When I played basketball in college, our coach expected everyone on the team to come to the start of the season with a certain level of personal conditioning. For example, before anyone could attend his first practice in the fall, he had to demonstrate that he could run a mile in five and half minutes, or less.
The qualifying runs were typically done in groups, but one year I learned my trial run would be alone. Instead of running outside on a track, I was to run the 20 laps around our gym that the coach had calculated was a mile. With just the two of us in the gym, he turned on the giant game clock and set it for 5 minutes and 30 seconds. My task was to finish the 20th lap before the buzzer.
As I ran, I calculated that it was going to be close. Then each lap started taking a little longer. By the time I reached lap 19, I could tell that I would only make it if my home stretch was the fastest lap of all.
I managed to cross the finish line just before the buzzer. But it was only because I ran lap 20 harder and faster than any of the others.
That memory has a fresh meaning for me now as I have just completed 19 years in service to Illinois Baptists. To plan a careful search for the next Executive Director, and to allow time for a smooth transition, the IBSA Board asked me for a year of advance notice before my planned retirement. Now that I have honored that request, only year 20 lies before me.
Here’s part of how I’d like to give that home stretch my very best.
First, I would love to see and interact with as many Illinois Baptists as possible, to express my love and appreciation, and to urge us all forward in biblical faithfulness and Great Commission passion. I couldn’t be more delighted that my home stretch year also includes the 100th anniversary of both the Baptist Faith and Message and the Cooperative Program. We as Illinois Baptists must continue to stand strong on those two unifying pillars of shared belief and shared purpose.
Especially if I’ve not yet been to your church, I would consider it an honor to be invited. Yet if that can’t happen everywhere this year, I will be content to write to you here what Paul wrote in Philippians 1:27: “…Whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel.”
Second, I would love to hear from you or your church if you have any requests, suggestions, or counsel for me during this home stretch, or for IBSA as it transitions forward. You can e-mail me at NateAdams@IBSA.org or text or call me if that’s easier.
As I travel around the state this year, I want to do a lot of listening. I want to know and to pass along to both the IBSA staff and the IBSA Board whatever feedback and wisdom I hear for how IBSA can best deliver value to Illinois churches in the days ahead.
After finishing that 20-lap race in college, I collapsed exhausted on the floor. Only one person was applauding, my coach. But it was worth it. I learned that the home stretch isn’t a time to slow down, but to run even harder and to finish strong. I hope to see you in the final lap.
Nate Adams is executive director of the Illinois Baptist State Association. Respond at IllinoisBaptist@IBSA.org.