Church Pickleball Community Outreach: Churches across the United States are using pickleball to bring people together and create new spaces for fun, faith, and friendship. From suburban gyms to church auditoriums, congregations are opening their doors to this fast-growing sport to reach people of all ages.
Pickleball at Adventure Christian Church
At Adventure Commons in south suburban Chicago, the gym was filled with the sounds of pickleball on May 14. Three courts were busy with players, including Kathy Henricks, a retired real estate agent and member of Adventure Christian Church.
“I said, ‘How come we don’t have pickleball?’” said Kathy Henricks. “And a little while later we had nets and were ready to roll.”
The church runs the athletic center and is one of many across the country offering pickleball to members and the local community.
Churches Join the Pickleball Movement
According to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, about 20 million Americans played pickleball in 2024. Churches like Willow Creek Community Church in Huntley, Illinois, are seeing this as a chance to reach new people.
Pastor Todd Katter said up to 150 people have joined events hosted at the church or in nearby venues.
“There was an era where people went to Starbucks to hang out,” said Todd Katter. “Now, people drive through and grab a Starbucks and go play pickleball.”
He added, “Even if you don’t have a lot of skill, you can still have a lot of fun.”
More Than Just a Game
Jason Young, care and ministry pastor at Hope Community Church in Glenview, Illinois, said pickleball can be a way for people to connect socially and spiritually. He first came to church through a volleyball team.
“What I appreciated about it was nobody was kind of putting me in the hot seat,” said Jason Young.
Hope Church began offering free pickleball clinics and now hosts open play several times a week.
At First Baptist Church in Dallas, 85-year-old Kay Seamayer, a long-time athlete, joined their pickleball program with enthusiasm. But she had to adjust her competitive spirit.
“You just don’t have to be competitive in everything you do,” said Kay Seamayer. “So, settle down and help those people who want to play and just play for fun.”
Minister Brent McFadden said the church uses pickleball as part of their sports ministry, including prayer and devotionals before games.
Pickleball in Church Spaces
The Rev. Michael Graham of Gilford Community Church in New Hampshire received a pickleball paddle for his birthday and plans to join in after recovering from knee surgery. His church’s gym, run by the Gilford Youth Center, now hosts pickleball three days a week.
“Over probably the last four or five years, pickleball has become so important that now we have three courts,” said Michael Graham.
At the Armenian Church of Our Saviour in Worcester, Massachusetts, Bryan Davis helped start a program in the church’s auditorium. The courts are temporary and marked with tape.
“We gave a little money back to the church, too,” said Bryan Davis. “The priest came and played. He loved it. It was just really a lot of fun.”
Pickleball’s Lasting Impact
Terrie Golwitzer started playing after Kathy Henricks invited her to try. She was hooked within 10 minutes and now plays three times a week.
“Pickleball is about people,” said Terrie Golwitzer.
For many, the game offers more than exercise. It’s a chance to make friends, relax, and enjoy time together in a welcoming place.
News in Brief: Church Pickleball Community Outreach
Churches nationwide are offering pickleball as a fun and friendly way to build community. From Illinois to Texas, pastors and members say the sport helps people connect and feel welcome. With millions of players across the country, pickleball is becoming a powerful outreach tool for faith-based groups.
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