Dear Theophilus Archive: Sept. 2000

We Got Next; The Story of the EBA

By day these men were devoted worshipers, husbands, students, and pastors. Yet, when five o'clock rolled around on a lazy Sunday afternoon, these Dr. Jekylls instantly transformed into Mr. Hydes. Emmanuel worshippers turned into Gladiator-style warriors suited up for cataclysmic warfare. Each man could have uttered Shakespeare's Henry V's famous lines:

Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more; Or close up the wall with our [Emmanuel] dead. In peace there's nothing so becomes a man As modest stillness and humility; But when the blast of war blows in our ears, Then imitate the action of the tiger: Stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood...

A strange metamorphosis occurred on the hallowed courts of Villanova. Ordinary men were changed by extraordinary circumstances. Older men transformed into vibrant college students and younger college students changed into seasoned veterans with many years of experience behind them. Years and years of bodily neglect were forsaken and forgotten. Images of Michael Jordan and Vince Carter flashed in our minds. Notions of gravity-defying feats and breathtaking basketball moves momentarily obscured the sure knowledge of what we were: basketball duds imitating basketball studs.

This past summer's Emmanuel Basketball Association was a spin-off of the highly successful National Basketball Association. But whereas the NBA emphasized the glory of the individual athlete, the EBA focused on strengthening the bond between the brothers of Emmanuel. Teams were formed according to summer small groups. From the "Hubbies," which was comprised of married Charis men, to the "Dribblin' Theologians," which represented the pastoral staff, a myriad of different teams took to the courts every weekend. The EBA struck a resonant chord in terms of encouraging fellowship between brothers.

At first, the EBA felt like a pseudo-professional league. Players were bent upon fattening their statistics at the expense of team play. EBA players all wanted to be the Bill Clinton of their team, looking to steal the spotlight from the Al Gores around them. But as the summer progressed, it became apparent that the EBA was about more than just competition. Members within each small group cultivated a spirit of team camaraderie. There was no finger pointing, self-adulation, or insult throwing among the teams. As the Psalmist stated, "How good and pleasant it is when brothers live [or play] together in unity!"

What a bold move it was to place individuals in a highly competitive basketball league in order to promote unity among them. In an arena where the purpose was to win at the expense of others, how was it that everyone in the collective ended up a winner? It did not make sense to me then, but now I understand. Paul wrote in Romans, "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves." Who really cared if their team lost 30-24? Was it such a Carthaginian defeat if one's team did not win the EBA tournament? No, no, and no. I believe that God was glorified, even in our endeavors to be like Kobe Bryant. This highlights an often-neglected fact of life. We are ambassadors of Christ in all situations and circumstances. From Christian highlights, such as mission trips and revivals, to the mundane, such as playing basketball or even waiting in line for a crepe, we must strive to be a light of Christ. Thus, the EBA in its long-awaited dawn has shown promising signs that it will be a shining light of Christ.