Emmanuel Church: Pickleball and Jesus

By Sharon Mager

HUNTINGTOWN, Md. — “We call it our PB&J ministry — Pickleball and Jesus,” Emmanuel Church Senior Pastor Rick Hancock said with a chuckle, sharing about the church’s popular new outreach. “It’s a lot of fun, and it’s going really well.”

Jessica McAllum and Christine King take a break during a pickleball match. (Photo courtesy of Emmanuel Church)

Pickleball, the fastest-growing sport in the United States, has quickly gained popularity at Emmanuel. Each Monday evening, the church’s gym is filled with the sounds of paddles hitting balls, squeaking shoes, and laughter as players gather for several hours of open play.

The ministry took root as Emmanuel Church began planning their new Family Life Center, which opened in 2024. As the building team discussed court layouts for basketball and volleyball, church member Christine King advocated for adding pickleball lines as well.

“I started playing pickleball around 2019 and absolutely fell in love with the sport,” King said. “When Emmanuel began planning the new building, I kept sharing that I really wanted to see a pickleball ministry here.”

“My vision was to bring church members together to have fun, build relationships, and get to know one another better, while also creating an outreach opportunity for our surrounding community,” she said.

King worked alongside church elder Bill Holston, another pickleball enthusiast, to begin shaping the ministry. As plans developed, Jessica McAllum joined the leadership team, helping bring structure and momentum to what would become Emmanuel’s PB&J ministry.

“It’s really taking off in Calvert County,” McAllum said. “We even have people coming from other counties to play.”

McAllum said the players represent a wide mix of ages and skill levels — from seasoned competitors to first-time players.

“You have people who are really good at pickleball, and then you have some who have never picked up a paddle in their life,” she said. “We’re very intentional about making everyone feel welcome.”

Each Monday, the gym hosts four hours of play on three courts. Before play begins, leaders share a brief devotional, invite prayer requests, and pray together. Church members and regular attenders are encouraged to bring guests.

Several pickleball players take a break to pose for a photo. (Photo courtesy of Emmanuel Church.)

“We also cover what’s happening at the church — opportunities to serve, upcoming events, and information about our Sunday services,” McAllum said. “If someone is unchurched, we want them to feel comfortable considering what Emmanuel has to offer.”

Several players have begun attending the church. “I know several people who are now regularly attending Emmanuel because they first came through PB&J,” McAllum said. “They didn’t know much about us, but they liked the people and what they experienced here.”

In addition to Monday evenings, the church opens their gym to the community for pickleball on the third Saturday of each month. The day begins with a “newbie” class at 10 a.m. to learn the rules, followed by open play sessions throughout the late morning and early afternoon.

“Saturdays are especially exciting,” McAllum said. “It’s often the first exposure to church life for people who may not know anyone at Emmanuel or have any church background.”

Some participants are hesitant at first, she added. “They’re not always sure what to expect,” she said. “But we just love on them. Over time, you can see them relax and feel at home.” Even some church members have expressed that they are “coming out of their shell” through pickleball.

Sonia Shipp and Lisa Hancock enjoy pickleball at Emmanuel Church. (Photo courtesy of Emmanuel Church)

The response has been encouraging. “People tell us the church is friendly and welcoming,” McAllum said. “They also recognize that this is truly a ministry. We’re not just playing pickleball — we’re acknowledging God, giving thanks, and planting seeds.”

The ministry has also fostered meaningful relationships among church members.

“I’ve developed some lasting friendships through PB&J,” McAllum said.

King said the ministry continues to grow through shared leadership. Today, the PB&J team also includes church members Wayne Boblett and Pam Vitko, who help lead and support the ongoing outreach.

Visit Emmanuel Church’s website to learn more about its PB&J ministry. For information about how BCM/D can support evangelism and outreach efforts, visit the BCM/D website.

Sharon Mager serves as BCM/D content and stories editor.

Feature photo courtesy of Emmanuel Church.