Churches Nationwide are Embracing Pickleball to Build Community

For many, going to church is just as much about the community as it is the faith.

It should come as no surprise then that churches across the United States are embracing pickleball as a means to help tighten the bond among their congregations, and attract new interest from their neighbors.

Mostly, says an article in Religion News Service (RNS), pickleball represents a social, healthy and fun way to bring more and more people together.

With approximately 20 million Americans participating in the sport in 2024, churches see an opportunity to connect with individuals beyond traditional worship services.

Many churchgoers are already playing the sport, the theory goes–so why not bring the two activities together?

"That same question is being asked at churches all over the country — from downtown megachurches to smalltown congregations — that are hoping to tap into the power of pickleball to build community and bring a little joy to their neighbors," the article notes.

Pickleball courts in a chapel posted by a Reddit user in r / pickleball

The article highlights several churches that have added pickleball programming recently, much to the delight of their members.

• At Adventure Christian Church in Bourbonnais, Illinois, pickleball was introduced after a member suggested its inclusion. The church now hosts regular games in its gymnasium, attracting a diverse group of players.
• Willow Creek Community Church's Huntley campus in the Chicago suburbs has also integrated pickleball into its outreach efforts. Pastor Todd Katter reported that up to 150 individuals have participated in church-sponsored pickleball events. “There was an era where people went to Starbucks to hang out," he said. “Now, people drive through and grab a Starbucks and go play pickleball.”
• Hope Community Church in Glenview, Illinois, began offering pickleball during the pandemic. It was a hit, so the church incorporated pickleball sessions into its weekly activities.
• First Baptist Church in Dallas has integrated pickleball into its sports ministry, offering seasonal leagues and open gym times. Many players aren't church members.
• The Armenian Church of Our Saviour in Worcester, Massachusetts, has adapted its auditorium into a pickleball venue during the winter months.

Some of these are dedicated pickleball courts, but many are located in auditoriums, basketball courts, even parking lots. It's not about competition, it's about camaraderie in an inclusive environment.

“You just don’t have to be competitive in everything you do,” said Kay Seamayer, 85, who plays at First Baptist in Dallas. “So, settle down and help those people who want to play and just play for fun.”

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