When Chandler Evans first became the pastor of Mount Nebo United Methodist Church (UMC) in 2012, he knew exactly what he would do with its gymnasium. Evans, who has been involved with athletics for his whole life, wasted no time putting the gym to use and started a basketball ministry.

This year, the program was slated to resume on Tuesday, Oct. 25, marking the 10th year it has been held at Mount Nebo UMC, 7673 Martic Heights Drive, Pequea. The group of players will meet every Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. until April. The program is open to anyone who wishes to attend; basketball players from local churches, Lancaster city and beyond show up weekly. "For some people, (the basketball ministry) is their church. This is the only time some of our players step foot in a church," said Evans. "It's an opportunity to reach them through a common sport." There is no registration process or requirement to participate.

Evans begins each session by asking attendees if they have any prayer concerns and then taking a moment to pray with them before he reads a passage of Scripture. The group members discuss the passage and how it can be applied to their daily lives, then play pickup basketball for the remainder of the session. Each session concludes with a final prayer.

Each week, anywhere from 15 to 25 players attend and are divided into multiple teams that alternate playing competitive matches. "We get people from all walks of life," said Evans. "We also get some really good players, both old and young. It's neat because there are pickup games and there's fellowship; when someone gets knocked over, the rest of the team picks them up."

Evans' goal for the ministry is to form stronger bonds within the community and among the ministry's participants, who often form relationships that continue outside of the group setting. Over the years, Evans has connected with players outside of the group in a variety of ways, officiating weddings and funerals for its members and being someone whom they can call in a time of need.

Evans also said he wants the ministry to serve as a way for people to become better spouses, parents and workers, and he loves hearing stories about participants' families and daily lives. "You get to learn who everyone is. We have a conversation each week and we know what goes on in each other's lives," said Evans. "It's more than church and it's more than just basketball."

For more information, contact mtnebopastor@gmail.com.