Comments on: The NACC http://preachermike.com/2006/06/27/the-nacc Sniffing out the work of God in the world... Sun, 12 Oct 2008 11:33:47 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: terrysj http://preachermike.com/2006/06/27/the-nacc#comment-12866 terrysj Thu, 29 Jun 2006 17:11:00 +0000 http://www.preachermike.com/2006/06/27/the-nacc#comment-12866 Tim, thanks for responding; thought possibly Joel would. Wonder how Joel's attitude would be received if he applied this reasoning when talking to a gay person or an African-American? It seems in our society that the offended is the one guilty of not having a sense of humor, unless it be one of the protected minority. Guess Christians are fair game for anything to be said to/about them. I do not take myself seriously, but I do take the ministry of shepherding the people of God seriously. If you knew me personally, you would know my sense of humor is very much intact, toward myself and toward others. Thanks again for your response. Tim, thanks for responding; thought possibly Joel would. Wonder how Joel’s attitude would be received if he applied this reasoning when talking to a gay person or an African-American? It seems in our society that the offended is the one guilty of not having a sense of humor, unless it be one of the protected minority. Guess Christians are fair game for anything to be said to/about them. I do not take myself seriously, but I do take the ministry of shepherding the people of God seriously. If you knew me personally, you would know my sense of humor is very much intact, toward myself and toward others.
Thanks again for your response.

]]> By: Tim Lodge http://preachermike.com/2006/06/27/the-nacc#comment-12847 Tim Lodge Thu, 29 Jun 2006 00:01:08 +0000 http://www.preachermike.com/2006/06/27/the-nacc#comment-12847 Hey Terry, maybe you should not take yourself so seriously and learn to take a joke! If Joel's comment had been aimed at a SPECIFIC elder he would have been out of line, but it wasn't so he wasn't. And besides, were you not aware that many elders in the "Lord's Church" have a reputation for behaving rather childishly at times? Hey Terry, maybe you should not take yourself so seriously and learn to take a joke! If Joel’s comment had been aimed at a SPECIFIC elder he would have been out of line, but it wasn’t so he wasn’t. And besides, were you not aware that many elders in the “Lord’s Church” have a reputation for behaving rather childishly at times?

]]> By: terrysj http://preachermike.com/2006/06/27/the-nacc#comment-12844 terrysj Wed, 28 Jun 2006 21:48:20 +0000 http://www.preachermike.com/2006/06/27/the-nacc#comment-12844 Joel, I would hope that you would show more respect for the elders of the congregation where you are a member than to make a comment like this about any elders. As an elder in a congregation of the Church of Christ, I do not find your "third thought" humorous. I will assume that you are young enough to benefit from reading I Timothy 4:12. Joel, I would hope that you would show more respect for the elders of the congregation where you are a member than to make a comment like this about any elders. As an elder in a congregation of the Church of Christ, I do not find your “third thought” humorous. I will assume that you are young enough to benefit from reading I Timothy 4:12.

]]> By: Joel Maners http://preachermike.com/2006/06/27/the-nacc#comment-12833 Joel Maners Wed, 28 Jun 2006 03:47:38 +0000 http://www.preachermike.com/2006/06/27/the-nacc#comment-12833 Third thought on the manager's tantrum. That guy must be an elder of a COC somewhere! Third thought on the manager’s tantrum.

That guy must be an elder of a COC somewhere!

]]> By: DPS http://preachermike.com/2006/06/27/the-nacc#comment-12832 DPS Wed, 28 Jun 2006 00:41:16 +0000 http://www.preachermike.com/2006/06/27/the-nacc#comment-12832 Mike, I Amen all of those and yourself for truly making the right decision. I drove Dan and Linda Clymer to the Manchester, New Hampshire Airport this morning as they began their journey to Louisville. Dan is the director of Restoration House Ministries where I am being blessed during my ACU field education. It is an Independent Christian Church Plant organization that is celebrating its 10th year in October. I have had the blessing of receiving my undergrad education from an Independent Christian Church College in Maryland and now I am finishing up my graduate degree at ACU in December and it truly is an exciting time for me to be able to see and know so many of the names on both sides of the family that are coming together this year. Thanks for all of your reports in this 100th year interactions and as always, the sharing of your own journey. Mike,
I Amen all of those and yourself for truly making the right decision. I drove Dan and Linda Clymer to the Manchester, New Hampshire Airport this morning as they began their journey to Louisville. Dan is the director of Restoration House Ministries where I am being blessed during my ACU field education. It is an Independent Christian Church Plant organization that is celebrating its 10th year in October. I have had the blessing of receiving my undergrad education from an Independent Christian Church College in Maryland and now I am finishing up my graduate degree at ACU in December and it truly is an exciting time for me to be able to see and know so many of the names on both sides of the family that are coming together this year. Thanks for all of your reports in this 100th year interactions and as always, the sharing of your own journey.

]]> By: JJ http://preachermike.com/2006/06/27/the-nacc#comment-12831 JJ Tue, 27 Jun 2006 21:13:12 +0000 http://www.preachermike.com/2006/06/27/the-nacc#comment-12831 Mike, Thanks for your example you are setting. If I ever become a dad, I want to emulate your devotion and presence in the lives of your kids! Regarding the temper tantrum, I saw it. It did remind me of Weaver, ejected from more games than any manager in baseball history. Also reminded me of Lou Piniella. Aren't you glad preachers don't respond that way after a bad call from the elders or in the aftermath of the "men's" business meeting at 4:00 on Sunday afternoon? ...overturned pulpits...songbooks and tracts thrown everywhere...communion cups flying through the air...Church of Christers experiencing sprinkling with Welch's grape jucie...grafitti sprayed on the river painting behind the baptistry. Wouldn't be pretty. JJ Mike,

Thanks for your example you are setting. If I ever become a dad, I want to emulate your devotion and presence in the lives of your kids!

Regarding the temper tantrum, I saw it. It did remind me of Weaver, ejected from more games than any manager in baseball history. Also reminded me of Lou Piniella.

Aren’t you glad preachers don’t respond that way after a bad call from the elders or in the aftermath of the “men’s” business meeting at 4:00 on Sunday afternoon? …overturned pulpits…songbooks and tracts thrown everywhere…communion cups flying through the air…Church of Christers experiencing sprinkling with Welch’s grape jucie…grafitti sprayed on the river painting behind the baptistry. Wouldn’t be pretty.

JJ

]]> By: Mike http://preachermike.com/2006/06/27/the-nacc#comment-12829 Mike Tue, 27 Jun 2006 20:48:26 +0000 http://www.preachermike.com/2006/06/27/the-nacc#comment-12829 Blessings on you, Greg. There are lots of rewards from coaching -- but often not from parents. I have some of my own painful memories. There was one mom a couple years ago who unleashed on me in front of some players, saying that I didn't play her son a whole game because I didn't like him and had never liked him. (I'd had him two years.) Then she said she thought I probably had something against single parents. She took her tirade into her church class at another church here in town. I heard about it from a couple people. It was offered as a sort of prayer request -- that her son be delivered from an evil coach. I cared deeply about her son. He stunk at baseball -- but who cares? Certainly not me. I tried to build a relationship with him for two years, and whenever she wasn't around we did great together. He knew I valued him and he knew that there were players with more ability. (Plus, I've always tried to play everyone more than the minimum, so he usually played at least half a game.) From my perspective, she'll wound him in ways that he'll spend years trying to get over. Letting him know that everything is the fault of others. "You're not playing because this man doesn't like you and doesn't like single parents." Imagine how healthier it would have been if she'd said: <em>"Your coach thinks you need to be one of the players who isn't in the whole game. I happen to disagree with his judgment on that. But I'm not the coach. I'm just thankful you have someone who cares about you, who isn't yelling at you, and who wanted you back on his team. There are lots of things in life more important than how much time you spend on the field in baseball. But every second you're out there, I'm proud of you. And every time I see you in the dugout cheering on your teammates, I'm just as proud of you."</em> But, alas, not many parents like that. Blessings on you, Greg. There are lots of rewards from coaching — but often not from parents. I have some of my own painful memories. There was one mom a couple years ago who unleashed on me in front of some players, saying that I didn’t play her son a whole game because I didn’t like him and had never liked him. (I’d had him two years.) Then she said she thought I probably had something against single parents. She took her tirade into her church class at another church here in town. I heard about it from a couple people. It was offered as a sort of prayer request — that her son be delivered from an evil coach.

I cared deeply about her son. He stunk at baseball — but who cares? Certainly not me. I tried to build a relationship with him for two years, and whenever she wasn’t around we did great together. He knew I valued him and he knew that there were players with more ability. (Plus, I’ve always tried to play everyone more than the minimum, so he usually played at least half a game.)

From my perspective, she’ll wound him in ways that he’ll spend years trying to get over. Letting him know that everything is the fault of others. “You’re not playing because this man doesn’t like you and doesn’t like single parents.” Imagine how healthier it would have been if she’d said: “Your coach thinks you need to be one of the players who isn’t in the whole game. I happen to disagree with his judgment on that. But I’m not the coach. I’m just thankful you have someone who cares about you, who isn’t yelling at you, and who wanted you back on his team. There are lots of things in life more important than how much time you spend on the field in baseball. But every second you’re out there, I’m proud of you. And every time I see you in the dugout cheering on your teammates, I’m just as proud of you.”

But, alas, not many parents like that.

]]> By: Greg http://preachermike.com/2006/06/27/the-nacc#comment-12828 Greg Tue, 27 Jun 2006 20:39:07 +0000 http://www.preachermike.com/2006/06/27/the-nacc#comment-12828 My son got injured in the 4th or 5th game of the spring with season ending surgery on his elbow of his pitching arm. He was devastated, of course, but is bouncing back. I miss both my days in the dugout managing and the last couple of years in the stands cheering him on. We've had several conversations over the years that started with either something that happened on the ball field or an attitude he witnessed (either good or bad) that led to great dialogue and an opening to how practical this Bible that he reads, really is. About 3 or 4 years ago, my team mom cussed me out in front of several people because she was irate that her son had not made the all-star team, and she held me personally responsible. (I nominated her son, but I was only one of 5 votes) Anyway, my sons witnessed the verbal barrage on their daddy and they were ready to declare all out war on her. Talk about walking your talk! Through God's Grace I was able to maintain a calmness and listen without blasting her back( which part of me wanted to do) My sons could not understand why I wouldn't return fire. It was a great opportunity to model what we had talked about at home and what they have heard in church all their lives about turning the other cheek and returning kindness for evil, etc. Sorry for being so long winded, but some of the most spiritual times can be in the ball field, in the dugout, on the tennis court, just daily walking with your kids and taking advantage of opportunities to show Christ through your humanity. My son got injured in the 4th or 5th game of the spring with season ending surgery on his elbow of his pitching arm. He was devastated, of course, but is bouncing back. I miss both my days in the dugout managing and the last couple of years in the stands cheering him on. We’ve had several conversations over the years that started with either something that happened on the ball field or an attitude he witnessed (either good or bad) that led to great dialogue and an opening to how practical this Bible that he reads, really is. About 3 or 4 years ago, my team mom cussed me out in front of several people because she was irate that her son had not made the all-star team, and she held me personally responsible. (I nominated her son, but I was only one of 5 votes) Anyway, my sons witnessed the verbal barrage on their daddy and they were ready to declare all out war on her. Talk about walking your talk! Through God’s Grace I was able to maintain a calmness and listen without blasting her back( which part of me wanted to do) My sons could not understand why I wouldn’t return fire. It was a great opportunity to model what we had talked about at home and what they have heard in church all their lives about turning the other cheek and returning kindness for evil, etc. Sorry for being so long winded, but some of the most spiritual times can be in the ball field, in the dugout, on the tennis court, just daily walking with your kids and taking advantage of opportunities to show Christ through your humanity.

]]> By: Val http://preachermike.com/2006/06/27/the-nacc#comment-12827 Val Tue, 27 Jun 2006 20:00:02 +0000 http://www.preachermike.com/2006/06/27/the-nacc#comment-12827 Actually, no. I would like to hear what you have to say about a sermon on the mound. I remember that Orel Hershiser used to sing hymns on the mound. Maybe you could work that in. Actually, no. I would like to hear what you have to say about a sermon on the mound. I remember that Orel Hershiser used to sing hymns on the mound. Maybe you could work that in.

]]> By: Mike http://preachermike.com/2006/06/27/the-nacc#comment-12826 Mike Tue, 27 Jun 2006 19:36:46 +0000 http://www.preachermike.com/2006/06/27/the-nacc#comment-12826 So, Val, I should cancel my series on "The Sermon on the Mound"? (Sorry about that typo!) So, Val, I should cancel my series on “The Sermon on the Mound”? (Sorry about that typo!)

]]> By: KentF http://preachermike.com/2006/06/27/the-nacc#comment-12825 KentF Tue, 27 Jun 2006 19:12:26 +0000 http://www.preachermike.com/2006/06/27/the-nacc#comment-12825 Good choice Mike. I loved the tantrum thrown by the manager. I say promote him - that's big league material. Otherwise baseball can get a bit monotonous in the dead of summer. I'm still wondering how the tantrum went from a head first slide into second to dousing homeplate with water? Good choice Mike. I loved the tantrum thrown by the manager. I say promote him - that’s big league material. Otherwise baseball can get a bit monotonous in the dead of summer. I’m still wondering how the tantrum went from a head first slide into second to dousing homeplate with water?

]]> By: Val http://preachermike.com/2006/06/27/the-nacc#comment-12824 Val Tue, 27 Jun 2006 19:10:34 +0000 http://www.preachermike.com/2006/06/27/the-nacc#comment-12824 First, you have lived in the flatlands too long if you call the mound a "mount." Second, I feel pretty sure the coach was part of the show. Today I saw him giving the play-by-play of the incident and he seemed to be enjoying himself. I think the joke may be on the rest of us more than he. Finally, I too applaud your priorities regarding Chris. So often growing up I heard that such a choice was ill-advised because it placed sports above (fill in the blank). The fact is, "sports" could also be interchanged with whatever interest your kid might have. And, yeah, that's pretty important if it shows your kids that they are important. I am glad you are teaching the kids more than just baseball. Sadly, this year we had a coach that was woefully inept at both. He's coaching our All-Stars as well. We can't seem to get away from him. First, you have lived in the flatlands too long if you call the mound a “mount.”
Second, I feel pretty sure the coach was part of the show. Today I saw him giving the play-by-play of the incident and he seemed to be enjoying himself. I think the joke may be on the rest of us more than he.
Finally, I too applaud your priorities regarding Chris. So often growing up I heard that such a choice was ill-advised because it placed sports above (fill in the blank). The fact is, “sports” could also be interchanged with whatever interest your kid might have. And, yeah, that’s pretty important if it shows your kids that they are important. I am glad you are teaching the kids more than just baseball. Sadly, this year we had a coach that was woefully inept at both. He’s coaching our All-Stars as well. We can’t seem to get away from him.

]]> By: Tim Rush http://preachermike.com/2006/06/27/the-nacc#comment-12823 Tim Rush Tue, 27 Jun 2006 19:02:46 +0000 http://www.preachermike.com/2006/06/27/the-nacc#comment-12823 I love your choice and am overwhelmed by the responses to it. My dad made a similar choice over 25 years ago. At the time he was blasted for it. His only response was, "Who else is going to take my kids to see the fireworks?" I praise God that his people have grown since then to see that ministers matter to their families as well as the church. Praise God for wonderful fathers. I love your choice and am overwhelmed by the responses to it. My dad made a similar choice over 25 years ago. At the time he was blasted for it. His only response was, “Who else is going to take my kids to see the fireworks?”

I praise God that his people have grown since then to see that ministers matter to their families as well as the church.

Praise God for wonderful fathers.

]]> By: Terri http://preachermike.com/2006/06/27/the-nacc#comment-12822 Terri Tue, 27 Jun 2006 17:21:03 +0000 http://www.preachermike.com/2006/06/27/the-nacc#comment-12822 A little clarification... in Alabama, we don't throw hissy fits... we pitch 'em! A little clarification… in Alabama, we don’t throw hissy fits… we pitch ‘em!

]]> By: Terri http://preachermike.com/2006/06/27/the-nacc#comment-12821 Terri Tue, 27 Jun 2006 17:19:30 +0000 http://www.preachermike.com/2006/06/27/the-nacc#comment-12821 Earl is good but... Billy Martin - now that's a hissy fit pitcher! Earl is good but… Billy Martin - now that’s a hissy fit pitcher!

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