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There is much to be said about the need, desire, and ability to leave an inheritance to one’s children. Of course, we know that inheritance includes wisdom, righteousness, and good character. While some focus solely on material possessions or financial wealth, when these are combined with strong values, they can change the trajectory of families for generations.
In recent years, a new opportunity has emerged for college athletes to begin building generational wealth. With the introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, student-athletes can now be compensated for who they are and the value they bring. Previously, collegiate athletes were not allowed to benefit from their own name, image, or likeness—while institutions and other entities profited, often to the tune of millions, leaving these athletes with significant lost opportunities. Now, there are some—perhaps a growing number of people, leaders, and institutions—who bemoan this shift, arguing that it is hurting sports like football and basketball. But let’s consider the numbers: The average college professor earns between $79,000 and $140,000 per year. Meanwhile, in some power conferences, coaches earn between $2.5 million and $4 million annually, with elite coaches exceeding $8 million. By comparison, the average NIL earnings for players are around $65,000. High-tier starters may earn between $100,000 and $300,000, while elite players and top transfers can earn between $1 million and $3 million. In some power conferences, total team rosters are valued between $7 million and $10 million. Additionally, 57% of collegiate basketball players are African American, and 81–84% of them graduate within six years. Given these realities, I contend that some of the resistance to NIL is not simply about preserving tradition or reminiscing. Rather, it reflects a desire to keep financial resources in-house. The truth is, the money has always been there—evidenced by the salaries of coaches compared to professors. This is where we must be clear, this moment is not just about money, it is about stewardship. It is about what we do with the opportunity placed in our hands. The Bible reminds us in the Book of Proverbs 13:22, “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children.” That means what is gained today should not end with us. It should outlive us. So the question is not whether the opportunity exists, the question is whether we will prepare ourselves and the next generation to handle it. Because when character meets opportunity, legacy is born. Pastor Mike Neal
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We missed it…. As the world has commemorated and celebrated the life of Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson over these past couple of weeks, what should have been a glorious celebration has devolved into an online forum to criticize and chastise those involved in his celebration of life services. I find it nearly impossible to focus on his legacy while still engaged in pettiness, half-truths, and pure speculation. I won’t dare try to regurgitate them, because they do nothing for my spirit and are contrary to how I have chosen to look at and glean from the many leaders whom I’ve been fortunate to have met or know personally. Those who some would consider famous and those who might be deemed not so famous. Either way, as a leader, I’ve always been open to watching, listening, and learning so that I might be a better leader myself. As I notice some of the chatter, I can’t help but weep because it is obvious that many missed it. At a time when we should be echoing Rev. Jackson’s voice, we missed it with empty rhetoric. When we should be amplifying his message, we missed it because of online arguments. When we all should be grabbing a piece of his legacy, we’ve left it on the keyboards of our computers. What’s most damning is that we all have an opportunity to take his message of hope, which was given by God, to our various places where we work, minister, and serve. Now we risk missing our chance to share — especially with our youth, who are already being inundated with online content and misinformation to the point that many do not know or understand the life and legacy of Dr. King, Harold Washington, President Obama, or Rev. Jackson. Let us not allow this moment to pass us by. Honor the legacy. Carry the message forward. Keep hope alive and act like we are somebody! “If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes” - Luke 19:42 Pastor Mike Neal The call to the gospel ministry is a daunting one, for it comes with an awareness of the complexity, challenges, and demanding nature of answering it. In 1998, when I answered such a call, I never would have realized how the ministry I thought I was being called to would evolve into what it is now. Over the years, the ministry I have been led to has carried me outside of a traditional church/pastor setting. I love that God has opened this door to the community in ways I would not have been led to had my personal passion not coincided with the gospel call to serve the community in which I serve and live. My community is vast, and therefore it has caused me to look at how the gospel impacts, or should those I’ve been fortunate to serve. The intersection between church and community should be easy to navigate, but I believe the two do not connect or intersect as much as they should. This is why I felt led to write about these two communities and share how the pulpit should inform policy and how policy affects a community. And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will guide you with knowledge and understanding - Jeremiah 3:15 |
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P.O. Box 805927 | Chicago, Illinois | 60680-4120 | 773-624-4642
P.O. Box 805927 | Chicago, Illinois | 60680-4120 | 773-624-4642