U.S. Churches Embrace Pickleball: The gym at Adventure Commons in south suburban Chicago was full of action on May 14, with the sounds of pickleball echoing through the space. Players from the community, including several church members, gathered to play and build friendships through a sport that continues to grow across the U.S.
Pickleball Grows Inside Church Walls
Adventure Christian Church, located just off Exit 315 on Interstate 57, has opened its gym for pickleball games. About a dozen players filled three courts, enjoying fast-paced matches and friendly cheers. Kathy Henricks, a retired real estate agent and member of Adventure Church, helped start the program there.
“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.”
Churches across the country are beginning to use pickleball as a tool to connect with their communities. In 2024, the Sports and Fitness Industry Association reported that 20 million Americans played pickleball, and the number keeps rising. Many churches see this as an easy and fun way to bring people together.
A Game for All Ages and Skill Levels
Willow Creek Community Church’s Huntley campus in the Chicago suburbs has seen about 150 people attend pickleball events, according to Pastor Todd Katter. Games have taken place in local spots and even in the church’s parking lot.
“Which was a bad idea,” said Todd Katter, explaining that the lot sloped downward. He sees pickleball as a “playground” for adults that people of all ages enjoy. “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.”
Katter picked up the sport a few years ago and believes it works well for outreach. “Even if you don’t have a lot of skill, you can still have a lot of fun,” he said.
Jason Young, care and ministry pastor at Hope Community Church in Glenview, Illinois, said sports like pickleball bring both friendship and spiritual value. He started attending church in his 20s after joining a church volleyball team at his brother’s invitation.
“What I appreciated about it was nobody was kind of putting me in the hot seat,” said Jason Young.
Hope Church began offering the sport during the COVID-19 pandemic, when it met in a park district building. After a member suggested a free clinic, about 40 people showed up. When the church moved to a new location, leaders added regular pickleball times.
Building Community Through Sports
At First Baptist Church in Dallas, 85-year-old Kay Seamayer was excited when the church began offering the sport. A lifelong athlete and longtime pickleball fan, she loves the sport for its fun and welcoming nature.
“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.”
Brent McFadden, minister of sports and outreach at First Baptist Church, said pickleball is part of their sports ministry. The church runs leagues in fall and winter and has open gym sessions. Each session starts with prayer and a devotional.
Many people who come to play are not church members. But Brent McFadden said that’s fine. The goal is to create a friendly place for anyone curious about church.
From Skepticism to Support
The Rev. Michael Graham, pastor at Gilford Community Church in New Hampshire, got a paddle for his birthday. He hasn’t played yet because of knee surgery. Still, he supports the sport and its place in community life.
His church runs the Gilford Youth Center, which now offers the sport 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.
In Worcester, Massachusetts, the Armenian Church of Our Saviour hosted pickleball games during the past two winters. Bryan Davis, a 72-year-old retired teacher and church member, helped start the games in the church auditorium.
“He kept on saying, you know, I think we could fit some pickleball courts in the auditorium,” said Bryan Davis. “We went up and measured, and sure enough, we could fit two in there.”
Players use special tape to mark the courts since the space is used for other events. Each game costs $5, which helps cover equipment costs. “We gave a little money back to the church, too,” said Davis. “The priest came and played. He loved it. It was just really a lot of fun.”
More Than Just a Game
Terrie Golwitzer started playing at Adventure Christian Church two years ago after Kathy Henricks invited her. She watched videos online and joined in.
Now she plays three days a week and chats often with friends she made through the sport. “Pickleball is about people,” said Terrie Golwitzer. She said it’s a break from stress and a place where no one argues about politics.
News in Brief: U.S. Churches Embrace Pickleball
Churches across the U.S. are using pickleball to build community and welcome newcomers. From Dallas to Chicago to New Hampshire, churches offer open courts, clinics, and leagues. Pastors and players say the sport brings fun, friendship, and spiritual connection, no matter your age or skill level.
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