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Earning a second chance to give
Open-heart surgery doesn't limit Talons team chaplain Ewing's impact on people.

CHAPLAIN
Bruce Ewing: The pastor has served as chaplain for the Tulsa Talons since the team's inception in 2000.
 
By MIKE BROWN World Sports Writer
Published: 6/3/2009  2:21 AM
Last Modified: 6/3/2009  3:53 AM

 Bruce Ewing speaks a language athletes can understand.

Maybe that's why so many athletes are drawn to the pastor of Fellowship Bible Church, 5434 E. 91st St.

Ewing conducted pre-game chapel services for the University of Tulsa football team during Steve Kragthorpe's time as head coach (2003-06) and has served as chaplain for the Tulsa Talons since the arena football team's inception in 2000.

"Bruce has a captivating personality," Kragthorpe said. "He's very genuine. What you see is what you get."

Kragthorpe and others rallied behind Ewing after the pastor had open-heart surgery on April 15.

Ewing went to the emergency room for another issue and doctors found through a series of tests that he had 97 percent blockage in three arteries that feed the heart.

"They said if any (of the arteries) had gotten twisted, I would have been dead before I hit the floor," Ewing said. "I can't say enough about my doctors. They were phenomenal. It was only by the grace of God they were able to find the problem."

Veins from different parts of his body were grafted in, bypassing the clogged arteries.

"I've sure felt a lot better, but I'm recovering and I didn't have a heart attack. The heart is good," he said.

Kragthorpe flew into town to check on Ewing, taking time out from his current job as University of Louisville head coach.

"He just gives and gives to people," Kragthorpe said. "He gives from his heart, and I told him that with all the giving he's done over the years, his heart just finally gave out and needed a little bit of an overhaul."

Ewing, 67, is used to moving more swiftly. He enjoys driving a race car he owns with his son when he isn't preaching or witnessing to other athletes.

"I feel so stinking lazy when I can't go full throttle," he said.

Ewing and wife Linda moved to Tulsa 31 years ago to help start Fellowship Bible Church. It now has a 20-acre campus and about 2,000 members.

"Bruce has way of putting things in a way anyone can understand them," Talons kicker Luke Phillips said.

Phillips and Talons head coach Mitch Allner attend Ewing's church along with their wives.

Talons equipment manager Steve Enlow and several team members have visited Ewing since the surgery, and Steve Largent phoned to see how he was doing. Largent, the former TU standout and NFL Hall of Fame receiver, attended Ewing's church before taking his lobbyist job with CTIA-The Wireless Association.

Except to see his doctors, Ewing hadn't ventured from his home until visiting a Talons practice before the team's recent visit to Milwaukee.

"Bruce was here before I got here as a player in 2002," Allner said. "It was great to see him up and around again."

A former high school football player from Fairview, Ewing said he's always enjoyed working with athletes. He also served as team chaplain for the Tulsa Oilers hockey franchise — until retiring last year, saying 35 games per year were getting to be too many for him.

Ewing won't return to full health until doctors perform a bypass on a clogged artery to his stomach. The problem causes difficulty processing food and has caused Ewing to lose some 40 pounds over the past three years.

"The doctors say I'm going to feel like a new person when all this is done," he said.

Mike Brown 581-8390
mike.brown@tulsaworld.com
By MIKE BROWN World Sports Writer

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4 comments have been made for this team so far. Tell us what you think below!
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Bixbyboys, (6/3/2009 9:31:48 AM)
I have know Pastor Bruce (Dr. Ewing) for over 30 years and have observed that he is an effective Pastor, Chaplin and friend because he gets it, he lives it and he communicates it in a clear manner. “It” is the principles spelled out in God’s play book for life, the Bible. Bruce’s knowledge, experience and continual study of life’s play book enable him to bring to life and explain how to practically apply those principles in every area of our life including sports. The principles essential for a championship level team are the same for a successful business, church and family. We are all praying for a quick and successful recovery so he can get back to "It".
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out here in the middle, Sand Springs (6/3/2009 10:28:22 AM)
Bruce is a class act, no doubt about it. I've visited with him on only a few occasions, but he is always gracious and kind. We wish him well in his recovery.
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K-Tulsa , Tulsa (6/3/2009 12:13:27 PM)
I used to attend FBC and was just talking to some friends about Dr. Ewing. I've since changed churches but always thought he was awesome. Back then, I think he was the chaplain for the Tulsa Oilers Hockey team. To see all the players show up Sunday mornings after a game the night before...beat up and bandaged I might add...showed how much they looked up to him. All the best in a speedy recovery Dr.Ewing!
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a disciple, Glenpool (6/3/2009 2:00:26 PM)
I have never met Bruce Ewing; and I have never visited his congregation. However, I have heard about the kindness and generosity of the church's members. Years ago, a co-worker told me about a time when someone he knew needed a new car. The family's car had broken down, but the family did not have the money to repair it or to buy a new vehicle. When a member of FBC found out about it, he and his wife gave the family their one-year old minivan with no strings attached. After reading this article, I suspect that their kindness and generosity may be a reflection of Mr. Ewing's leadership and encouragement.
 

 
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