Those two things, Dutcher said, are what sets Upward apart from other sports activities and makes it the very best sports program that parents can choose for their children. When Second Baptist started the Upward Basketball ministry in 2000, Dutcher was one of the dads sitting in the stands watching his son, Benton, play on the 3rd and 4th grade boy's team. He was 36 at the time and only attended church on special occasions, always at the request of his wife, Donna. The more Upward games Dutcher attended, the more God started working on his heart.

"A gentleman was giving his testimony during halftime one Saturday, and God spoke to my heart through his story. The speaker told what his life had been like before he met Christ, and I could identify with every word he said. Like him, I had tried everything the world had to offer. When he told us what his life had been like since he'd met Christ, I could sense his joy and it was right then that I realized what had been missing in my own life. I met Jesus that day. It was February 12, 2000. The day after I got saved, I joined Second Baptist Church, and two weeks later, my son, Benton, and I both were baptized together," Dutcher said. The next season, Benton played Upward Basketball again, and, this time, his father was not watching from the stands but, instead, was coaching his team.

"What was so amazing was out of those 10 boys on my first Upward team, not one had a daddy in his home except mine. God gave me the chance to be a father figure as well as a coach for those boys. I saw God at work that season. Each year God has opened more doors for me to serve. The next year I refereed and coached two teams. Then I asked Jimmy Moneypenny, Director of Upward Ministries at Second Baptist, for more responsibility and he appointed me as a league commissioner. I also coached a team, and refereed. This year it's my privilege to serve as the Director of Upward Basketball, and I find it so humbling that God could take someone like me out of the stands and allow me to head up such a wonderful ministry," Dutcher said.

An addition Dutcher has made this year to the basketball ministry has been to assemble prayer teams who will pray before the games, during the games, and throughout the day.

"A lot of unchurched families bring their kids here to play basketball, and those are the families we want to reach. Our prayer teams will be here on Saturday mornings to pray before the games in the gymnasium. As the games start, we'll have a prayer room available for them," Dutcher said.

Prayer for the families, players, coaches, and referees is just one way that Upward differs from other sports programs. Another is that all kids play an equal amount of time each game. Player evaluations are held to determine the skill level of players so that teams will be even in talent distribution. Players memorize Bible verses at practices and receive star awards after each game.

Coaches model God's grace on the sidelines. Referees get down on their knees to explain rules and calls. Parents are respectful to the coaches and to the referees. Children learn by example. No wonder this sports ministry is growing in our community with more and more churches partnering to bring year-round Upward sports programs. Churches, including Friendship Baptist, Byron Baptist, Unity Baptist, Green Acres Baptist, and Shirley Hills Baptist, each have successful Upward ministries in place.

Second Baptist launched Upward Soccer this spring with 400 kids enrolled for the first season. The acquisition of the church facility and property directly across the road from Second Baptist has provided extra space both outside and inside. "We've expanded our basketball ministry this year. Since we've purchased the property, we've gained another gymnasium and can expand our league to include the K-4 and K- 5 and also the 7th and 8th grades. Last year we had 400 kids with one gymnasium. This season we could very easily enroll up to 700 kids if God chooses to send us that many. God has given us the property and the facilities to reach the next generations for Christ.

It all started in 2000 with 240 kids. God has placed the vision here at Second Baptist, and our church has grabbed hold of that vision and by doing so has created avenues where we can reach hundreds of kids. We're continuing to grow in God's timing. Next year in basketball, we're going to incorporate cheerleading into our basketball season," Dutcher added. In 2008, the Upward ministry will grow into a year-round sports program at Second. After basketball season ends in 2008, Second Baptist is one of the pilot churches launching Upward T-Ball and Softball, new Upward sports ministries.

"Upward's a huge passion of mine. My wife, Donna, supports and encourages my involvement with Upward. She's quietly committed to the ministry behind the scenes. Being involved in Upward has made me realize that how blessed I am and how to put others first. I had always put myself first and it's taught me that we're here to serve God by serving others. Volunteering with the Upward ministry has given me a servant's heart that I didn't have before," Dutcher said.

Upward Basketball registration at Second Baptist Church started in September and will continue through Thanksgiving. Practices (one practice a week for one hour) will start the first week in December. Games will start Saturday, January 5, and will continue for eight weeks. The awards banquet will be held on Tuesday, February 26.

If you would like to register your child for Upward Basketball, call Second Baptist Church at 923-7101 and ask to speak to Jimmy Moneypenny, Minister of Activities.