The Apostle Paul often used sporting images to illustrate aspects of the life of the Christian. He writes this:

Do you not know that in a race the runners all compete, but only one receives the prize?

Run in such a way that you may win it.

Athletes exercise self-control in all things; they do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable one. 

So I do not run aimlessly, nor do I box as though beating the air; but I punish my body and enslave it, so that after proclaiming to others I myself should not be disqualified.                                 

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Jim Longbottom is the Executive Minister and  has 25 years experience in the Mining Industry as a metallurgist and in management, finishing as Chief Metallurgist for BHP Iron Ore. At 40, he then studied at Churches of Christ Theological College in Melbourne for 4 years, and graduated with a Bachelor of Theology from the Melbourne College of Divinity and a Diploma in Ministry.

He had a 9 year ministry at Box Hill Church of Christ in Melbourne, then as Senior Minister at the Warwick Church of Christ, now Executive Minister of the Churches of Christ Sport and Recreation Association Inc. which utilises all his business, management and ministry skills.  Jim also has a Certificate IV in Assessment and Workplace Training. 

He is married to Michelle and together they have 6 children.

Ministry for me is about being with people and forming relationships, so my role with CCSRA, although having strong management content, also allows me to be with the thousands of people who pass through Warwick Leisure Centre each week. I love people and like to spend time with people - ministry then can happen, because I have a relationship with the other. Ministry does not happen by words, but by life, how we live, how we relate and our values and driving forces.

When our driving force is the life of Jesus of Nazareth, then we will treat others as we like to be treated, be less judgemental and love more than hate.... our life will then be attractive, and that will be our "words". (I don't always get it right by the way) St Francis of Assisi said (my paraphrase) "Go out and preach the Gospel, and if you MUST, use words"