The day I sat in Coach John Wooden's Lap
I attend Shepheard in Porter Ranch, CA. I got to church a little late one Sunday and tried to slide unnoticed into one of the rows of seats in the sanctuary. As I was finding an empty chair in the row of chairs I stumbled and sat in a chair that was occupied. An older gentleman said, "I am sorry, but this seat is taken" as I abruptly sat on his lap. I said "sorry" as I planted myself in the seat next to him. He could tell I was obviously embarrassed and introduced himself, extending his had for a handshake he said, "Hi my name is John Wooden." At that moment I realized in had sat in the lap of one of the most well-known college basketball coaches of all time and a prolific writer, Coach John Wooden. 
UCLA Coach John Wooden
John Wooden, born October 14, 1910, in Martinsville, Indiana, is widely regarded as the greatest NCAA basketball coach in history. He led UCLA’s men’s basketball team from 1948 to 1975, achieving an extraordinary 664-162 record. Under his guidance, the Bruins won 10 national championships, including seven consecutive titles from 1967 to 1973, and secured four perfect 30-0 seasons. Wooden’s success stemmed from his innovative Pyramid of Success, a teaching tool emphasizing character, teamwork, and discipline over mere victory. Before UCLA, he excelled as a player at Purdue, earning All-American honors and a national title in 1932. Known for his calm demeanor and competitive spirit, Wooden never focused solely on winning but on effort and integrity. After retiring in 1975, he remained a revered figure, earning accolades like the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2003. Married to Nell for 53 years, with two children, Wooden’s legacy transcends sports, inspiring generations with his philosophy of humility and excellence until his death on June 4, 2010.
Shepherd Church, located in Porter Ranch, California, is a vibrant nondenominational congregation led by Senior Pastor Dudley Rutherford. Originally formed from the 1995 merger of Hillcrest Christian Church and Shepherd of the Hills, it has grown to serve about 10,000 attendees across 20 weekend worship services in the Greater Los Angeles area, including four daughter churches and satellite campuses. Known for its racial diversity, the church reflects Rutherford’s vision of unity inspired by Revelation 7:9. It aims to magnify God by fostering Christ-like maturity, empowering ministry, and encouraging global missions. Rutherford, who spoke at John Wooden’s 2010 memorial, emphasizes love for God and people, drawing from Matthew 22:36-40. The church offers a welcoming community focused on spiritual growth, salvation, and service, supported by ministries like CallOnJesus.com and Dream of Destiny.org, which promote ethnic diversity in Christianity. With a dynamic presence in Los Angeles, Shepherd Church continues to thrive under Rutherford’s leadership, blending faith, outreach, and cultural inclusivity.
My wife, Kim and I have gone to Shepherd for 25 years. My wife has a friend, Jamie Fong, that invited her to go to Shepherd church. Kim and I went one Sunday and Kim become a Christian and Shepherd has been our church for 25 years.
