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LIFEgroup Coaching Ministry
The primary responsibility of the Coach is to shepherd and care for up to five LIFEgroup leaders (couples). I cannot think of a sport where a coach does not make a significant impact on the athlete or team. The best baseball I played in life was under the coaching of Manuel Katatakis. The best football I played was under coach Don Adams. The most growth in my ministry skills came under the tutelage of Dr. William H. Stewart.
Coaches make sure that the "players" improve through personal, consistent discipline. Coaches know how to motivate for peak performance. Coaches set goals, and give valuable, honest feedback. Even Tiger Woods has a coach whom he consults. The need for good coaching on every level cannot be underestimated.
The greatest coach (shepherd) was Christ. When we follow His lead in seeking to be God honoring coaches, we cannot go wrong. It is important to realize that, while there are responsibilities involved, the privilege of serving the Lord in loving leaders cannot be understated. Coaches have the joy of being in the middle of the most vital ministry of small groups in the church. Any sacrifices made are more than compensated by the thrill of seeing leaders thrive in reaching people for Christ and assisting them in pursuing spiritual maturity. Coaches are on the cutting edge of the most vital element of LIFEgroup ministry.
LIFEgroup leaders can quickly become discouraged while seeking to care for the complicated needs of people today. Often, if someone is not caring for the leader, feelings of isolation, and ineffectiveness can cause a leader to resign. It is not uncommon for churches to launch 25 small groups with great vision and celebration, only to have a handful left a year later due to leaders who quit.
Desiring a ministry where everyone is cared for, and no one cares for more than 10 (Exodus 18 style), we are seeking to avoid the violation of the principle of "span of care" where one person is overwhelmed by unrealistic expectation involved when expected to shepherd too many people.
Our dream is that every coach would have a history of leading a LIFEgroup, raising up an apprentice, and multiplying the group at least once. It seems to be best when the coach allows the apprentice to lead the core of the LIFEgroup, while the coach pioneers a new group with one or two group members. Many LIFEgroup Coaches enjoy leading a group so much that they choose to coach only two or three groups while continuing to lead one themselves. What does a LIFEgroup Coach do at Rocky Peak?
Coach - Job Description
A. Personal Development
- Complete the Basic Coach's Training Class
- Attend Coach Equipping/Teambuilding monthly meetings
B. Develop Leadership Teams
1. Assist leaders in identifying and recruiting and training new leaders.
2. Monitor leaders as they fulfill the LIFEgroup Leader's Job Description
- Preparing Apprentices to lead a group
- checking in with Life Group leaders to find out how they are doing
3. Provide Leadership Development
- Train Life Group leaders to find and nurture apprentices
- Train Life Group leaders to become coaches
C. Provide Care for Leaders
1. Pastoral care / counseling as needed
2. "Coaching High Five" - touch points
- Regular phone calls
- Attend LifeOutfitters meetings with leaders
- Attend each Life Group once a year
- Quarterly Huddle with all leaders
- Fellowship
- Vision casting
- Sharing
- Troubleshooting
- Skills development
D. Expand and Support the Ministry
1. Shepherd:
Lead the leaders as a good shepherd caring for the spiritual wellbeing of the flock. Healthy leaders will be the best tool in the hands of God for developing healthy groups. Our LifeOutfitters classes on Sunday mornings are designed to assist the coach as he/she meets with the leaders around tables.
2. Reproduction:
Are steps being taken to raise up an Apprentice? Are there clear goals for multiplying the group in a specific time frame? Is sufficient time being given to the Apprentice to be groomed for leadership? Matthew 9:38
3. Train
Oversee the effective teaching of ministry skills; from leading effective discussions, to handling discipline, and dealing with those who dominate the conversations in the group (see Teaching Tools).
4. Resources:
Work with the leaders in choosing curriculum that will best minister to their unique flock.
5. Monitor the Spiritual Growth Track:
Are there group members who need to takes steps toward membership, baptism, the firm foundations class, or the Rocky Peak Institute for Bible and Ministry? Are group members aware of their spiritual gifts, passions for ministry, and unique personality makeup?
6. Inspire:
Help the leaders to see what can be to the glory of God if they "do not give up." Help them to see the difference they are making by providing a healthy spiritual environment for people.
7. Organize and align:
At Rocky Peak a coach may oversee a set of LIFEgroup Leaders of single parent members. The groups might organize a car maintainance day where the mechanics in the church volunteer to do basic tuneups and troubleshooting. At Christmas, the youth in the church might provide free babysitting so that the single parents can do some shopping. The coach will assist in planning prayer walks, BBQs, and special events. Other unique groupings in our church include newlyweds, young marrieds, parents of teens, men's and women's groups.
8. Observe:
See the LIFEgroups in action. A football coach would never stay in the locker room during the first half in order to write plays for the second half. The coach is on the sidelines watching the players and paying attention to the teams strengths and vulnerabilities. A LIFEgroup coach will visit each group to encourage the leader, and gain perspective on skills that may need developing in the leader. Is there effetive delegation to the Apprentice, or is the leader running the entire show? Is there interaction amongst the members? See the "Leadership" category for more information on effective coaching.
9. Pray:
Weekly for groups/leaders you oversee.
10. Review:
Monthly leaders reports/fill out monthly coaches report.
11. Apprentice Coach:
Indentify and equip one.
Time Commitment: one year.
LIFEgroup "Apprentice Coach" Requirements
1. Successfully led and multiplied at least one LIFEgroup.
2. Two month internship under current coach & pastor.
3. Attend coaches meetings.
4. Attend LifeOutfitters Leadership classes, and assist the coach in leading the LIFEgroup leaders around the table.