Joe Ehrmann and the Hard Path of Following Christ

by Brian Bolt, Ph.D.
Calvin College

I, like Dr. Walton, attended the speech by Joe Ehrmann at Calvin College last week.  Much like Julie (This is my first time “blogging” so I hope its ok to refer to others by their first names like a conversation in the coffee room) I felt a mixture of inspiration and discomfort from Joe’s remarks.  Since then I picked up and read a copy of Jeffrey Marx’s book about Coach Erhmann, which contains some background information on Joe and the author, and chronicles one season of football at Gilman High School.  Joe’s title is defensive coordinator, but he and the head coach, Biff Poggi are very close friends and seem to work more like co-head coaches.  The book echoed the speech, with understandably more detail and background information.  It gave me a clearer picture of what Joe was about and the message he is spreading as he speaks around the country. 

I thank Julie for opening this conversation and for her insightful comments.  Julie noted a few concerns which I do not share.  Briefly, I think it is perfectly fine for Joe to focus his talks on boys.  Joe works with boys, Joe knows boys, and I do not think we can require him to address all societal ills at one time.  Joe is attempting to bloom where’s he’s been planted, which is a good encouragement to all of us. 

Along the same lines, Julie was rightly concerned that the lack of fathers in some kids’ lives may be the larger problem that Joe needs to address.  Again, I would contend that Joe, in his way, is addressing this problem directly.  His hope is that the boys on his football team with poor parental situations will eventually make better choices than their own fathers.  As the book describes, Joe has spent significant time in urban ministry.  He knows the problems, and my sense is that he is trying to light a candle rather than curse the darkness.  Whether or not Joe’s methods work or are the appropriate way to address coaching situations is a valid are valid questions.  Finally, Julie questioned the lack of overt references to Jesus and the Christian faith.  I would say Joe walks a fine line, and he is appropriately living his faith in this setting.  Christians must make these choices all the time, depending on their work situations.  Also, the book makes it clear that Joe is in a private, if secular, school.  He and Coach Biff employ Scripture very often, far more than would be allowed in a public school setting (please click on READ MORE!)

1. Thanks Brian for that thoughtful and indepth response to Joe’s talk and book.  I am curious to hear from more women who heard Joe speak and/or have read his book.  Frankly, Joe lost me at the beginning of his speech when he said the number one problem in sport is how we define masculinity.  I don’t disagree with his analysis of the deeply embedded and problematic connotations of how we interpret masculinity.  As a mother of a 12 year old, I took his message to heart.  Nevertheless, I think we need to be more inclusive in our message when we talk about redeeming sport.  What problems do girls and women face in sport?  Are they the same problems boys and men face?  Although there were more men than women in the audience, it is a safe bet that many of those men were coaches of girls and women.

   Is there any irony in the fact that although Joe’s experience has been limited to coaching boys, as much of his writing reflects, he is advocating a stereotypically feminine style of communication?

   Brian did a wonderful job, in my opinion, of closely examining Joe’s message.  I don’t expect Joe necessarily to change his approach.  Furthermore, I believe there is a take-home message from Joe’s book and talks, but if we are going to apply his strategies, we need to work hard to think carefully about the relevancy and importance for girls and women.

   Posted by Nancy Meyer  on  01/26  at  12:18 PM

2. I am a female student at Calvin College who has both read the book and see Joe speak.  I have enjoyed the discussion so far about his message and wish to add a few of my own comments for thought.  Please respond if it strikes your fancy.

   Joe has been given a certain set of talents.  Watching Joe defy and define certain characteristics generally attributed to those in sports arenas can be empowering to us all, even if his specific audience is the high school male and his medium is football.  Watching Joe effectively spread such a counter-cultured message should be an inspiration for all of us to ‘give our utmost for His highest’ in all aspects of our lives. 

   So, great coaches-like Kevin Vande Streek-who employ different methods more suited to their personalities, situation and audience-are still able to be effective in their game and gain important insight and inspiration from Joe’s message.
    
   Through Christ, we have been told in the church, all things are possible.  However, we are not completely helpless on our own-Satan is always willing to seem powerful and provide a “solution” to our lives.  Using the Terrance Owens example again; many un-godly people seem highly successful.  But that is precisely the stereotype Joe is trying to combat. 

   As for participating in sports for the sheer exhilaration or enjoyment; this can be very difficult for some people and almost impossible for others.  Ask anyone who has a temporary disability or handicap.  The first time they are able to get back on the court is probably a moment spent thanking God.  As a coach it is important to foster this attitude of thanks for the gift of life and for the gift of mobility and specialized skill.

   It may be possible to spend time to relax and enjoy the feeling of being capable and adept, but shouldn’t we take the time-even at an earlier or later point-to thank God the Creator for allowing us the health and the wealth to be able to enjoy his creation.  When we worship and when we pray we take time to thank God before petitioning him.  We give thanks and then commune. 

   We work to continually emulate Christ, and whether Christ was in the Temple teaching, clearing out the money launders or rowing across the Sea of Galilee he was continually living out His message.  Using sports as a ways, means, or end in which to set an example is a wonderful gift.  When faced with an obstacle, a meet or a game it is always important to be prepared.  Part of this preparation is a spiritual and mental preparation. 

   “You get the best out of others when you give the best of yourself” –Harry Firestone

   To truly give our best in any activity-leisure is also provided by God-we should come with our Spirit ready-and when we relax to recharge our Spirit-we should give thanks for that time of relaxing.

   Posted by Julie Peretin  on  01/27  at  05:43 PM

3. We definitely need more people like Joe in our society. People like him make such a difference.

   Posted by Jake  on  04/10  at  06:53 AM

Next entry: Ehrmann Speech - To blog, or not to blog……..

Previous entry: A Sensitive Approach to Teaching Nutrition: Dealing with Disordered Eating

<< Back to main