A Word from Rev. John Williams

I am late getting this letter written. The stuffed lion hanging over my in-box at the office is a reminder that I’ve missed my deadline (“dead lion”). The not so subtle reminder has me at my desk this evening while away at my first GEC (General Executive Committee) meeting. It’s been an interesting time meeting the other Executive Ministers and heads of the program boards of the ABC family. We’ve been doing good work, and I look forward to being able to share some of the positive things taking place as we redefine how we will work together as American Baptist Churches in the USA.

I have to admit, however, the highlight of my time here was watching the KU/Memphis basketball game last night. For someone who has only recently developed an interest in watching televised sports, I was surprisingly animated as KU scored a three-point basket in the final second to tie up the game and move it into overtime. The next five minutes were nothing short of exciting! What a “nail-biter”! What a game!

I remind you, I’ve never been much of a fan. I didn’t play basketball in high school or college. I never liked a game where someone was always in my face. I was much more comfortable with football or wrestling, where I could knock my opponent to the ground or pin him to the mat. I have been fascinated; however, watching the KU team at work. They plan like a TEAM better than anyone I’ve ever watched. Although they have some extremely gifted and competent players on the team, they have all learned to work together to accomplish amazing things. Some of the plays they set up and executed were incredible. No one hogged the ball; no one gave up; no one got jealous; no one got in the way of their great team effort.

You probably know where I’m going with this. Isn’t there a lesson for us as we labor to do ministry together in the Central Region? Isn’t there something to be said about how we can work together as a team, building up one another and doing incredible ministry together? There are several components to consider. The players on the team all played their part. They knew what they were supposed to do, and they did it. They communicated with each other. Through audible calls, hand signals and even subtle glances they were telling each other what needed to be done and who needed to do it. They listened to their coach and trusted him to see things in the game they could not see. They had a strategy. They remained focused, even when they were behind. And they didn’t give up. I think the implications for us pretty much go without saying.
We had an afternoon of team-building exercises at the GEC meeting today. We learned some things about focus and working with distractions. We learned some things about working beyond our assumptions to gain clarity and the ability to do things we had previously thought impossible. And we learned about closing our eyes and releasing control to one who can see what we cannot see. We learned something about ourselves and our need to listen to Jesus, focus on His instructions and work together to do the impossible.

When I talked to Connie Monday night after the game, she said it sounded like everyone in Lawrence was honking their horn. To say there was celebration in the streets that night would be an understatement. I look forward to a time when everyone in the Central Region “honks their horns” and celebrates the things we accomplish together for the cause of Christ. As you sort through the things in this month’s FOCUS packet, take note of those things that call for our team effort and those things we can celebrate as American Baptist Churches in the Central Region.

Blessings,

John Williams
Executive Minister