The format
Adult men’s, women’s and co-ed slow-pitch.
Inspired by
Softball · Christian Sport
The Barnabas Cup
“He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith.”
Proceeds support
Re-entry, family support and practical benevolence.
The champion receives the trophy, not a cash prize. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, for God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7).
How a cup works
Four steps, one winner: the charity.
- 1
Your church forms a team
Teams belong to local churches. We arrange fixtures, rules, officials, insurance and safeguarding, doing all things decently and in order (1 Corinthians 14:40).
- 2
Bring your friends
Friends who don’t yet follow Christ are warmly welcome on the roster, with no profession of faith, service or sermon required. Come and see (John 1:46).
- 3
Stakes go to the pot
When a team is knocked out, its entry stake is committed to the charity pool, and the champion’s joins it at the final. It is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35).
- 4
A final worth cheering
Trophy presentation, a public charitable total, and an open invitation into real service (Hebrews 10:24).
Every match day
- A short prayer before play (Philippians 4:6)
- Clear Christian standards of conduct (Galatians 5:22–23)
- Properly competitive sport, played by the rules (2 Timothy 2:5)
- Someone on hand for prayer or a conversation (1 Peter 3:15)
The gospel may be explained naturally and directly, with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). Playing is never conditioned on conversion.
Honest about the money
We aim at what is honourable not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of man (2 Corinthians 8:20–21). Entry fees buy participation, so we never call them pure donations. Local businesses underwrite venues, officials, shirts, trophies and first aid so that team money can flow outward. Each cup’s rules say in advance how any shortfall is handled, and named charities consent in writing before we use their name.
Every cup publishes a closing statement
- Participating churches & teams
- Sponsors
- Gross entry fees
- Sponsor underwriting
- Essential event costs
- Amount transferred to charity
- Recipient charity or charities
Sponsor a cup
Local businesses make the whole model work. Underwrite a venue, officials, shirts, trophies, refreshments or first aid, or match the charity pot. You will receive warm public thanks, and never a say in our doctrine, charity selection or governance (James 2:1).
[email protected]Why a ministry plays sport
Bodily training is of some value, but godliness is of value in every way (1 Timothy 4:8). Sport will never crowd out the works of mercy. It is where many people first meet us; service is where we pray they stay.
- Youth divisions open only where full youth safeguarding is in place (Matthew 18:6).
- No American football: equipment, insurance, concussion risk and roster sizes make it unwise for now (Luke 14:28).
Other cups
Enter The Barnabas Cup.
Strive side by side for the faith of the gospel (Philippians 1:27): gather your church, invite your neighbours and play for something bigger than the trophy.