If asked the question, “What do you need most to succeed or reach your goals?” most people would probably answer, “resources,” “encouragement,” “guidance,” or “someone to believe in me.” Few would say they needed advice. Often, people fail to become all God wants them to be or do what they are divinely designed to do because the goal is fuzzy, they get discouraged, or leave the trail somewhere along the way. Coaching can address these kinds of issues. Coaching is coming alongside someone to help him or her succeed. A coach helps sharpen focus, provides encouragement, and helps people to stay on track.

A long distance swimmer attempting to negotiate the approximate 26 miles from Catalina Island to the California shore is usually accompanied by boats containing trainers and other supporters. They shout encouragement and direc¬tion. Sometimes sharks need to be driven away with rifle fire. If it is foggy, align¬ment and additional encouragement are needed to accomplish the feat. This is what a coach does: coming alongside for the journey, encouraging, helping to overcome barriers, providing needed resources, alignment, and focus, so the goal can be reached.

Coaching Draws out Rather than Puts In
You may resist the concept of being a coach, objecting on the grounds that you don’t have enough expertise. But spiritual coaching is not about how much you know or don’t know. Good coaching draws out, rather than puts in. That is, the coach’s responsibility is to bring out what God has already put in.
John the Apostle, in referring to the indwelling Holy Spirit in each believer, reminds us that we are not dependent on the expertise of others. “The anointing you received from Him remains in you, and you don’t need anyone to teach you. Instead, His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie…” (1 John 2:27). What we do require is an aid in bringing that truth to bear in life’s circumstances.

Coaching is not dispensing advice, expertise, or assuming a position of authority. It is more about aiding in the self-discovery process. Anyone can learn to coach by learning basic skills like listening for understanding, asking open-ended questions, and pointing them toward needed resources.

Coaching Centers Around a Relationship
There can be no coaching without a relationship. Only in relationship is there trust, vulnerability, and accountability. Where there is a relationship, coaching can take place one-on-one or within community.
All of us need others to stimulate us to good works and to encourage us to keep tracking with God.
God’s Word reminds us of our need for mutual spiritual stimulation and the effect of coaching. “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17).

Observing the coaching practice of Jesus teaches us the value of relationships and enabling for self-discovery. In Mark 6:30-44, Jesus challenged His disciples to solve the logistical problem of feeding a multitude with meager human resources. He patiently guided their involvement and generously multiplied their efforts. Not only did the disciples have a front row seat for a miracle, but they also learned first-hand a number of spiritual truths. One truth learned was that nothing is impossible with God.
Barnabas provides an outstanding example of coaching through relation¬ships in the book of Acts. His name even means “son of encouragement.” When word reached Jerusalem of a new church among the Gentiles in Antioch, they sent “Mr. Encouragement” to check it out. He is described as “a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith” (Acts 11:24); great traits for a spiritual coach.

Who couldn’t benefit from a Christ-like encourager?