Are you feeling stuck or unsure about how to live out your calling? Are you looking for a way to overcome obstacles and live out the vision God’s given you? If so, coaching might be just what you need!
But first we need to know what coaching is and how it is different from mentoring, a spiritual director, or even a good friend.
I’m a covocational professional coach and I work primarily with business leaders. So let’s talk.
Here’s my basic definition of coaching:
By asking great questions, a coach draws out what the Holy Spirit is already telling a follower of Jesus to do so they know what their next steps need to be to obey him.
While mentoring, spiritual direction, and friendship are all valuable forms of support, they differ from coaching in several key ways.
A Mentor
Mentoring is typically a more informal relationship in which a more experienced individual provides guidance and advice to a less experienced individual. Mentors share their knowledge, expertise, and personal experience to help their mentee navigate ministry life. Other times it focuses on someone’s spiritual or personal life.
While coaching may involve some mentoring elements, it is more focused on asking great questions and listening really well, rather than sharing wisdom and advice. It is also typically more structured and focused on helping the person being coached achieve specific goals within a certain timeframe.
A Spiritual Director
Spiritual direction is a form of guidance that helps individuals explore their relationship with God. A spiritual director provides support and guidance to help individuals deepen their spiritual practice, discern their calling or purpose, and connect with God in more meaningful ways.
While ministry coaching touches on spiritual themes, it is primarily focused on helping a follower of Jesus achieve their vision and overcome obstacles. A great coach does this by drawing out what the Holy Spirit has already placed on their heart so they can take action on that burden, rather than sharing what they as a coach thinks the leader should do.
A Good Friend
Friendship involves a more casual relationship in which individuals offer each other support, empathy, and companionship. Friends provide a listening ear, share experiences, and offer advice based on their own personal experience.
While friendship can be an excellent source of emotional support. In contrast, coaching is a more structured and goal-oriented relationship in which the coach helps a leader achieve specific personal or professional goals they believe the Spirit has placed in their hearts and minds. The coach provides guidance, support, and accountability to help that leader overcome obstacles, develop skills, and take steps of obedience. Coaching is typically more task-oriented than mentoring or spiritual direction, and it is focused on achieving measurable outcomes within a specific timeframe.
In summary, while mentoring, spiritual direction, and friendship are all valuable forms of support, coaching offers a unique approach to pursuing your ministry goals. By providing structured support, guidance, and accountability, coaching can help individuals achieve specific goals and overcome obstacles, leading to meaningful change in their lives.
Benefits of Coaching
One of the key benefits of coaching is that it can help you build confidence and increase your self-awareness. Through regular coaching sessions, you can gain insights into your strengths and weaknesses as a leader.
You can also learn how to leverage your spiritual gifts and strengths to go where God is leading you.
Coaching can provide a safe and supportive space for you to explore your values, beliefs, and priorities, as well as align your actions with your desired outcomes.
Coaching can help you overcome obstacles and develop new skills. Whether you're struggling with time management, communication, or decision-making, a coach can provide you with practical tools and strategies to help you navigate challenges and achieve success.
Additionally, coaching can provide accountability, motivation, and support to help you stay focused and committed to achieving your objectives.
Ultimately, coaching is valuable because it helps you be obedient to the calling God’s given you.
By working with a coach, you can identify what's holding you back and develop a plan to overcome obstacles and be obedient to the Spirit's guidance. Ultimately, coaching can provide the support, guidance, and accountability you need to be faithful to God.
So if you're feeling stuck or unsure about how to achieve your ministry dreams, consider working with a coach.
Next month we will explore how to keep our coaching Jesus-centered.
Glen Stevens and his wife Jill have four adult children and live in Fargo, ND. You can find more of his work at www.teleioncoaching.com