Rockies and Ministry

As an avid baseball fan, it is clear that this team is quite different from other teams that have reached this level, and that these differences stand out as lessons for all of us, not only in athletics, but also in life and ministry. Here is what the Rockies have to teach us:

1. It's not how you start -- it's how you finish! The Rockies sat in 4th place on September 165th, 4 1/2 games out of a playoff spot, and 6 1/2 games out of first place, with 14 games to play. Instead of packing it in and simply basking in the glow of improvement, the proceeded to win 14 of their last 15 regular season games. Then, as if that wasn't enough, they swept their way through two rounds of National League playoffs, winning another 7 in a row. Along the way, they recorded one of the strongest finishes of any team in Major League history. Isn't that true fo each of us as Christians? It certainly was true for the criminal who hung next to Jesus on the cross. Our Lord is continuously molding us in His own image, showing us the path to life everlasting. The past is not important. What we will become in the future, by the grace of God, is what is important.
2. Humility is a virtue. I cannot remember a more humble group of young men than these Colorado Rockies. Confident -- yes! But humble as well, constantly recognizing the blessing of where they are at, appreciating the moment, and defering glory to their teammates regularly. What a model for us as Christian teachers. We are who we are by the grace of God, and all credit for that should be sent to our Heavenly Father.
3. Don't ignore youth. By the beginning of September, the pitching rotation of the Colorado Rockies was in shambles. Starters Aaron Cook, Rodrigo Lopez, and Jason Hirsh were all on the disabled list, and the season for the Rockies seemed to be slipping away. Fortunately, the Rockies had planned for the future, and their farm system was deep enough to provide two young yet qualified replacements, Ubaldo Jimenez and Franklin Morales. These two rookies solidified the roatation and carried the team down the stretch, pitching well both in the end-of-the-season run and in the playoffs. Clearly, the Rockies have done an excellent job in nurturing young players. Shouldn't we all be doing the same to nurture young teachers? These new professionals are those that will carry the mission and ministry of Lutheran schools well into the 21st century. Investing in them is well worth the effort!
4. Integrity matters. One sometimes wonders whether the sports pages have become the police blotter. As a team, the Rockies are impressive because team members have kept a low profile. Not only that, but management has made player character a secondary focus as they built the team. The Rockies' front office has taken some criticism for that, especially from the local media. They've been accused of looking only for players from a specific religious background. However, they focus is really much more broad. They want people with integrity, honesty, and good interpersonal skills working for the organization. They want players they can trust, and players who will trust each other. That trust is in evidence every time the players talk about one another. What an example for all of us! Building trust is a key element within Lutheran schools. It can make or break our ministry. Shouldn't we, like the Rockies, be doing all we can to foster that spirit of trust in our schools!

Yes....the Rockies success serves to remind each of us of some key elements of leadership and ministry.

GO ROCKIES!