Hey Coach John

Interior Landscaping

The Art of Accentuating the Inner Life

What do you know about interior landscaping? If you’re like me, not much! I recently picked up a book on leadership and came across the term only to discover that it is a relatively new idiom being used by the secular world to describe the art of “getting in touch with your inner life.”

Personally, I like the term. Jesus used words like “fruit and trees” to describe our inner character - so interior landscape certainly fits! See Matt. 7:18. Whatever term you use, the principle is what counts. The principle is this: every person is unique in their own inner life and must cultivate it to become all God wants them to be.

Experts tell us there are four basic personality types. However, each of us brings a unique set of experiences and background to our basic temperament – these two converge and make us who we are. These factors, coupled with the will of God, give rise to our personal destiny and purpose.

Here are three very important areas that all interior landscapers need to develop. (Please note this is in no way an exhaustive list.)

1. Every person needs to assess and develop their own social skills.

By social skills I am referring to the ability to relate to other people, the ability to identify with their needs, feelings and concerns. It seems that many of God’s people are emotionally tone deaf.

Social skills can make or break you. I recommend that if you don’t come by them naturally, please; take time to develop them as a skill. You can do it.

2. Every person needs to clearly identify and monitor their dark side.

Every person has a dark side. By dark side I am referring to areas where we are proned to weakness or vulnerability. Keep in mind the dark side doesn’t have to be something blatantly evil, just an area of weakness.

Every leader has a responsibility to identify and sentinel their given dark side. Do you know yours? Do you have set boundaries in these areas? What steps are you taking to live above your dark side?

3. Every person needs to develop his or her self awareness.

Self awareness is a great gift. It is the ability to step outside your self and accurately assess your thoughts, behavior and life.

Develop self awareness. Wouldn’t it be terrible to be a jerk: and not even know it? Paul put it this way, “examine yourselves to see if you are in the faith.” See II Cor. 13:5.

Conclusion

In the natural, landscaping is an art that has the power to beautify, accentuate and change an environment. Interior landscaping does the same. So go ahead, grab your shovel and pick. Get ready to move some dirt, plant some shrubs – hey, be an interior landscaper!

Coach John

Word From A Guest Writer

Hey Readers,

Periodically, I post an article on my blog from various leaders and colleagues I’ve known over the years. This week’s article is from my good friend and special mentor, Dr. Dan Beller. Dr. Beller is retired from the pastorate but still very active in ministry.

Dan pastored Evangelistic Temple in Tulsa for over 34 years, growing it to mega-church status, even before mega-churches were popular. Dr. Beller also serves with Dr. David Yonggi Cho as a Board Member of Church Growth International and is privileged to periodically speak at the Yoido Full Gospel Church in Seoul, Korea.

He is married to his lovely wife Marie, for over 53 years. They reside in Tulsa, OK. He has an earned Doctor of Ministry Degree from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA. You are in for a real treat; I trust you will enjoy his article.

Blessings,
Coach John

Prayer Changes Your World

Susan Wesley, mother of John Wesley, had nineteen children but she prayed for one hour each day. She had no private place to pray but she would sit in a chair, cover her face with her apron and pray. The children were instructed not to bother her when her apron was over her head.

One hour of prayer each day will change your world. Notice the one hour is less than ½ of a tithe of your time. Giving God one hour each day in prayer equals 265 hours per year, for a total of forty-five 8 hour days. Can you imagine taking off 6 weeks from your work and spending that time with God in prayer?

E. M. Bounds stated, “Prayer is the contact of the living soul of God. In prayer, God stoops to kiss man, to bless man, and to aid in everything that God can devise or man can need.” Prayer gives eyes to our faith. In prayer we see beyond ourselves and focus our spiritual eyes on God’s infinite power. Prayer is man’s ultimate indication of trust in his Heavenly Father. Only in prayer do we surrender our problems completely to God and ask for divine intervention.

In prayer, God changes you into a forgiving person. We are inspired to forgive others when we realize how God has forgiven us. Jesus illustrates this truth by telling of a man who had been forgiven of ten million dollars, but was then unable to forgive a small debt of $20.00. (Matt. 18:22-35)

Prayer changed the life of Hannah. When she began to pray at Shiloh, she was “in bitterness of soul” (I Sam. 1:10) but as she wept and desperately prayed, she stated, “My heart rejoices in the Lord…I delight in your deliverance. There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.” (I Sam. 2:1-2NIV)

The change in us is probably the most significant reason that God lets us seek desperately and earnestly, for a period of time, those things which we desire. The greatest result of daily prayer is that it changes your world.

Let us live with an attitude of prayer and see our world change. “…While they are still talking to me about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers.” (Isa. 65:24 LB)

Dr. Dan Beller

How'd You Get That Limp?

Jacob the patriarch, walked with a limp. See Gen. 32:30-31. Surprisingly, his limp was the product of a face-to-face encounter with God. Try to fit that into your 21st century church theology! You may be wondering, what are the implications of Jacob’s limp; and what does that mean to us as New Testament believers?

Well, I’ll be the first to tell you that this is an odd story, at least from our western-world mindset. It’s difficult for us to fathom coming away from a “God encounter” with a physical ailment - so I’ll not even go there. Like you, I don’t even pretend to have all the answers however I do know that many of God’s choicest leaders walk with a pronounced limp. As a matter of fact, who doesn’t?

By a limp, I am referring to an area or areas of weakness that one seems to be prone to struggle with. For some it could be a physical issue; or an emotional difficulty, maybe it’s of a social or spiritual nature. Whatever the nature; we often times seem to wrestle with our limp incessantly.

For Paul, it was a “thorn in the flesh,” a messenger of satan that buffeted him most of his ministerial life. Elijah struggled with depression; Moses never quite conquered his anger, and Timothy suffered with stomach problems. I could go on and on but I think you get my point.

Honestly, I’m not sure why God sometimes allows the little irritants to hang around. I wish I knew. But I do know that you and I shouldn’t be embarrassed by our limp. Paul wasn’t! As a matter of fact, he was quick to disclose it several times in scripture. He talked quite openly about it. As a matter of fact he said…”Of myself I will not boast, except in my infirmities.” See II Cor. 12:5-10

At this point a small disclaimer might be in order. Please understand that I’m not making excuses for our flesh or our lack of overcoming power. All of us are required to “press toward the mark” and move forward in our walk with God. Equally important, we should never blame God for a limp that was caused by our own fleshly indulgences.

I guess what I’m trying to say is that a limp in life is not unusual, even among God’s people. They may be mysterious, and at times, without explanation, however we have to remember that this treasure is in earthen vessels so that the excellency of the power might be of God and not of us.

Please don’t read more into this subject than I’m trying to say. This short article is not an entire thesis on the subject. I’ve only scratched the surface. As a matter of fact, I’d love to hear from you. If you’d like to comment, click the “comment” button at the end of this post and make your comments.

Coach John

What's Your Level Of Obedience

...Re-Examining Our Obedience, Through The Reflection of Abraham's Life

Obedience – not a popular topic nowadays is it? Nevertheless, every believer must face the facts about his or her own level of obedience. On a scale of 1-10, where are you in your obedience? Not where you’d like to be? Well, don’t despair, the purpose of this week’s blog is to help you re-examine that very subject and move forward.

When I think of obedience, I think of the patriarch Abraham. The story of Abraham’s obedience in Genesis chapter twenty two is one that is filled with invaluable lessons for the believer. Remember the setting? Abraham is called to offer up his son Isaac as a sacrifice on Mount Moriah. Let’s see what we can learn from the story: Here we go!

Principle #1: For the believer, tests are inevitable

God always tests His Abrahams. His chosen servants are always a proven people, hence testing is a must.

Do you want God to put His stamp of authenticity on your life and ministry? Then get ready to be tested and proven. God never puts His product into service without first approving it. You are His product!
• Gen. 22:1

Principle #2: Obedience often requires our best

Obedience to God is always personal. It gets next to you, especially when He requires you to offer up an Isaac.

Radical obedience says I am willing to offer up that which is most precious to me. Have you laid your Isaac down?
• Gen. 22:2

Principle #3: Obedience is always offered on God’s terms

Obedience must always be done in God’s way in order for it to be acceptable. We often want it on our own terms and in our timing. Not so.

Abraham “went to the place where God told him”. Surprisingly there is no record of hesitancy on Abraham’s part, just an amazing display of faith and trust.
• Gen. 22:2

Principle #4: Biblical obedience is always marked by diligence

God is not only looking at your act of obedience, He’s also looking at the spirit in which it is carried out.

The text says that “Abraham rose early in the morning,” indicating an attitude of diligent obedience. True obedience is always salted with diligence.
• Gen. 22:3

Conclusion:

By now you’re probably thinking, “Will I ever be able to achieve that kind of obedience?” The fact is, most of us desire it; we’ve just not arrived there yet. Take heart, Abraham didn’t start there either. A closer examination of his earlier life shows it sprinkled with half hearted obedience that actually borders on disobedience.

Be encouraged in your obedience walk. Acknowledge your current level of obedience and commit to improvement. We’ll look at more principles concerning the topic of obedience next week.

Coach John

I Need You - You Need Me

It has been said that Christianity is a religion of relationships – and I believe it! The scripture goes as far as to say that we are “members of one another.” We are as closely connected as our limbs are to our body – inseparable. If this is true, then relationships can make or break us.

Relationships also play a great role in our personal growth and development. I call it the law of association. It basically says this; “great people always have great people in their lives. Never forget the “other people” factor.

So if our relationships can make or break us, we need to give close credence to our relationships and take the utmost care to both give and take from them. Here are a few things that good relationships do for us.

I. Good relationships will bring correction to your life.

Watch out for those who always praise you, they may be your enemy in disguise.
I always say it’s a good friend who will tell you you’ve got bad breath!! Never surround yourself merely with “yes” people. Do you have any correcting friends?

Prov. 27:5-6
Prov.28:23
Prov. 27:17

II. Good relationships will bring counsel to your life

The word counsel means fitting, timely advice. Do you have friends who can speak into your life with good advice? Never allow yourself to get beyond this basic need – the need for timely advice.

Prov. 19:20
Prov. 20:5
Prov. 20:18

III. Good relationships bring support

We’ve adopted the mistaken notion that support groups are only for those with emotional problems! We all need support and encouragement from time to time. Who supports you?

Prov. 27:10

Conclusion:

Meaningful relationships are invaluable. They are the seedbed for deep transformational change. Do you have them? Do you want them? Never underestimate the power of meaningful relationships.

Coach John

Do You Believe In Angels?

Do you believe in Angels? I certainly do! According to a Time Magazine report so do over 70% of Americans. However, much to our chagrin the new age movement has tainted much of what the public believes about angels and has done much to heighten an eccentric “angelic craze.”

However, that in no way dilutes the New Testament, biblical precedent that we should expect angels to be involved our lives. They are here for you. See Hebrews 1:14. Do you believe that?

Angels are mentioned over 300 times in bible. Their presence is found at almost every important event in the bible. If you discount the ministry of angels, you automatically cancel the testimony of Adam, Abraham, Lot, David, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Zechariah, Mary, Joseph, Paul Peter John and Cornelius, just to mention a few. Are angels important - you better believe it!

Here are a few quick facts about God’s angelic host:

1. They are created beings

Angels are created beings; they have not always been around. See Ps. 148:2,5; Col. 1:16-17 Contrary to new age thinking, they are not merely superhuman beings, or other gods. Angels are in a class all their own.

2. It appears they were all created at one time.

Notice I said it appears. Actually the scripture teaches that there are an innumerable amount of angels. See Heb. 12:22; Duet. 33:2; Ps. 68:17

3. Though created at the same time, they are each one unique.

Without going into detail, there are many classes of angel, warring angels, worshipping angels, guarding angels. There are cherubs, one archangel and many other servant angels.

4. They are spirit beings

This means they were created to live for ever. See. Heb. 1:14. They have no flesh and blood bodies, although they take on human form at times.

5. They are superior to mankind at this time.

Mankind was created for a little while lower than the angels. See Heb. 2:6-7. However the scripture does say we will judge angels.

6. No appearance of women angels is found in scripture.

Sorry ladies! This is not in any way God’s slant against women. It is just that angels simply don’t marry and procreate. See Matt. 22:30

7. Angels have no agenda of their own.

This is not to say they don’t have a will. They are simply servants, created to attend to the Godhead and to those who receive salvation. That is their purpose. See Heb. 1:13-14

Conclusion

Much more could be said about the ministry of angels - so I think I need to continue this topic next week! In the mean time, do you believe in angels? Do you invite their presence and safekeeping? You may never see one but that doesn’t negate their presence and power in our life. Hey, angels are watching over you and me!

Coach John

Ready for Something New?

God is the God of new beginnings! As a matter of fact, we find the word “beginning,” mentioned over one hundred times in scripture. The first book of the bible is known as the “book of beginnings.” (Genesis) The first verse of the first book reads, “In the beginning...” Think God is trying to tell us something?

Unfortunately, most humans are unskilled at the art of navigating new beginnings. We get stuck in the past, or froze in the present. However, it’s a fact, life gets altered and nothing on earth remains the same. Our planet is not in a state of constancy. That day is coming - but not yet.

Therefore, we must become accomplished at the art of navigating new beginnings. What a great time to start, as we close one year and begin another. Here are a couple of nuggets for new beginnings, hope they help.

1. New beginnings always necessitate letting go of the old.

Life is made up of a succession of closings and new beginnings. Much like a book - not every chapter is the same. Wouldn’t it be boring if each chapter were merely a repeat of the last?

Life is much the same way. God has many new experiences and encounters for all of us. Each of them will stretch us beyond the old level of comfort. Are you ready for that?

2. Closure is an important practice for those wanting to move on.

The word closure means “to bring to an end, to resolve an issue or move beyond it.” Closure is usually painful. It can involve mental and spiritual anguish – it’s processing and working through things. At times, it’s a determined act of faith and faith alone.

To what, do you need to bring closure this coming year? I like the question the Lord asked Samuel, in I Samuel 16:1, “how long will you mourn for Saul..? In other words, it’s time to move on. Maybe I need to reframe the question and ask you, “how long will you mourn for ……?”

Conclusion

God wants to move on - do you? He’s ready to inaugurate new things in your life this year. Are you ready for them? What’s holding you back? Do you need to bring closure to a situation or incident? All these are all valid questions that only you can answer. All I know is that God is a God of new beginnings! Get ready for them!

To Burnout...And Back

Burnout – that’s something that happens to other people, right? At least that’s what I thought until a few years ago when it actually happened to me. I call it my, “to burn out and back” story. It goes like this.

Like most good pastors, I was living my emotional life on the edge. Over crowded schedules, unguarded private time and very few boundaries contributed to a severe case of burnout that eventually pushed me over the cliff. I spiraled downward into a state of clinical depression that lasted over a year and a half.

What did I do? Like most good ministers, I kept it hidden. That is until I couldn’t hide it any longer. Finally, I sought help and found it. Fortunately, it never displaced me from ministry but very easily could have. Needless to say I’m on the backside of it and I’ve lived to tell my story.

Burnout is a serious problem in America today, not only with clergy; but also with people from all walks of life - especially professional people. Burnout is primarily a modern malady caused by the stress and busyness of modern day society.

What is burnout? Burnout is a physical, mental and emotional response to constant levels of stress. When body and mind are relentlessly strained, unusual levels of emotional and physical fatigue develop. If not attended to, it can lead to many other unhealthy emotional and physical responses and yes, even sin.

Here are a few things to remember about burnout:

1. Burnout is not an overnight occurrence.
For me, it was an accumulation of many years of living on the edge. I’ve learned the very nature of ministry causes most pastors to live continually on the edge of burnout. It is important to recognize the early warning signs and adjust. Here are a few.

• Constantly feeling drained (emotionally and physically)
• An overwhelming resentment about workload or life in general
• A continued state of frustration
• Small decisions become major issues.
• Physical symptoms, including fatigue, high blood pressure and headaches.
• A marked loss of appreciation for people.

2. An imbalance between vocational life and pivate world can lead to burnout.

Ministers and professional people must learn to find balance in their private and ministerial or professional world. Most want it - few achieve it. A balance of work, play and spiritual life is a must.

There are many good books out there on the topic; one I recommend is “Ordering Your Private World” by Gordon McDonald.

I also highly recommend a personal life coach to those who need motivation and support in this area. Don’t ignore this important area of your life – it’s crucial.

3. Find someone to talk to about your stress

For me, this was a most difficult thing to do. I mistakenly felt I couldn’t share my problems with anyone, especially my superiors. After all, it might displace me from ministry - I thought. I was too embarrassed to tell anyone, friends and spouse included. After all, I was a “successful minister”- I shouldn’t be depressed.

Unfortunately, most ecclesiastical systems are structured to save and preserve the system, at the expense of its constituents. I believe we must address these issues and create structures that can preserve both ecclesiastical systems and its constituents.

Also, I believe good coaching relationships can help. I am big advocate of coaching because it creates a safe place for those who need to talk. (Usually the client and coach do not know each other and coaching is done over the phone.)

I
Conclusion:

There is much more that could be said about the topic. My purpose is not to give an in-depth study of it, but rather to merely heighten awareness of it. If you are interested, here’s a link to a Burnout Inventory Test. Click here if you would like to take the test.

“To Burnout and Back,” that’s my story. Burnout is real, but it’s also preventable. What are you doing to avoid it? Or recover from it? I hope this helped!

Coach John
heycoachjohn@cox.net

Thinking Back...Looking Ahead

As I was reflecting this week, it dawned on me how close we are to the end of “06.” Wow, it’s almost gone! In light of that reality, let me ask you a couple of important questions. First of all, what have you learned this year? Secondly, how does that affect where you’re going?

By the way, I always use the month of December to practice two extremely important disciplines, I call them; reflection and projection. Both are biblical and I believe compulsory for healthy leaders and organizations.

Let’s take a quick look at these disciplines and see the value they add to 21st century leaders.

Reflection

The art of reflection has to do with the gleaning and garnering of past experiences and events. It’s pouring over life and unpacking its events, (both positive and negative) to find meaning or possible lessons that can be learned.

Many a valuable lesson lies in the ruins of past experience. With a “CSI” mentality, often times we can better understand what God is saying to us and also prevent repeatable mistakes and errors. God admonishes us to “remember.” (Deut. 5:15; 8:2; 9:7; I Chron. 16:12; Exd. 20:8; Eph. 2:11-12)

How is it done? Simply by revisiting and unpacking emotional experiences. Here are a few questions one might ask: How did I feel about it? What was I going through at the time that might have contributed to the experience? What was God saying to me? Etc.

You might ask, “Is this scriptural”? Absolutely! In Genesis 28:13-17, Jacob revisited his dream and came to the realization that… God was in this place and I knew it not! Can you imagine what we’ve missed by not reflecting?

Projection

The art of projection is the practice of looking ahead to see and envision a preferred future. It’s the idea of dreaming and visioning. It’s projecting a future based on the Word of God, personal insight and revelation. It is essential for progress. (See Prov. 29:18)

Projection is not only seeing a preferred future, it’s also setting your compass in that direction. It’s charting your course - often stepping out in faith. There is always an element of the unknown in the discipline. However, keep in mind that biblical faith is also moving out on assurance and substance, not hope so or “I think I’d like to do this.” (Heb. 11:1) Where are you headed?

Conclusion

Ask yourself, “Where have I been this year – where am I going next?” These are two very important questions to visit during the month of December. Why not pull aside this month and give it a try. Reflect and project. Write down your findings, ask God for insight. You’ll be amazed at what you discover. December’s a great month isn’t it?

Coach John

Works Sited: Transformational Leadership Training Material, Dr. Joseph Umidi, Tony Stolzfus

Me...Coach?

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.

According to the Harvard Business Review, the number of people entering the coaching field has skyrocketed over the last decade. Estimates project at least 10,000 working in the business/corporate industry alone.

Dr. Joseph Umidi, founder and president of the Christian coaching organization Transformational Leadership Coaching International has a vision to train over 10,000 spiritual life coaches in the next 10 years. Wow! Coaching is a hot trend in today's world.

By now, you’re probably asking, “What does this have to do with me- I’m just a common everyday person?” That’s just it - coaches are common everyday people. For the most part, they’re not experts at the top of their game, rather they’re caring, competent individuals who come along side others and offer support, accountability, and encouragement.

The Biblical Model

Is coaching biblical? Absolutely! One of the most prominent examples in the New Testament is Barnabas. (Acts 4 & 5) To understand Barnabas is to understand coaching. Barnabas was an excellent coach who nurtured many into leadership and greatness in the kingdom – including the Apostle Paul.

Interestingly, it seems he chose to retreat from the mainstream of leadership and fade into the background of the New Testament church. Scholars believe he did this in order to coach and mentor others.

The Basic Premise

The basic premise of coaching is this; “Your own insight is much more powerful than my advice.” Malcolm Knowles, the father of adult education in the U.S. states, “One of the most significant findings from adult learning research is that when adults learn something naturally instead of being taught- they become highly self directing and feel immediate ownership.

These insights go against the grain of most hierarchical leadership paradigms in America. However, leadership models are rapidly changing. They’re changing from directing to influencing. From controlling, to role modeling and bossing, to coaching. Have you made the shift?

The Relational Factor

At the heart of every good coaching partnership is a powerful and meaningful relationship. The “buzz word” in our culture reveals that most Americans are in a crisis of relationship. The word is “connect.” Connect, with your cell phone, your PDA – with AOL and DSL.

However, information alone can never transform people. Real transformation comes through the conveyance of information through strong and meaningful relationships.

Are you ready to be a coach to someone? Or are you being coached? Well, get ready, the day is coming when you just might hear someone say, “hey coach - would you mind coaching me?”

Coach John

Works Sited: Tony Stoltzfus, Leadership Coaching, Booksurge LLC, 2005; Gary Collins, Christian Coaching.