Pastor's column

Rev. Paul Hadland

Published Friday, July 25, 2008

On Feb. 4, 2007, Tony Dungy celebrated what had eluded him so many years before, when his Colts defeated the Chicago Bears (led by his friend, Lovie Smith) in Super Bowl XLI.

Dungy became the first African American coach to win the legendary NFL championship match, and probably one of the game's most humble and gentle champions.

"There are those who said we wouldn't win the big one because I wasn't tough enough on the players," Dungy says. "But I see my job as a coach like a shepherd. You know where you need your flock to go, and your job is to get them there. You don't see shepherds yelling and shouting at their sheep. They know that they respond best to a gentle touch. That's my approach, and I believe that I have proven it works." (Michael W. Michelsen Jr., "Gentle Warrior," Today's Christian (September/October 2007)

Tony's faith in Jesus Christ has led him in all that he has been able to accomplish, from coaching champions to living through the suicide of his son to raising his family with his wife.

How is your faith today? How is your walk with Jesus Christ? I look around today and I see people would rather embrace mediocrity than greatness.

Because in mediocrity they can let their pride and their ego rule, even if it costs them friendships and community. I have seen this happen in coaches who would rather yell and scream. I have experienced it in the work place during my college years, and I have walked with people who have lived it in their homes. People would rather shame and blame than to build community in the home, the work place or the playing field.

We will always believe that our way is best and the result is not community but rather a divisive people where mediocrity rules.

Jesus teaches us about the grace of God that transforms us into a community that dares to care for one another.

A community that dares to see the worth and talent in each person. When a person has been lifted up, they see not only their own talent, but also the talent of those working next to them and together they reach for greatness. Watch out because greatness is just a moment away when people act as one community.

Each person in this city is important in making us all a community that dares to live out the grace of Jesus Christ, crucified and risen.

Each person in this city can make a difference in creating a great place to live and worship. St. Paul shares these community building words: “Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:4-7)

Let us walk into this new day of Grace as a people who dare to live out the gospel of Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, centered on the word of life for all. Remember the stories of people like Tony Dungy who lead by the example of their actions and gentle words, for they have much to teach us.

Rev. Paul Hadland is the pastor at Augustana Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls.