Proof The Bible Is True

“This is a refreshing change from the many timid pastors that seem to occupy pulpits nowadays.”  Admin

A New York pastor uses mixed martial arts (MMA) as a form of ministry to reach young men.

Paul Burress is an associate pastor at Rochester’s Victory Church, and sees the combat sport as another means of teaching biblical principles.

Victory was featured prominently in “Fight Church” – a documentary film released in April about churches that incorporate MMA into their ministry. The church is also the subject of a New York Times documentary released Monday.

In the video, Burress said that the sport’s large following provides an awesome opportunity for churches.

“I think that the rise of MMA – the growing popularity of it – it’s a chance for us to reach out to maybe a group of people that would never show up to a normal Sunday service,” the former MMA fighter said.

“But once they come in and they say, ‘Wow, these are real people. They really do have a neat love here,’ and they want to be part of the other things that we’re doing.”

Burress also said that his MMA ministry debunks the idea that Christian men are not tough.

“The thought that if you’re a Christian, you have to be a sissy… When you look at Jesus’ original crew, they were roughnecks,” he stated.

“Some people, they would look and say, ‘Oh, wasn’t Jesus a pacifist?’ Well, he told Peter: ‘Sell your coat and buy a sword. You’re going to need your sword more.’

Read More  Pastor’s ‘fight ministry’ incorporates mixed martial arts; sees it as a counter to ‘feminised’ church | Christian News on Christian Today.