What are Reconciled Athletes?
When we become Christians, we enter the realm of fellowship we were created to live in. First with our heavenly Father, and second, with other believers.
But it actually goes beyond that.
We were created to not just be reconciled, we were created to be involved in the ministry of reconciliation.
… God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation… – 2 Corinthians 5:18
What does that mean?
It means that our reason for being on this earth is all about relationships. Reconciliation is about restoring friendship.
The goal of reaching unbelivers shouldn’t end at salvation, but continue beyond that – to help them have a real life-giving relationship with God the Father, through Jesus Christ.
How should someone go about doing this?
When someone becomes a follower of Jesus, they are entering a spiritual race. We see this in Hebrews 12 where it encourages us to run our race with patience.
… let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith… – Hebrews 12:1-2
An athlete is someone who is trained or equipped to compete in a given area that requires great strength and endurance, either physically, mentally, or in this case spiritually.
Just as you would not go to a geography teacher to help you become an Olympian, you cannot expect to guide someone unless you have experience with it yourself.
So we must first become an athlete in reconciliation because we can only take people as far as we’ve gone ourselves.
At the point of your conversion, you became an athlete in training… Which now makes you, A Reconciled Athlete, part of a Reconciled Movement.
Q & A
Q: Can I bring my dog?
A: Yes, you can bring you dog. Follow general park guidelines for pets.
Q: Can I bring my kids?
A: Yes, you can bring you children. We are not responsible for watching them though and will not be held responsible for anything that happens while joining us for your workout. This is a public park, just follow general park guidelines and etiquette.
Q: Do I have to attend every meet to participate?
A: No, you do not have to attend every meet to participate. You can attend any meets you would like.
Q: What if the weather is bad? Will you still meet?
A: We do not meet if there are thunderstorms or weather alerts that could be dangerous. Be sure that you are on our text-line to know when there are cancellations. You are responsible in making decisions of what weather is safe and unsafe for you.
Q: Is there support for walkers?
A: Yes, we have a goal of at least one designated walker for each meet.
Q: Where do I park?
A: Because the Friendship Bridge has limited parking, Aumiller Park may be your best bet. We will meet at the bridge on the South side for prayer, so just head down the path that leads to the bridge from Aumiller Park. If the park is full due to a game, event, or party, there is also parking at Unger Park which is half-way around the loop we plan to walk.
Q: How far is the walk/run?
A: The planned loop is about 1.5 miles total including the bridge. For those who want to go longer there is also the Friendship Path which extends to the south of the bridge and goes around the cemetery. The length and duration is left up to you.
Q: What is the goal of the group?
A: The goal of the group is to create space for deeper connection with God and others through movement. Exercise stimulates parts of our brain that allows for clearer thinking and enhanced mood. We encourage women to steer clear of as many distractions as possible. Use this time to dive deeper into fellowship as God did with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.
Q: What do you do after the walk/run is complete?
A: As of right now we do not have plans for anything when your walk or run is complete. You are welcome to stick around and talk with people or jump in your car and head off to your next adventure.
Q: Are there bathrooms?
A: Aumiller Park does have bathrooms, but we suggest not expecting them to be available or open just in case. There are plenty of public places close by that you can stop at if needed.
Q: What do you do at each meet?
A: Things may change in the future, but for right now we will have a quick prayer and then you are free to start across the Friendship Bridge for your workout.
Be Still and Run 