Raising a Movement of Coaches

[featured_image]This morning I had the opportunity to be a trainer as part of the Church Planter Network School (CPNS) – a training for church planting missionaries/strategists, CP network leaders, directors of missions, pastors of reproducing churches, missions pastors, or anyone who wants to develop their own church planting strategies and systems.

CPNS is Directed by Gary Irby, Church Planting Director for the Seattle Church Planting Group (SCP) and includes a great cast of experienced and effective presenters. SCP has extensive systems in the areas of:

• Prayer
• Recruitment/Assessment
• Training
• Focus Communities
• Partnership Development
• Support/Administration

My part focused on “Raising a Movement of Coaches” – utilizing materials developed in partnership with my good friend and colleague Steve Ogne, co-author of TransforMissional Coaching. (see Coaching Post-Modern Leaders Teleclass, Seven Benefits of Coaching, Ogne on Multiplication Movements)

How Do You Raise a Movement of Coaches? Giving someone the title “coach” does not qualify them to coach.

Why coaching systems can grind to a halt.
• The decreasing commitment of the coach.
• The leadership of the organization does not figure out what to do about that issue in advance!

Success or failure rests in Three Major Areas
• Recruitment
• Accountability
• Quality Control

1. Recruit Good Coaches

Qualities to Look for in Potential Coaches
• Spiritual health and maturity
• Loyalty to you and your movement
• Positive attitude
• Passion for the harvest
• Shared values and expectations
• Growing expertise in their field
• Humility
• Good reputation
• Availability

Where to Look for Potential Coaches
• Those who are currently successful leaders
• Those who have reproduced themselves and their ministries
• Those with a commitment to church growth and planting
• Others respected leaders and laity
• Those who naturally encourage and empower others.

Where to Avoid Looking
• Non-practitioners
• People you are trying to win
• Those who do not evidence the qualities listed above.

2. Support and/or Compensate Good Coaches

Acknowledge and “bless” coaches in Volunteer ministry settings
• Publicly honor them
• Gift them at special times
• Cover their expenses
• Constantly affirm them in front of others
• Ask them what would mean a lot to them

Continually affirm and appreciate coaches in Vocational ministry settings
• They deserve it
• It promotes spousal cooperation
• It helps “ramp up” excellence at all levels
• It leads to long term loyalty

3. Maintain Quality Standards and Momentum for Good Coaches

Establish a coach training meeting.

Four keys:
Learning – they learn a new skill
Encouraging – they encourage and affirm one another
Accountability – they practice both personal and ministry accountability
Dreaming – they dream about that God might accomplish through them

Where and when to provide Ongoing Coach Training
• Coaches’ huddle before or after network meeting for 30-60 minutes
• Coaches meet regularly for ongoing training, vision and encouragement
• Telephone calls with coaches for personalized assistance
• TeleClasses for ongoing training and accountability

Recommended Coach Training
• CMTC C.O.A.C.H Training System – coming to Indianapolis in November 10-12, 2010
• Core Coaching Skills Certificate Program – coming to Seattle in January 10-14, 2011