by Michael Sove
Eccl 4:9-10 “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!”
Cell leadership done well is a lot of work. So our cell leaders need to be blessed and encouraged. They need someone who believes in them and who cares for them. I see coaches as strategic friends in ministry.
Sometimes friends bring correction in our lives as well as point out blind spots. The fact that they are friends gives them leverage in our lives and the right to be heard. Next week I will bring out more of what I do as I meet the cell leaders but for now I want to stress the power of being a strategic friend.
More than anything else a leader wants and needs affirmation and encouragement. They want someone who cares about what is happening in their personal lives. A leader needs a prayer partner as well as someone to dream with. Leaders need words of life spoken into them and blessing spoken over them.
Since all of our coaches are also leaders, the encouragement and blessing is a two way street. Sharing together what God is doing in the lives of people provides mutual blessing.
Anything you can do to build a great personal friendship with your leaders will serve you well as you help them develop their potential as leaders. I enjoy any kind of activity I can do with my leaders from rounds of golf, to bike rides, walks by the ocean and of course dinners together, whether it’s my house, their house or a restaurant.
If you want to be a coach who makes a difference, focus first on friendship and you will be amazed on what happens in your ministry relationship.
Comments?
Michael