The Quiet Coaching Revolution

Christian coaching is challenging outdated and unbiblical leadership models.

COACH – isn’t that a word used in association with an athletic event? Not any more! The coaching movement is alive and well both in the church, and the corporate landscape of America.

As a matter of fact, many businesses and organizations are scrambling to catch up with the coaching wave, implementing it into the very core of their value systems and putting it into practice from the board room to the break room.

Not surprisingly, denominational leaders across America are also incorporating coaching into their ranks. Movements such as the International Pentecostal Holiness Church, the Assemblies of God, and the Southern Baptists are all exploring coaching methodologies in order to better under gird their pastors and ministers for 21st century effectiveness.

So by now you’re asking, “What sets coaching apart from traditional methods of training and discipleship?” In a nutshell, the coaching movement believes that certain learning models must shift in order to better minister to a post modern society. Here are just a few examples to help:

•The old mindset says, “You can’t solve this without me,” thus producing followers rather than leaders. The new coaching paradigm is built upon the premise that leaders take responsibility to steward their own lives.

•The old model says, “Change is a product of information and knowledge.” The new coaching paradigm says, “Change is the function of support, encouragement, and accountability, rather than merely passing on information.”

•The old mindset says, “Most people will never get it right without my help.” The new way says, “I believe in people.”

•The old mindset says, “Here’s what I’d do if I were you.” The new coaching paradigm says, “Let me ask you powerful questions and help you discover what to do.”

Conclusion:

Getting the idea?

Outdated and unbiblical leadership philosophies must begin to shift. New, more biblical methodologies must be embraced. I believe that a quiet coaching revolution is challenging the church to change. Will the church embrace it? Only time will tell. However, in the mean time, check it out for yourself. It could change your life!

Coach John

Works sited: Gary Collins, Christian Coaching, Tony Stolzfus, Leadership Coaching

Comments

[Donld Mehus]

Great introductory piece, the learning model will be accepted by church's with Pastors and Elders who are spiritually joined at the hip to empower Members and Non Members alike to witness the power within, to crusade for Spiritual wholeness.

A living testimony is Hosanna Lutheran Church in Lakeville, Mn. who have hundreds who have gone through the coaching program and are at different levels, our Daughter is nearing her certification. Hosanna have several Pastors and I understand they have all gone through the program and are active. It works, I have introduced the program to one of our Church Elders.

Don

[Matt Rasch]

Thanks for the article. Although I agree with your thoughts and the new wave(which is really old) of coaching, how do you see the old wave "outdated and unbiblical"? Thanks, Matt

[kingdomconnexions.com]

This is a refreshing and well-articulated description of the new paradigm to which the Church must move. We all want to know more about it and how to function in the new model.

[Wade Thompson]

Hey John great article! More leaders need to utilize these skills in our mentoring relationships. This the new paradigm that will help all of us finish well.