About Us

Who We are

Pursuing The Ultimate Adventure

Sportspersons Ministries International exists to connect outdoors people with God, through trust in Jesus Christ. We do this by offering outdoors events with a ministry focus, aiding churches in their ministry efforts, and connecting businesses who have a desire to make a difference in the lives of outdoors people.

Sportspersons Ministries International is a Christian based, inter-denominational ministry connecting with churches, businesses, organizations, and individuals.

Sportspersons Ministries International is a 501 c 3 non-profit religious, tax deductible organization

How We Got Started

In 1990, I was called to come to a church here in Michigan to be on staff as the Director of Community Ministries. This church had done very little outreach and with my background in outreach at other churches, they wanted me to focus on reaching community people. God led me to start an outdoor ministry. This ministry stayed small for two years and then began to explode. We did hunting and fishing seminars as well as many outdoor events. In the 16 years I was there we connected with approximately 10,000 different outdoors people who came to our events, and God changed many lives through this ministry.

Other churches kept contacting me and wanted to start outdoor ministries. Eventually I felt led by God to transition to full time using my experience to assist churches in starting outdoor ministries. In addition to that, we also believe that God could use outdoor ministry events (fishing, hunting trips, weekend outings etc.) to reach more unchurched outdoors people with the Good News of Jesus Christ and assist them in being fully devoted followers of him.

Maury DeYoung,
Executive Director (2003-2019)

Beliefs

Pursuing the Ultimate Adventure- We believe God has created everyone for adventure, to live a life of purpose and meaning. We believe this is experienced fullest when Jesus is what we are pursuing. A life with Him in this world leads to an eternal adventure with Him.

Sporterspersons Ministries International is a Bible based interdemoninational Christian ministry. We work with various churches to help spread the Gospel. Pursuing

Governance

Sportspersons Ministries International (SPM) is a State of Michigan non-profit corporation for religious purposes, organized to help churches and para-church organizations establish sports clubs that pursue evangelistic programs. SPM is a charitable organization, designated as a 501 (c) (3) corporation by the Internal Revenue Service. An interdenominational Board of Directors oversees this ministry. Zac Steele- President, Tim Boetsma- Vice President, Gary Bekker- Secretary, Brent Leegwater- Treasurer, Les Houston, Austin Petter