Sitting here watching game 5 of the NBA Finals and am noticing some distinct things about basketball that parallel in ministry leadership.
1) There is always a leader on the team
Kobe, Labron, Howard…these guys ARE the stars. If they are not in the game the win is going to be difficult. However, no matter how skilled the star the team will not win unless the support cast works together. This is true of all sports but with basketball probably more than any other. If the rest of the team lays down the other team simply has to triple up on the star. Similarly, in ministry there is a always a leader. He/She is usually dynamic and usually holds the vision and direction of the ministry. However, also like Basketball the ministry CANNOT win without the rest of the team. NO LEADER no matter how dynamic or innovative can function effectively without good support.
2) You can’t spend a lot of time on a good shot
Unlike most sports Basketball players play offense and defense. Which means you can hit a 360 slam dunk and wow the crowd but you don’t have any time to wave your arms and celebrate. You have to get back down the court to defend! In ministry our game is never over (well not until Jesus comes back) however, we do get some good shots in. When we do we don’t have time to pump our chests or celebrate our glory because we need to get on defense. The enemy (the other team) is quick to score back on us.
3) Fouls come at stupid times
The thing I hate about basketball is all the fouls. The stupid fouls to stop the clock. The stupid fouls that come from nowhere. Well such is life in ministry. Fouls come at stupid times and for seemingly no apparent reason. It comes from a hard conversation with your pastor, a volunteer losing their faith in your vision, a student running away from Jesus…the same student that showed so much promise. Those fouls hurt.
Anyway, nothing book worthy just some YM thoughts as I watch Kobe. Gotta go they are on a run.
Sean Rheaume 