by David Melton
I fly too much. In order to represent Boston Baptist College and yet to be home with Kim and my boys, to have a fair amount of time on campus in Boston, and to be at home in my own much-loved church, MetroWest Baptist Church, I have to make fast trips. That means airplanes.
I used to think flying was fun. Now, I only hope to amuse myself at 30,000 feet when I take the occasional break from my in-flight work. Usually I don’t have to wait long for some sky-high strange-but-true antics. I still remember a flight to California when my seating assignment forced me to listen to two ladies giggle with anticipation at how their wristwatches would automatically change as we flew over new time zones! Then, as we began to descend into San Diego, they bantered back and forth in frustration as to why their watches were still on Atlanta time. Just before touchdown they concluded that California and Georgia were really on the same time — that’s why their watches didn’t change! Those two were elevated, but they weren’t “enlightened.”
Real story. I recently sat on a flight while a steward announced to us that we would be updated on arrival schedule “as soon as we figure out what we are doing.” Great. The guy behind me moaned out loud. Altitude without a clue.
I love our Boston study trips, partly because of the fun we get to have with new flyers each spring! A little turbulence is real amusement (as long as it’s not too much!).
Then if you really want a flying story, ask Bruce Garner about the girl with her cat on his “red eye” to Boston!
I have tried to start using my flying follies not only for comic relief, but as a reminder — a reminder about ministry elevation. At Boston we exist to educate church leaders, those who will embrace God’s call and with competence use the elevated position for great cause. I know these are increasingly complicated times. I know that the next generation of leaders, those who are students now, will face even greater challenges. Our ministry education task is then more important…and challenging than ever!
Being on top — leading — sounds fun and exciting as you’re just taking off. I’m thankful for the energy and even the romanticism I see in our new students in Boston. We have to help students harness that (not discard it) but blend it with skills and doctrine that will help them adjust to reality. Elevation in ministry is essential. Today’s students will be the church leaders for my children; so I have a vested interest in their quality! I want them to be on top…not just in title, but in character, in preparation, and in performance.
I dragged myself off one more flight last night. The unloved commuter airplane highlighted by a half cup of Diet Coke — another “high up” experience! I’ll see students today. We’re going to equip them to soar.