Focus Five of GroupLife, 2 of 3

3. Develop Multiplying Leaders: This focus is vitally important to the future of Small Group (SG) Life at your church.  And for some the future of your career. Multiplying leaders are those who see the Kingdom of God as something bigger than their local SG.  These leaders understand the opportunity they have to impact the lives of their friends, family and neighbors.  Multiplying leaders know that in the next 6, 12, or 18 months their Coach will be asking about an apprentice and the need for another Small Group.  They realize that this is not about them, but through their obedience to let God work through them will see Him grow more leaders to share the love of Christ with others.

How do they understand, know and realize these things?  Through sharing stories at every opportunity.  We conduct Small Group Luncheons every quarter where stories of life change are first and foremost.  Every baptism at LifePoint is preceded by a video story of the person being baptized where they briefly share their story and thank those who were instrumental in their becoming a Christ-follower.  We train/develop –via GroupLeader.org, Coach’s Coffee Time, emails, phone calls, and annual banquet–the necessity of apprenticing.  This IS the foundation for multiplying leaders.  Who could have the opportunity to become a Christ-follower if you suggested to your group, “hey, why don’t each of us start a SG with four other couples in August and see what God will do?”  With that invitation, you may be surprised what God does.

See also LifePoint’s GroupLife Development site aritcle:  Developing Multiplying Leaders at GroupLeader.org

Smryna Bugs Errors & Grace

I love it when books, speakers, movies show how baseball imitates life.  There are all these analogies baseball lovers use to help others understand things about situations in life.  This weekend the Smyrna Bugs 9U travel baseball team got to experience one of those illustrations.

On Saturday the Bugs came out with enthusiasm, excitement, focus, sunscreen and cold towels.  With the heat index closing in around 105, the Bugs played it “cool.”   Their games against the Raptors and Power were challenging games.  The pick off moves, the hits, the base running and the pitching all seemed to come together to give the Bugs two wins. The highlight of the day was in the second game, bases loaded, Patrick decided to steal second.  (He loves a good challenge.)  As he approached second, the other runners and fielders began to panic.  With a throw to first to pick off Patrick, all kinds of excitement broke loose.  When the dust settled, the bases were clear and three runs had scored.  You should have been there.  Words cannot do justice to the entertainment that was delivered in those few moments.

On Sunday the Bugs had to play an old rival Eagles.  Four pitchers and several hits later the Bugs moved on to the semi-finals, facing a never-before-seen Knoxville Stars.  Gresham took the mound with the defense helping to hold the Stars to two runs in the first.  However, nerves, anxiety and a decent pitcher held the Bugs to only scoring one run in the first.

Then life happened.  The Bugs seemed to make errors that in any other game this year were routine plays.  Bunts fielded well, but overthrown.  Grounders that usually see a scoop and a bullet, saw a boot and a lob.  Hard shots that are usually snagged, were mis-judged and tipped by an outstretched glove.  The Stars scored on our errors and our bats began to drop.  The boys sit unemotionally in the third and fourth innings.  They hung their heads as they saw the lead grow and another error was made. There was no grace for the Bugs.

At this point, fans, parents, and coaches all tried to rally the Bugs.  With the fifth and final inning beginning,  the Bugs seemed to settle in and play their usual game. Gresham had thrown upwards of 80 pitches, tired the Bugs came to bat in the bottom of the fifth.   Bug then they seem to get a burst of energy.

The dugout came alive to rally the Bugs back, but it was too little to late.  I did leave the park with my head up, though.  The Bugs had played hard and learned a lesson about life.  Errors will happen,  life will happen and sometimes grace will appear.  However, there was no freedom from mistakes on this day as the Bugs lost 11-6.

Many times in life we are shown grace for mistakes we do not intend to make.  Sometimes you really get lucky and even in knowingly do wrong, still receive grace.  Then other times life gives us what we deserve, does not ignore our actions, but allows results of our actions to take place.  Only God can offer grace that forgets, forgives and ignores our actions, not baseball.

The life lesson learned: play baseball with the best of your ability, don’t expect your mistakes to be ignored.   If we had left in the fourth, I would have been pretty disappointed in our attitude and attempt.  But because the boys rallied in the dugout to cheer, to encourage, and tried, walking away from this loss (as difficult as it is to write that word) was made easier.

Life and Baseball, maybe a lot to learn.

The Sun Came Up This Morning!

The final words of Coach Chris after the Bugs game on Sunday. Two strong games by the Bugs on Saturday led to a Sunday appearance in the Smyrna Summer Slam tournament.

Saturday was a show to watch.  The Bugs were hitting and making some defensive plays that encouraged us all.  Steven had a diamond gem when he  made a shoestring catch on a pop fly behind short.  He ran from center field, having to kick in the extra gear only Steven has, to get to the ball before it made it the outfield grass.  The gasp of amazement came from the crowd as he smiled and trotted off the field with the ball securely in his glove.

Another memorable moment, (not sure if the play or the comments will stick with me longer) was when Gresham went deep in the hole at short to backhand a grounder, step and throw the runner out at first.  Bryce, playing first, had to make the extra stretch to catch the ball ahead of the runner. Bryce told Gresh as they ran off the field, “Gresham, don’t make me have to stretch that much anymore, I almost ripped my pants.”

I hope someone got a photo of Alex when he bunted one of prettiest bunts (can bunts be pretty?) down the third base line getting a sinlge AND moving the runners over.  It was exciting to see Bryce, Ryan and Dylan all get big hits, some resulting in stand-up doubles, in both games.  These guys have been working on some special batting practices that some Dads have introduced.  What a weekend for these father-son practices to pay off.

Dayton, Gresham and Alex combined in the first game to get the win.  Each pitcher did their job well and continue to gain speed on their fastball.  The second game saw Brandon and Aaron combine for the win to keep the Bugs undefeated on Saturday.

Sunday was a little different story.  Facing the Roaddogs with their strong lefty on the mound, and at 8am was a quick wake up call for the Bugs.  Behind 2-1 through the 5th, the Bugs broke it loose to win the game 5-3.  This put us in the semi-finals at four 0clock and gave us a much needed cool off period.

The semi-final game paired us with M’boro Crush.  This game was as tense as a championship game.  Both teams saw low scoring and struggles at the plate.  Bugs bats cooled off and the heat took its toll through the afternoon.  There was little normal excitement from any of the Bugs, not even the wild and crazy stretches of Chase or the enjoyable hook slides of Patrick.  Nothing seemed to get the Bugs turned on. The game, mostly tied at 3 through five innings, ended with Crush scoring the winning run in the bottom of the sixth.

The final words of Coach Chris after the Bugs loss, “Hey guys we lost and that happens in baseball, but the sun will come up in the morning and we will play again.”  It did!  and We will!

Focus Five of GroupLife, 1 of 3

We are challenging the Small Groups of LifePoint Church to keep the focus on five things through 2009.  These are the things we feel are important for our division, the reason we exist; the place, position, opportunity, and purpose for which we serve.

Focus Five:

1. Connect People:  being a Christ-follower is all about the relationship.  It is through relationships we enjoy life, we share life and we experience life.  Because of or through a relationship we hear about Christ, we inquire about Christ, and He reveals Himself to us.  With Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, etc we are able to know a lot about people, people who do not know us and people we do not truly know. But true connection, foundational relationships are not as common as they were 25 years ago.  People are mobile, programed, scheduled, and focused; maybe too much, on work/family/money/etc.  GroupLife is here in part to help people connect and build relationships.  Christianity is not a lone-religion, it is a living relationship.

2. Grow small groups spiritually & numerically.  This is the part that gets confusing for some churches.  “It is all about the numbers” many say.  I love numbers and these are some of the  numbers from Jesus’ life that guide me daily:  5000,  3000, 72, 12, 3.  This focus is not about the numbers for a Monday morning meeting.  This focus is based on proven fact that if you do not guide and help people grow spiritually, the numerical will not happen.  We must keep as one of our focuses to connect people to our group, in our church, or in our ministry to a situation, environment, or relationship that will help them be (as I often say) “more like Jesus next year than they are today.”  That should be a goal for each of us.  Because of spiritual growth of individuals, we see group spiritual growth as well.  Through this God places people in our lives He wants to see loved, cared for and discipled,  As the group grows spiritually, the opportunity to start another group blossoms.  Through other groups starting more friends, family, co-workers, fellow coaches, kids, families, PEOPLE become Christ-followers and grow in their spiritual journey.

Think on these two for the rest of this week.  What is God saying to you?  About your relationships?  About your relationship with Him?

Next Thursday, more of the Focus Five from GroupLife.

Weekend Baseball Ends with Trophy

The Smyrna Bugs played at Music City Park in Nashville, Tennessee this past weekend.  I am not sure who owns, operates, maintains Music City, but it is one of the nicest, fan friendly parks in which we have played.  With music between innings, covered stands, carnival tents with picnic tables, a mini-practice field and grass infields.  Dragging and watering the dirt between games added the tournament feel.  And the dugouts hosted a batting cage, bullpen and fenced on-deck area.  It was obvious several generations of TLC had been poured into this park.  Thank you to whomever!

The Bugs played back-to-back games on hot Saturday.  A couple of diamond gems took place this weekend as well.  Aaron caught a fly in left field and threw a bullet to Ryan at first to double off the runner.  A ‘bullet’ does not do it justice.  Aaron made a long, straight throw to first arriving chest high to Ryan, who did not even have to stretch.  In another game, Ryan also showed up by making a stabbing backhand catch at third and throwing the runner out at first.  Steven had a great weekend with his hitting being back and getting several base hits this weekend.  One hit was very high and roughly 198 feet long (of the 200 foot field), but curved foul by 2 feet.

Sunday was a long day for the Bugs, playing the Grassland Wildcats at 8am.  Bugs came away winners. Unfortunate though for the Wildcats was their catcher being injured while catching.  We hope he recovers quickly!

Mid-morning was a break, worship services for some, as well as a quick nap. Then back to the park for two more games.  A long outing for the Bugs ended up pairing them against their ole rivals Tennessee Ravens, again.  If you have followed the Smyrna Bugs over the years you know the history of these two great teams.   Usually facing each other in semi-finals or championship games, the best of 9u baseball always shows up when these two face each other.

The weekend ended late for the Bugs.  The Championship game against the Ravens did not end until 9:00pm.   Several pitchers saw action in this game, starting with Dayton who was throwing the heat from the first pitch on.  Followed by lefty (slider-Snyder) Aaron who brought the junk to keep the Ravens off balance.  Then Gresham was able to pitch and get three outs to keep us in the game.  Alex was called in to pitch the last inning bringing his special change-up into action. This inning was not without worries.  The Ravens had pecked away at all the pitchers, but gave their biggest challenge to Alex in this last inning.  With two outs, they loaded the bases.  A long fly ball to center brought the tired fans to their feet.  Both sides held their breath as everyone knew this would end the game. Either a win for the Bugs by a catch or a win for the Ravens with a base hit.  It was easily long enough to clear the bases if it made it past Steven in center.  Steven running, makes the basket catch to end the game and the Bugs win the championship game 11-9.

If you everm hear that the Smyrna Bugs are facing the Tennessee Ravens, make your way to the ballpark.  If you like presure-packed baseball, you will enjoy seeing these two teams play!

Transformissional Coaching

We talk a lot about coaching, apprenticing, training the next generation and mentoring.  I always reference Jethro and Moses when trying to explain the organizational chart we have put together.  You know, the five teach five and they teach five;  or five lead five and they lead five; etc.  A friend of mine gave me a quote from the book Transformissional Coaching by Steve Ogne and Tim Roehl that adds another dimension as well as bring clarity to this story from the Bible, Exodus 18:7-24.

“Jethro coached Moses by meeting with him (v. 7), taking time to find out how he was doing personally (v.7), listening to him about the ups and downs of his journey (v. 8), celebrating with him (v.9), worshipping with him (v. 12), eating with him (v.12), watching him at work (v.14), asking him probing questions (v. 15), challenging unproductive behavior (v.17), and giving wise counsel (vv. 18-23).  Jethro is a great Old Testament model of a coach.  He indeed was a friend of God and a friend of God’s man.”

I could, and I might, pull out many stories, ideas, strategies from each of these practices.  Re-read the above quote and think about what God may be trying to show you, challenge you, or equip you so that you can take the next step on the journey.

The Bugs walk away winners of the BPA Summer Slam in Mt. Juliet this weekend .

Two wins on Sunday brought home the big trophy.  The final game, against Showtime Black, was the first time this season that we could actually say the Bugs bats were hot.  A lot of doubles hit by a lot of Bugs help secure the win.  Thanks Bugs for making this an easy weekend to write about.  ☺
Some highlights as quoted by the players on their biggest memory from the weekend:
-Patrick:  “Coach Eddie, going 9 for 12 was good.  Now if you factor in the walks, I was just 6 for 9.  But my hook slide at second was AWESOME!
-Alex:  My triple, the one where they threw the ball all the way into the dugout.
-Aaron: The bomb I hit, you know to right field.
-Ryan: hitting the ball all the way to right field when the bases were loaded.
-Bryce: Oh Coach Eddie, the Trophy!  (said with that little smile he lets out now and then.)
-Dayton: winning against my old team, the Outlaws.
-Chase: Well, it’s not exciting, but I did walk a lot because they never gave me a pitch to hit.
-Gresham:  Winning against the Vipers.  (Gresh pitched against them the last time and they beat us in the tournament championship. He does not forget very easily)
-Dylan: hitting the ball to right field fence ending in a stand up double.
-Brandon: When I was catching and got to throw the runner out at second on an attempted steal.
-Steven: either the catch I made in center or going 6 for 11 over the weekend.

In the eyes of nine year olds, the weekend was fun and each had their own special memory.  Hey, it’s summer!  Celebrate the kids around you (and in you) today by having some fun laughing at some of your memories.  Thanks Bugs players, parents and fans for giving this blogger some great laughs and memories.

Prayer and Determination equals Results

Papaw went home Friday.  Not where any of us thought he would ever be again.  If you remember on April 29 I shared in a very emotional blog (Follow Your Gut) about Papaw (Al) being in the hospital and not much hope of living through the night.  The month of May was difficult for the entire family as Papaw continue to fight infection and loose weight.

The call finally came on Friday afternoon that he was at home, enjoying seeing his garden and farm.  We are not sure who to credit more, God or Al.  Both were heavily involved in his recovery, one from grace and the other from fortitude. You figure out which one goes with which. 

Although he has lost a lot of weight and very weak from five weeks in the hospital, HE IS HOME with no medical devices attached.  We thank you for the prayers and constant inquires on his condition.  And the food and transportation you provided for the Mosley family!  Crisis like these are made easier with friends and Small Group.

Smyrna Bugs, A Game or Life?

The Bugs came out strong in the pool play this weekend.  Enjoying a late night win over the Cyclones. The details escape me in part due to the game starting an hour late, first pitch was at 10:00pm.  I think my age is cutting into my awake time and causing memory loss.  But I do remember Alex pitching strong and the Bugs offense staying strong.

The Bugs had an early Saturday morning win over the Thunder & Lighting. The game seemed longer due to the morning sun bringing on the heat, much like starter Dayton did from the mound.  Bryce got his debut on the mound and finished out the game with a victory.

Sunday was long and hot.  We had to win three to win the championship.  The first game was a win over Showtime Black.  Several close plays and some great offense kept this game in hand for the Bugs.

Next it was the Comets.  Another long time rival who always offer a challenge.  The Bugs were held scoreless in the first.  I was afraid this might be a bad sign.  The bottom of the first saw four runs cross the plate for the Comets.  This was one of the worst defensive innings, not just in the game or this season, but in Bugs history.  Was it the heat?  Was it the late night and early Saturday morning games?  Who knows!!!  But this was not the Bugs defense we know and love and it caused Aaron to have to leave the mound and Gresham come in to pitch.  Aaron was throwing good and getting the pick off opportunities as well as routine grounders, but was only able to see two outs.

The rest of the game was a struggle to try and take the lead.  Up five to three, the Comets continued to stay strong in the field and the Bugs say some strong hits get caught.  Gresham finished out the game with several strike outs but also giving up his first home run.  Oh, he would be very mad if I did not tell you that he struck out that same hitter on his next at bat. “He never touched the ball that time did he” was his comment as he walked off the field.

Opportunities were there for the Bugs right down to their last out.  With two in scoring position, Chase on third and Steven on second, Patrick roped one to center but right at the center fielder who made the catch. This was the story of the day for the Bugs offense.  Which resulted in a loss of 6-5 to the Franklin Comets.

You gotta love the boys hearts and the seriousness with which they play the game.  However, sometimes we all forget (or at least I forget) that before we even get home most of the boys have gotten over the win or loss and are ready to go swimming.  Parents we must never forget the blessing of a child’s mind that is able to put things behind them and look forward to the next thing to play.  Let’s help each other to not linger in the past, not complain about a loss (or talk about a win too much) and not forget this is just a game, not life.

The last time I looked we ain’t making a living at this, and as important as winning is, it is more important to be an example for a lifetime; to keep the relationship above the hits or errors and know one day these boys may be the ones deciding where we live.    Hey, go swim or watch a cartoon with your kid today!

Smyrna Bugs Learn the Word TEAM!

The excitement of playing baseball on a holiday weekend inspired the Bugs to play hard and step up to win several games.  The word TEAM seems to stand out as we look back over the weekend of games. All games were played against teams we have faced often.  That brought both knowledge and awareness of how tough the weekend would be.

Friday night we faced a Nashville based team who had beaten us previously.  They once again held strong, but the Bugs pulled out a win.  Then Saturday another tough Nashville team came out and gave us a strong challenge. The players moved around in various positions to fit the needs of the team.  The team spirit came to life as all tapped the helmets of the players who sacrificed or scored.

Sunday, as usual, started with a rain delay.  We faced a team we had faced the previous weekend in the championship game.  It was a nail biter!!  I was serving at church and had to get the play-by-play via text message from Susan Cobb.  She is an athlete and kept me informed with the short texts of baseball terms.  Although the terms were easy to understand, the anxiety of not being there and knowing the Bugs were struggling to stay in the game was almost to much to stand.

Going into the bottom of the last inning the Bugs were down by 4 with the top of the line-up coming to bat.  The team stood strong encouaging and chanting every pitch.  Still this would be a tough win to pull out.  However, a walk, a couple of hits, a squeeze play and a line drive put the Bugs into the win column.  This led us to a four hour wait for our next game, but the rains came and moved the semi-finals and championship game to Monday morning.

The Bugs would face the ole rival: Franklin Ravens.  Always a tough and exciting game, the Ravens were tough as ever.  Left-hander Aaron pitched the entire game with only 68 pitches.  The opportunities were available for the Bugs to take the lead, but something always held them back.  The players shared excitement and frustration as a team.  Batters would ground out only to meet a receptive crowd at the dugout door.  It the ground out happened to advance a runner or push a run across the plate, batters always received the helmet tapping by all the players.  As the Bugs would run off the field they would encourage and chant for each other to get their helmets on and stand ready.  However, all the team work did not pull out a win, (loosing 5-4) but did unit the team a little deeper.

NEXT:   The Smyrna Bugs head to Lavergne on May 29th for the Summer Jam where they will be among the 14 teams going for the championship.