Hoosiers

I've been watching Hoosiers this afternoon. I'm not sure how many times I've seen the movie, but I know everytime it is on, I seem to be watching it. It drives Kenna nuts sometimes...

There's a lot to like about the movie; Gene Hackman for one. He plays a talented coach who is trying to escape his past. He moves to a small Indiana town as his last chance to coach basketball. Throughout the movie, strives to fit in with the small town life, struggles against his old nature, and does his best to be true to his calling. To me, it looks a lot like ministry. Maybe the best example I've seen outside of the Bible.

There is a lot of basketball played. That, after all, is why he was hired. There is the one class he has to teach as a part of his teacherly duties. There are all the things expected of a basketball coach in a small town. Then there are the other things.

He begins to get involved in the lives of his students. He's interested in their studies. He is looking towards their futures. He cares for their families. One young man's father is dealing with alcoholism. Hackman's character works towards helping him get cleaned up. He brings him on as an assistant coach. He gives him responsibility. He disciples him.

By the end of the movie, the tears in my eyes aren't because of the last second win. Mine are for the power of redemption I see in those lives. The father/son relationship which is being restored. The coach who realizes his calling and is able to step out of the shadow of who he was and be who he was called to be. The boys who work together as a team and lift each other to new heights.

There is a model of ministry there: relationships. We are surrounded by them and blessed by them. God gives passion and heart to those who would ask for it. There is opportunity for ministry all around us. We just have to be awake enough to hear the call...