"Bench Coaches"

 

“Bench Coaches”

 

Beginning with the 2013 season Major League Baseball allowed a team seven uniformed coaches during a game. They are responsible for such areas as hitting, pitching, bullpen, first and third base and conditioning (some serve more than one function). But the one closest to the manager is the bench coach. The one occupying this position, popularized in the 1990’s by Don Zimmer of the New York Yankees, is the boss’s right hand man who’s asked for suggestions on strategy and player moves as well as being ready to step into the managerial role should the head man be unavailable for any reason, including umpires’ requests to leave the premises after an argument. A seasoned bench coach has proven to be an important asset in a team’s success.

During my years of preparation for and practice of ministry I’ve benefitted by having a number of “bench coaches” who’ve come beside me. They may be called pastors, professors, coworkers, associates, mentors or accountability partners but whatever their “titles” they invested time in me and were ready to give wisdom, guidance and love. Their influence has kept me from many mistakes (and sins) and prevented my wandering from God’s path (at least not too far). But my most important “bench coach” is Karen who for almost 55 years has fulfilled a role no one else could. I’ve been blessed “…immeasurably more than all (I) ask or imagine….” (a practical application of Ephesians 3:20) by her wisdom (aka spiritual common sense) and love.

Recently I had breakfast with our pastor, Caleb Pipes. He could be my grandson but possesses maturity and perception far beyond his years. As we discussed my part in serving our church he asked if he could meet with me regularly to talk about ministry and “pick my brain” from my years of experience. I was honored by his request and readily agreed. Since many bench coaches are former managers as a former pastor I similarly see this new opportunity to bring what I’ve learned to my “Timothy”. Please pray with me that, paraphrasing Paul’s words, “…(we) may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.” (Romans 1:12).

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan