Ashland UMC kicks off new esports program
Jan. 18—Esports has proven its value as an attraction in high schools and colleges, so it's no wonder churches also are capitalizing on gaming to interest young people.
Ashland United Methodist Church in St. Joseph has added a state-of-the-art esports club to its youth ministry. So far, the results have been promising.
Tom Keller, Ashland UMC youth ministries director, said the addition of esports technology has nearly tripled youth attendance at the church.
"We have 10 stations right now," Keller said. "They're all high-end gaming computers, and if we see enough traction, we could possibly get more."
The initial dream of an esports component started with a desire to renovate and expand the space for youth at the church. Participants in the youth program say the program has helped connect them with both the church and people with similar interests.
"I like that I get to play on a team with other people," Bode Middle School eighth-grader Izabella Hernandez said. "I finally get to find people who enjoy the same stuff as me."
Izabella's Bode classmate Grace Dean said esports has been a way to get her involved at Ashland.
"I never thought this would be a thing at church," she said. "So, it's just really fun to have something for kids to do."
The department only allows participants to play games with a "T" (Teen) rating or lower. And the program has a spiritual component, as well.
Keller said the Wednesday night youth program, which incorporates junior and senior high school students, gathers at 5 p.m. for dinner. Afterward, the teens can enjoy 30 minutes of free time, which includes esports, Nintendo Switch or more traditional games like ping pong and foosball. Then at about 6 p.m., teen-led worship and a Bible lesson from the youth minister follow.
As far as the future is concerned, Keller and other adult leaders hope to add more stations as the group grows. They also hope to open the esports component up to a broader age range.
"We want to make it where anyone of all ages can play," Keller said. "This is going to be a place not just for students, but for any avid gamer that wants to be a part of it."
For now, the esports program at Ashland is still in its early stages. The youth department is hosting an open house at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 28, to introduce church members and the wider community to its esports ministry. For more information, visit the church's website at www.aumcfamily.org.
Charles Christian anchors the evening news for News-Press NOW and also serves as an ordained minister at United Methodist Churches in Union Star and Helena, Missouri. Charles can be reached at charles.christian@newspressnow.com. Follow him on twitter: @NPNowChristian.
