Pickleball parables

This past Monday, SECC’s Ministerial Department hosted a pastor’s pickleball get-together at our church! Pastors from all over our region came to enjoy some fellowship, some laughs, and yes, some surprisingly competitive rallies. And if you’re wondering if I played? Yes, yes I did.

My first game was against Pastor Lim and the son of another pastor. I knew Pastor Lim played tennis, but I did not know he was also FIRE at pickleball. Meanwhile, I hadn’t played since college, back when I still recovered from things in under 24 hours.

Here are three object lessons I learned:

• Proper stance beats raw speed: In sports like running or soccer, the fastest athlete usually wins. But pickleball rewards intentionality and stability. Same in life. “Be steadfast, immovable” (1 Cor. 15:58). It’s not how fast you move but how grounded you are.

• Communication makes the team: I preferred doubles on Monday because playing solo felt intimidating, so I stuck with friends. But without communication (“Mine!” “Yours!” “Incoming!”), we fell apart quickly. Scripture reminds us, “Two are better than one… for if one falls, the other can help them up” (Eccl. 4:9–10).

• When it’s your turn, show up: Pickleball scoring shocked me. You can only score on your serve. Even if you hit the perfect shot, if it’s not your turn, the point doesn’t count. It reminded me that when God gives you a moment, a responsibility, or an opportunity, step into it. “For such a time as this” (Esther 4:14).

I can assure you this won’t be my last time on the pickleball court. Who knew a simple little sport could hold lessons that are so deep and so fun?

-Pastor Rhidge