And I wanted to agree today, after 43 years of direct pastoring and 17 years of coaching with pastors and boards to excel in ministry.
I always loved basketball. My father put up a basket on the sycamore true in our paved back yard !when I was in first grade, and we had great games back there with the neighbor guys.
If there had been ESPN back in the 40’s, they probably would have been broadcast live, in black and white.
I remember making a few shots with the older guys, probably junior high kids then. You would probably recognize their names from the pros if I could remember them!
I made other teams too, even small college later, and have played weekly until the end of 2025.
But, alas, I was always barely good, and never great.
I never worked at it, or put in the time with dreams of better
And I see that a lot with pastors, and I sorrow. Many could have a much more effective, expansive, and vibrant leadership ministry if they determined so, and called on the grace of our Lord. Some do, but many could.
Maybe working a little harder… or confronting a staff member with mediocrity … certainly getting a better and clearer agenda for the main oversight board … putting more study, energy, and passion into the sermons … loving people more clearly and individually … being willing to try some better ways … praying more and getting the staff and church people to do the same —it’s not like he has to have the wit and clarity of Alistair Begg or the study skills of John Piper, or even the smile of Joel Osteen.
Many could kick it up a notch or two, very clearly.
But, alas, some that are doing okay will stay good, but never great.
I am not implying that God is not sovereign, or saying anything here about morality or lack of devotion. I’m just talking about human nature, drive, and commitment to excellence and more.
Even a little bit about nerve.
Maybe I’m just sad that I got cut on the first day of seventh grade basketball tryouts. Oh what could have been!