Seizing the Opportunity

Many small chess club's did not survive the events of the early 2020's. And while online chess has boomed, people are lonelier than ever. Internet chess is a fine supplement, but it has shown itself no substitute for real community. Chess is, and always has been, a social activity. King of Kings' Chess Club exists to help churches step into this anti-human gap, and take it for Christ's Kingdom.

In that regard, King of Kings' is meant to be a free, turn-key program that churches can easily add to their events calendar. Its fellowship for their flock and outreach to their community, all with the hopes of reestablishing the centrality of the local church in social life.

​​Chess players of all skill levels and beliefs may be permitted, though it should be encouraged that participants come with at least a basic knowledge of how to play the game. 

Maintaining Orthodoxy

​King of Kings' practices protestant catholicity, recognizing that the universal church has various local expressions, yet a need for unity in the essentials. In that regard, host churches are restricted to those who affirm ​the early creeds and the inerrancy of Scripture. 
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Following approval, qualifying host churches will be deemed "chapters" and would be permitted to use the King of King’s name and logo, and would be added to our website for promotional purposes, helping to launch and sustain our shared ecumenical and evangelical efforts.

Lord willing, once enough chapters are brought into the fold, regional tournaments can be held between chapters, whereas top representative players would be invited for more competitive play in a brotherly setting. This will allow churches to build ties with other faithful churches, in other towns. 

Church Governance​

​With the vision of reestablishing the centrality of the local church in social life, King of Kings' Chess Club is to be managed by the host church, or chapter. This means that each chapter is meant to be church run, while maintaining our club distinctives, as described below.

In that regard, regular pastor/elder presence is strongly encouraged to ground the club spiritually and build familiarity, especially with those who are outside the church.

​Club Distinctives

1. Encouraging a Social Setting
King of Kings' is meant to be a living, breathing alternative to the more sterile environment of internet chess. With that in mind, the social side of chess should be emphasized over a hushed library-type environment; players should talk but not shout, with respect and aiming for reasonable mitigation of distractions. The environment should be fun, while remaining competitive. This is a delicate balance but one that is worth striving for. A noise-free, hyper-focused environment may hinder the ecumenical and evangelical mission of the club. Therefore, dialogue at club games then should be welcome. Finally, rankings should be avoided for regular club play. (For inter-chapter tournaments, representatives should be selected by the host church elders and by the player's peers, rather than by formal rankings.) 

2. Promoting Brotherhood & Engaging the Culture
A broad swath of ages is preferred at club meets. In fact, youth are often the most enthusiastic demographic when they hear that their church might start a chess club, and they usually need a parent or a grandparent to take them to the church building. This means that chess club should naturally become intergenerational, with little effort. In that regard, a chess club is an ideal bonding opportunity. Youngsters should be encouraged to play against the elderly, as this is an ideal moment for older people to help disciple youth under the watch of the church. Finally, chess clocks are strongly encouraged at club play to ensure a good rotation of people, and that one or two games do not consume a players entire evening. 

3. Sanctifying the Time​
Despite its open doors approach to evangelism, the club experience should always be Christ anchored. In that regard, it is recommended that each meet be opened in prayer, followed by a short devotion, hymn or psalm singing, and that players be expected to keep from foul speech, conduct, etc. In that regard, regular pastor/elder presence is strongly encouraged to ground the club spiritually and build familiarity, especially with those who are outside the church.​ However, elder's don't need to be grandmasters to host this club, they just have to be willing to play some chess with their people; and maybe even loose a few games in the process. Humility is good for the soul. 
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4. Self-Sustaining Model
Club play should ideally remain free of charge, or financially accessible to all. In keeping with our mission, King of Kings' does not charge any membership fees to their host churches. However, donations for the host church to acquire chess sets, and related equipment should be encouraged. This can be achieved through equipment sponsorship, allowing the program to grow without financially burdening the church. For instance, if someone donates the value of a board, or a clock to the church, the church can affix a "sponsored by" sticker onto the item. 
​​"In essentials, unity; in nonessentials, liberty; in all things, charity." ​
Rupertus Meldenius​