Christians have pondered upon these opportunities it seems "for ever" and in recent decades a number of ideas have grown around such sporting themes as outreach but with a softer approach.
Many Australian men find Christianity (or religion) as particularly menacing, as to who they see themselves as (the image). They haven't quite grasped the idea that becoming a Christian is the most manly and strength of character "thing" they might ever do. Saying no to Christ is easy, but, to say yes, now that demands a fortitude and a resource deep within oneself, an enormous amount of perception and integrity.
These are not cheap commodities. Moreover they can be exhausting and emotionally powerful which can leave one a little bewildered yet with a surprising mettle.
Therefore, many Christian men now set aside for specific football watching times when they invite a neighbour or a mate over for the "footy". They don't want the professional religionist there – like the Minister or some do-gooder from the church who can't help themselves and play amateur-hour evangelist.
A couple of friends of mine are owners of small businesses, and both have large sheds on their respective property and their clients will rattle on about the footy, especially at this "close to semi's-time" of the season.
They've become trusted small business owners, they do a good job from their end and the men in their community want to talk to them. First, it's footy. Then the kids are raised in the chat. Then deeper issues come to the fore.
But how did it start? Talking about the footy.
Me, I have little passionate interest in the footy, but I watch the sport news, I keep and eye on what's going on, who's who, and the arm chair expert, that I am, with the rest of them. All this brakes down barriers and builds mutual respect.
I liken it to how the Apostle Paul was a professional tent maker. The men chatted as they did their work. In Acts 18 verse 3 Paul was welcomed by those of the Tent making trade and he reasoned with them both at the work place and in the synagogue.