You’re sharp. I’m sure you’ve already picked up on this one, but have you noticed that NFL QB’s don’t catch their own passes?
Oh, I know it’s happened from time to time but it’s usually the result of a breakdown somewhere else…
• A pass rusher got through and disrupted the play
• The snap was botched and the play is hurried.
• They swear it wasn’t a pass, but rather, a ‘lateral’ (yeah, sure.)
• The ball slipped out of their hand.
• The ‘intended’ receiver wasn’t looking.
• You’re actually watching Pee Wee football.
Any number of things. But I’ll tell you the one thing it almost certainly was NOT…intentional.
Why?
Because it’s a BAD idea. The Quarterback’s not a wide receiver. He’s not even a tight end (I know, I know, but Tebow is different)! The quarterback is the leader on the field. He calls the plays. He reads the defense and makes adjustments. He decides who to throw to and when to throw it. He may hand the ball off. He may keep it and try to run himself. His options are many—but they don’t include passing to himself, ever. To do so means something went wrong.
But to look at how so many pastors function in the role, you would think their primary job is to pass the ball to themselves! And not only that, but also to snap it to themselves, hand it off to themselves, block for themselves, defend against the very pass they through to themselves, bring water out to themselves, negotiate salaries for themselves (and all the other players on the team), coach themselves, recruit, scout and anything and everything else that has to do with the game of football. Is it any wonder pastors sometimes feel all alone in the ministry? When they insist on doing everything themselves they are all alone—but there’s no one to blame but themselves!
Hey pastor, para-church leader, missionary, it doesn’t have to be this way. Whatever you can accomplish alone can be accomplished quicker and more effectively as a team. Stop trying to wear every hat known to man and start praying that God would give you wisdom and opportunity to build a solid team around you for accomplishing the vision God’s called you to. And don’t move out in new ministry areas until the team and leadership for the new initiative is in place. Not only will it save a lot of headaches, but you’ll also find new brothers and sisters in Christ with whom to walk this wonderful journey!