Reverend Doctor Coach: My Worlds Intersect

Being Reminded of Who You Are

MHS Track Team 2019 District Meet I knew I enjoyed coaching. But I had hardly thought of myself as a coach. But something about cheering for a kid who had no one else except we coaches, and the instinctive reaction to jump and celebrate as if I was 20 years younger, left me feeling like I had found a place I belonged.

On a hot spring day, standing on the infield, looking toward the home stretch on the high school track, I stood quietly. On my right, was the head coach. To my left, one of my hurdlers.

This young man had few people in his life who cheered for him. One brother in jail, another heading toward dropping out of high school. They weren’t there. His folks, with challenges of their own weren’t there. In his time at school, he had few friends who cared about his athletic abilities at that point. Standing on the infield, an athlete to my left, my head coach to my right. The three of stood in silence.

We were awaiting the results of the race. We knew it would be a good time. But we didn’t know it would be a personal record, a “PR”. In silence we listened to the announcer call out names and times we heard a PR go by. Without thought, just as a reflex, we shouted, we chest bumped, we high-fived.

I knew I enjoyed coaching. But I had hardly thought of myself as a coach. But something about cheering for a kid who had no one else except we coaches, and the instinctive reaction to jump and celebrate as if I was 20 years younger, left me feeling like I had found a place I belonged.

There have been many races coached since then. Thousands of hurdles watched as kids perform drills, and then race. And even I go over a few hurdles once and awhile.

“Coach” is my favorite name

I’m quick to let my family know that I am keen on being known as dad and husband. But there is something special when a kid, who is not your own, respects you and calls you coach. It is not really a title about what you do, it is more about who your are. At least to that athlete.

There are a few places I feel at home. In a pulpit, in front of a classroom, facilitating a workshop or consultation, and on a track. The three worlds I work in, ministry, education, and coaching. They often use similar skills.

“Revered”, I only use that when I am trying to be impressive

Recently, I was being interviewed in the New York times. I know, pretty impressive! After an hour of conversation with a reporter I was was asked how I wanted to be acknowledged in the article. The first thought was, “just call me RDC.” But of course that would not mean anything to 99.9% of their readers. Since I was trying to provide some cultural insight and history, I settled on “Dr”. The use of “reverend” these days comes off as a sectarian, superstitious, and shallow. However, I do use it when I am trying to speak with authority to a legislator. I guess one would say I am ambivalent.

“There’s a Doctor in the house”

And, while the earning of a doctorate is a fine accomplishment, this too is a title I do not use often. In fact, the only place I use it with joy is when entering my favorite pub. The tenders behind the bar are happy to announce, “there’s a doctor in the house.” I do have to let folks know that curative prowess encompasses only an elemental understanding of Philosophy, History, Theology, and a skills in Organizational Behavior.

It is odd that we have titles. Occasionally, I suppose, they function as a shorthand way of indicating the value one may add. But, all the time, they may shroud from view the person. I do wonder if there are titles that speak to the heart of who a person is? I think, then, I go back to a few titles that mean the most to how I view myself, and how I wish to be seen.

To my grandkids, I am G-Pop. To my own kids, I’m dad. To my athletes, many of whom call me by first name, I am coach.

As Bonhoeffer contemplated, in a much more profound and critical manner in Letters and Papers from Prison, he wrote: