Samuel E Matteson,

Physics,

North Texas

“I do not have a Vice Chair, nor an Assistant Chair, but I do have Sam, my Ad-vice Chair,” quipped my brother-in-Christ, Chris.

For 10 years I was chairman of the physics department and Chris was my vice chair; now he is departmental chair. This role reversal has been a learning time for me. I have come to better appreciate how God would have me relate to those in positions of authority over me; how truly to help them serve God and our common good.

What’s My Line?

I have had many different collaborative relationships in my academic career. I am a mentor to my students, of course, as was Aristotle,the tutor of Alexander the Great. But to my colleagues, my peers, a tutor-role does not seem to fit. Admittedly as I grow older, I find myself the father-figure or at least the elder, slightly eccentric uncle in Paul-Timothy relationships for some junior faculty members.

However, I think that the most appropriate model for my collegial status on the faculty and with my academic leaders is that of Barnabas and Saul. We first meet Joseph in the fourth chapter of the book of Acts where we are told that his nickname “Barnabas” means “Son of Encouragement.”

His Christian brothers and sisters called him “Barney” as they watched his career and the habits of his life. I have resolved to be a Barnabas to my colleagues and academic leaders by encouraging them in practical ways.

Barnabas Who?

In relating to my leaders, I hope to earn their trust as a harness-mate who, like an effective draft animal, pulls with rather than against the one in the lead harness. I resolve to listen readily, keep confidences and reply honestly with gentleness and tact. Often the most helpful thing I can do for Chris is to offer a cup of coffee in Jesus’ name, or provide an agenda-less escape from the pressures of the office through a quiet lunch.

I learned long ago that most decisions in academic life are not matters of right or wrong, but of wisdom and prudence. I try to refrain from being too quick to judge or critique.

I am more content now to defer to him whose responsibility it is to do a job than before I sat in “the chair.” I have been quoted as saying, “I like your way of doing the job, much better than my way of just idly thinking about it.”

I have also decided to offer unsolicited encouragement and appreciation when I catch my academic leader doing something well. Whenever the opportunity arises I “manage upwards” with positive suggestions that often I find come back as policy or proposals.

What’s Really Important?

Most importantly, I feel obliged to pray for and with Chris. Doing so I hold up his arms like Aaron and Hur did for Moses. I can recognize and stir up the gifts that are in him. In so doing, perhaps I—like Barnabas—can re-define my own name as a partner in the work of the kingdom of God in our corner of the world that is our department.

© 2010 Samuel E Matteson