It’s opening day in Major League Baseball. Hope reigns eternal even for my Baltimore
Orioles who play in a division that’s loaded with high-dollar players. This time of year I like to reflect on how a
little baseball wisdom can inform a pastor’s ministry. A caveat: these nuggets sound more earthy
than divine, but God’s overarching providence and power are assumed. Here goes.
·
The team belongs to the Owner; the coach’s job
is to manage and develop the team.
·
The coach is going to take some criticism. He needs to learn what he can from it and let
the rest of it go. His primary job is to
please the owner.
·
Our opponent is a tough out.
·
Coach the team up, not down.
·
There are no roster limits—you can’t have too
many players on your team.
·
I’d rather go down swinging than take a called
third strike.
·
Laying down a sacrifice to advance a teammate is
a worthy at bat.
·
Sometimes you’ve got to play small ball to
manufacture runs. Small ball = don’t
swing at bad pitches, a walk is as good as a hit, bunt for a base hit,
sacrifice to move the runners, take the extra base every chance you get. Small ball is neither flashy nor glamorous,
but it can get the job done.
·
A long fly ball to the warning track is still an
out.
·
Every player and every team are prone to a slump
now and then—coaches too.
· If you bat .300 in sharing Jesus, you are an
all-star; if you share Jesus at all, you’re a starter on the team.
·
Don’t forget to thank the bat boys, the grounds
crew, and the folks who clean the locker room—they’re part of the team too.
·
Pound the strike zone.
·
Even though you’ll probably never change the
call, it’s okay to argue with the umpire once in a while on behalf of your team
(see Job, Jeremiah, and the Psalms).
·
Everybody makes an error now and then, so
lighten up.
·
Make sure the team gets plenty of practice.
·
The positions are different but every position
matters. If one is mission, you don’t
have a complete team.
·
Shuffle the line up every now and then; change
the batting order once in a while.
·
The guys in the bullpen need to get their
innings.
·
Don’t lose touch with the players on the
Disabled List; they’re still part of the team.
·
Talk with each other in the field so there are
no collisions and we don’t hurt ourselves.
·
The guy who scores and the guy who knocks him in
count the same.
·
It’s okay to let a player rest and sit out a
game now and then.
·
Work to maintain unity in the dugout and the
locker room.
·
When you’re on a serious losing streak, a team
meeting may be in order to clear the air and get refocused on the goal.
·
Don’t let the guy on the bench who would rather
watch than play soak up all your energy; give your best attention to the ones
who take the field.
·
Don’t be afraid to bring up the guy from the
minor leagues and give him a shot at the big-time. He just might become the rookie-of-the-year.
·
Most every team member thinks he’s a free agent,
and some of them will leave your team to join another. Don’t worry too much about that; you’ll
probably grab your share of free agents too … whether you want them or not.
·
When team members get too old or infirm to play
and have to take a seat in the stands, tip your hat to them now and then and
honor them for all they’ve done.
·
In the course of a long season, some games are
more important than others. It’s
important to discern the difference.
·
When on a winning streak, stay humble and stay
hungry.
·
Eat a hot dog and some apple pie now and then
but not too much or you won’t be in shape to do your job.
·
And no matter what happens with the team,
remember this: the Owner always has your back.
Go Pastors! Go Church!
And go Orioles!
What would you add to
this list?
