“What Are You Going to Do Now, Big Boy?”

About

When you’re an athletic coach, you also function in some ways as a pastor; when you’re a pastor, you also take on the role of a coach. Wren Aaron, who spent 25 years as a coach and public school teacher, and another 17 in ministry, has plenty of experience with the ups and downs of both. Currently the regional director of the Nations of Coaches athletics ministry, Wren talks with Nate Dewberry this week about the lessons he’s learned in both roles. He shares not only the leadership principles that have become guiding lights in his life and career, but also his thoughts on marriage and fatherhood, as well as maintaining bonds with other men that matter, whether we realize it or not.

Show Notes

Segment chapters

Discussion

9:11—What’s a memory you have of your dad (or an older male relative) that seemed embarrassing or scandalous at the time, but over time became a more joyful memory – something you and your family could even laugh about? What do you think that says about your dad/relative and your relationship with him? Proverbs 20:7 (NIV)

11:14—Think back to a low point in your life that was low not because of any horrible sin or tragedy, but simply because you felt aimless, unsatisfied, and tired. What led to that feeling of malaise? What did you want more than anything else in that moment? How were you eventually “rescued” from that period of aimlessness? Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

15:45—Have you ever felt challenged by God or the Holy Spirit in the way that Wren was? What was the temptation or dilemma you were facing at that moment, what did you choose, and why? If you had to do it over again, would you make the same choice? Galatians 5:16 (NIV)

17:54—Have you ever had to tell someone who was important to you, “I can’t do anything more for you. You have to make your own choice.”? What brought the two of you to that reckoning, and what did it feel like to have to tell them that? Have you ever heard those words from someone else, and what kind of change, if any, did it inspire you to make in your life? Galatians 6:5 (NIV)

27:41—Do you feel like you “understand your why” in your current season of life? If not, are you aware of any “whats” that could take over in its place? Who have you been turning to for insight regarding how you can determine your “why”? Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)

36:49—Of all your male friends and relatives, who’s the one you feel safest with in terms of sharing your innermost feelings and fears? What is it about that person that has built within you a sense of safety and trust? Have you tried to emulate those traits toward other men in your circle? Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 (NIV)

40:56—Is there a challenge you’ve been thinking about lately that you’d like to take on, but haven’t stepped into yet? Why do you feel that role or activity could bring strength or benefit to you? What about it seems the most daunting? Is there anyone who could help or support you in rising to the challenge? Joshua 1:9 (NIV)