HFL Leadership Institute Referees’ Forum 8 May 2017 DTS, Parow Valley

The role of the officials

The role of the officials “They say that the men and women in black are having a good game if you don't notice them.” It's the one with the whistle - the referee - who takes charge of a match, with the help of two assistant referees.

The role of the officials The soccer referee does more than administering the Laws of the Game. He is responsible for the entire event which includes activities before, during and after the game. The referee is the final decision maker in matters relating to the play and his decisions are binding.

WHY THIS MINISTRY EXISTS

The league was formed to create competition for Christian church-based teams and this remains unchanged today. The purpose of His Football League is to build His Kingdom through soccer. We do this by providing a Christ-centred environment that fosters a spirit of excellence, fair play and good sportsmanship. Within the league, we encourage interaction and fellowship among team members, coaches, supporters and churches. We also encourage the pursuit of constant improvement for the league, its organization, teams and participants.

Our vision statement: “As His Ambassadors, the world experiences Christ through us” Our Mission statement: “Building His Kingdom through soccer so that He is glorified in all that we do.” Our slogan: “For His Glory”

1 Peter 4 v 7 – 11 “The end of all things is near 1 Peter 4 v 7 – 11 “The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear-minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things, God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.” NIV

LEADERS & COMMITMENT Commitment… …means more than the physical hard work and emotional energy it takes to do the work on and off the field… …a significant level of mature spiritual commitment is also required.

Biblical Leadership – a definition A biblical leader is a person of character and competence who influences a community of people to achieve a God-honoring calling by means of the power of Christ. 1. Character Character is that set of moral qualities that distinguishes one person from others. These qualities include things such as honesty, courage, integrity, humility, perseverance, and decisiveness. 2. Calling Biblical leaders must not only concern themselves with how to lead, but they must also address why they are leading—for what purpose. They must find their why before they know their what.

Biblical Leadership A biblical leader is a person of character and competence who influences a community of people to achieve a God-honoring calling by means of the power of Christ. 3. Competence Psalm 78:72 states, “And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skilful hands he led them.” Just as integrity of heart (i.e. character) is vital to biblical leadership, so are skllful hands (i.e. competence). 4. Community While secular leaders might concern themselves with profits and material productivity, biblical leadership is seen in terms of impact upon and relationship to people.

Biblical Leadership A biblical leader is a person of character and competence who influences a community of people to achieve a God-honoring calling by means of the power of Christ. 5. Christ Biblical leadership produces eternal results because it comes from a different source. It’s not based upon the world’s wisdom or the meager human resources of the leader. These sources can only accomplish what can be explained in natural and human ways and through the limited skills of the leader. By contrast, the inner fuel, guide, and force at work for the biblical leader is the very power of Christ! Biblical leadership must always be a walk of faith. Leadership acted upon with trust in God is then fuelled by a supernatural force—Jesus himself! Christ accomplishes through the humble and obedient leader that which can only be ascribed to God’s ability. In the end, the leader sees limitless possibilities for what can be achieved. When the task is complete it is God, not the leader, who receives the credit.