Coaches, Pastors & Parents

I've been thinking lately about leadership issues. It started after attending a church leadership gathering. There were some "older", and somewhat "successful" PASTORS there. And in listening to them talk about their churches and their ministries, it struck me: They never talked about being disappointed in the people in their churches, or what "other people" needed to do. They talked about their churches as "we"; and they talked about the things they, themselves needed to do to help their churches be more effective, or the things they, themselves needed to do to be of more help to their people. It was never what "the people" needed to do, or what anyone needed to do for them.

This is very refreshing compared to those pastors who say, or insuate, that all their problems are because of "the people in the church." They say things like, "If these people would just get it through their heads"; or "When will they understand..." or "If they would get their act together...", etc. etc.

Then, while watching the opening weekend of the NCAA Basketball tournament, I noticed something about how basketball COACHES talked. It was strikingly similar. The seasoned, more "successful" coaches usually seemed to talk in more positive terms about their players. And in talking about stragety, they always talked about their need, as a coach, to figure out how to help the TEAM. In contrast to some coaches who complain that their players won't play hard, or won't listen to them, or won't do this or that. Again, there is a difference between the "team concept" and the "us vs. them" concept. But beyond that, there seems to be a difference between the leaders as "servants" and the leader being merely a "teller."

Tied to this is something that is really troubling my heart this morning. There are a couple of family situations that are just tearing me up. PARENTS who are - shall I just say - being stupid. I think parenting could operate along the same lines as church leadership and coaching. Is there an "us vs. them" attitude, or a "family" attitude? Are we concerned about our children, or solely how it is going to effect our life right now? Do we understand why children are to have parents? Do we understand the need for leadership, guidance, support, and nurturing in the life of our children - especially at critical moments in their lives? Do we think of our children as a part of us, or as "someone else"? I just have a bunch of jumbled thoughts. I was hoping that writing them down might bring some clarity.

At any rate... I didn't even notice until I walked into my office that I wore my slippers to work today. I walked across the yard and the church parking lot without a clue. What does that tell you about my mind this morning. :)

Peace and revolution folks. Thanks for being here.