Sean Woods

Morehead State University men’s basketball coach Sean Woods has been suspended for one game because of his conduct on the sideline during a recent loss to the University of Kentucky.

Woods appeared to shove one of his players who had just fouled out, and continued to yell at him during the ensuing timeout.

The coach expressed remorse for his actions and assured everyone that this type of situation would not happen again.

You can’t be a bully and be a good leader. Jesus taught his disciples that they must not intimidate people the way the government authorities were prone to do (Matthew 20:25-28). Peter passed along this teaching when he wrote, “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care…not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” (1 Peter 5:2-3).

The best way to influence people in the church is by gentle persuasion. People don’t respond well to being shoved around. Sometimes we are reminded of the right way to lead when we see someone do it the wrong way.