Great advice

“Ministry Musings,” a series about some humorous and serious stories in my life as a pastor.

I always loved football. Like New Knoxville, my high school was too small to play other schools in that sport. I had an opportunity to get involved in football as a young pastor at my first church.

My church and parsonage were immediately across the street from Taft Junior College. If you Google that, you’ll see that Taft College was a football juggernaut for many years. It was located in an oil-rich area, so the resultant taxes paid for the best football program money could buy.

Athletes who wanted to play for USC or UCLA, a couple hours south of Taft, would come to Taft College. They could improve their grades and football skills and make the big-time PAC 10 schools of the West Coast.

I persuaded the coaches to accept me as team chaplain. I helped sponsor a Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter. I was in pretty good shape in my late 20s. I worked out with the team often, doing everything but contact.

Now comes the great advice I mentioned in the title. There was an annual alumni game. Because I had become an honorary member of the team, the head coach invited me to play. As I considered that, I thought I should consult an expert.

Sam was the team trainer. He was a wise, experienced man in his 50s. He had been around football players all of his adult life. I asked his advice about playing in that alumni game.

Sam paused, rubbing his chin in that reflective manner so common of wise men ruminating and stalling for time. At last, he said, “You’re in good enough shape to play the game. What you lack is football experience. Having not played at this level, you might stop immediately when you hear the official’s whistle. Some 270-pound lineman might not. Before you know it, you’re on the turf, injured.”

Sam continued, “When these kids get hurt, they miss a few classes, catch up on missed homework, and their college lives go on. If you break your leg, you might have trouble continuing your ministry. I recommend against you playing. It’s not worth the risk.”

Of all the excellent advice I have received in my life, that ranks toward the top. Over my years on the sidelines as a team chaplain to many different teams,* I witnessed many injuries. Some were severe. These days, watching high school, college and pro football, some injuries can be catastrophic.

As I watch this sport that I love, I am thankful that I heeded Sam’s advice. Who knows what chronic back pain or long-term limp I may have avoided. It always pays to seek wise advice from experts. It’s even smarter to follow good advice.

Note: More football team chaplain stories come.