Pro-bass fisherman tells guys to be ‘fishers of men’

Nov 23, 2004
VANESSA RODRIGUEZ
Florida Baptist Convention

JACKSONVILLE (FBW)—With the flick of a wrist, the fishing line bobbed erratically in the aisle. The rubber lure wrapped curiously around the arm of an unsuspecting volunteer and back to the rod again.

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The casting demonstration was more than just a display of skill to entertain the men—and women—attending the “Florida Baptist 150th Anniversary Baptist Men’s Rally” at Ridgewood Baptist Church in Orange Park, Nov. 7.

This meeting, held in conjunction with the Celebrate Jesus Project, preceded the Florida Baptist State Convention annual meeting in Jacksonville and was intended as a lesson in soul-winning, perception and awareness.

Until a few years ago, Glenn Chappelear never imagined he could use his hobbies as a ministry. But in 1997 God called him out of his “comfortable” job and challenged him to begin a ministry to sportsmen.

Eight years later, as a pro-bass fisherman and outdoorsman he still tells fishing stories to win others to the Lord.

According to Chappelear, founder of Sportsman Outreach Ministry and keynote speaker of the Men’s Rally, the skills put to use in pro-bass fishing are also useful in becoming an effective fisher of men.

Comparing rods and lures to his hunting tract and fishing video, he said “When I pull up to a gas station and someone comes to me and talks about fishing or hunting, I’m prepared when that ‘fish’ swims up to me. That’s when I’m catching the big one.” His fishing video features highlights from professional bass tournaments and includes a Gospel presentation.

Still, Chappelear knows the opportunity to share the Gospel can slip away as easily as it comes.

Confessing his internal struggle to maintain flexibility in his schedule for those unexpected interruptions—like sharing the Gospel at the gas station—he challenged everyone to see such occasions as opportunities to “show the love of God.”

“Be on mission because we are not promised tomorrow,” Chappelear said. “[The] Father gives us eyes to see the ‘fish’ all around us.”

The hesitancy to share at such a moment is a scheme of the devil, Chappelear said.

As a pro-bass fisherman and experienced hunter, Chappaler claims he is “in the business of fooling animals,” camouflaging himself and using decoys to effectively hunt and fish.

As a Christian, he claims Satan does the same to believers. “That is why we have to be wise to the schemes of the devil. We must be wise to the battle,” he said.

Cecil Seagle, director of the Florida Baptist Convention Mission Division, also addressed those at the rally.

He, too, challenged attendees to be a “living, walking, dynamic witness.”

A video presentation highlighting disaster relief efforts during the 2004 hurricane season was shown during the meeting. Special recognition was given to Florida relief volunteers who were present.

Kevin Miller was among the volunteers who were recognized. A member of Bethel Baptist Church, Miller has driven the Blue Springs Unit for one year.

The speakers’ messages were encouraging and applicable to daily life, Miller said. “I want to be a lot more aware of interruptions.” Miller added that he is looking forward to the evangelistic opportunities that such a perception will create.

Following the meeting, attendees received pocket knives as a gift from the Florida Baptist Men’s Department. Each person also received an Evangecube to encourage participation in evangelistic outreach during other “Celebrate Jesus Project”events.

Events Saturday and Sunday prior to the two-day FBSC annual meeting included block parties, prayer walking, street and door-to-door evangelism and F.A.I.T.H. rider appearances.

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