by Gary Reinecke | Aug 13, 2016 | Church Growth, Church Multiplication, Disciplemaking, Focused Ministry, Leader Development |
The question goes something like this: “Is there a difference between discipleship and leadership?” In your experience I wonder if you have found that discipleship and leadership bleed into each other. I actually had a leader ask the question and it caused me to reflect – my initial response was “Yes, there a difference.”
One simple distinction is that discipleship focuses on following and leadership, on influencing. This to is too simplistic of course; because a leader, the best leaders, follow Jesus. At the same time though, a disciple does shift their behavior when they lead and intentionally influence others.
I’ve spent a lot of time over the last 25+ years focusing on these two dimensions. If you would like to read more, check-out the free downloadable article entitled the Leadership Multiplication Pathway (go to the bottom of the page). In the article, I focus on the distinctions between being a disciple and a leader, using the Leadership Multiplication Pathway storyboard to illustrate a path leaders can use to coach people on their journey.
by Gary Reinecke | Jul 15, 2016 | Church Growth, Church Multiplication, Coach Training, Disciplemaking, Focused Ministry, Leader Development |
VUCA is gaining traction in the coaching world and certainly has application to the world of coaching church planters, pastors and network leaders. The notion of VUCA was introduced by the U.S. Army War College to describe the more Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambigious multilateral world which resulted from the end of the Cold War.
The best VUCA leaders are characterized by change-agent skills, a clearly defined change process and an intimate understanding of how to manage change.
The dynamics of change individually and corporately can be complex but with care, the process can be managed in a positive manner.
As a family we are preparing for our oldest to leave home and attend university this fall. This will be our first. If you have gone through this, perhaps you can relate – we are riding a steep learning curve. We, Gina and I, are learning to be very intentional to make sure our son is anticipating the benefits and challenges for his new found freedom. At the same time, managing the emotions on the home front.
Healthy small groups experience this dynamic when they release leaders to start-up new groups. We are going through these growing pains right now as our small group is sending off 50% of our group to join our church’s first new church plant. Our response – to celebrate the work of God in our community, have a party for the missionaries that we are sending-off and prepare for the next one.
Churches that plant churches experience similar emotional responses when they release their first daughter church. Churches that get through this first pregnancy and deliver a healthy baby become more adapt at future births. But the same emotional responses occur to varying degrees: denial, anger, bargaining, depression testing and acceptance.
One resource that I use in coaching leaders in managing change is the Change Management Skill Builder. This resource offers a brief yet concise understanding the way change works with a simple 6-step response:
- Involve
- Inform
- Initiate
- Implement
- Review.
See if the Change Management Skill Builder helps you sharpen your Change Management Skills.
by Gary Reinecke | May 15, 2016 | Coach Training, Disciplemaking, Focused Ministry |
Last week I was in Delhi, India to train leaders in coaching. Today, I’m reflecting on the view outside my hotel room in Ankara, Turkey, located northwest of Antioch (roughly a 7.5 hour drive), as I prepare for a second round of training with another group. Antioch was a ministry base for the Apostle Barnabas. One of the things I’ve been pondering lately is the biblical basis for coaching – especially reflecting on Barnabas and his role in apostolic ministry. It is easy to get caught-up in the techniques, process and skills of coaching; but lose sight of the “why”.
Here are a few ponderings on biblical passages relating to coaching:
- “…don’t ever forget that it is best to listen much, speak little, and not become angry;” James 1:19 – Listening
- “Timely advice is lovely, like golden apples in a silver basket.” Proverbs 25:11 – Speaking
- “When you obey me you are living in my love, just as I obey my Father and live in his love.” John 15:10 – Obeying (all references from the TLB translation)
I like to refer to these as a three-legged stool for coaching: Abiding (obeying) – Listening (for self discovery) – Speaking (when necessary). This simplifies the correlation between the foundational competencies of coaching. Obedience leads to listening, listening leads to powerful questions, and powerful questions can lead to speaking.
You probably have your favorite passages. What verses do you practice as a basis for coaching? Please share your thoughts and together, let’s create a firm biblical foundation for those we train to practice the “ministry of Barnabas”.
Until next week – Coach on!
by Gary Reinecke | Apr 17, 2016 | Church Growth, Church Multiplication, Coach Training, Disciplemaking, Focused Ministry, Leader Development, Personal Development |
I’m as happy as a pig in mud! I mentioned that I was working on the new InFocus website. Today you get a preview – click on www.infocusnet.org.
I was thinking back the other day. When I was 18 years old, I traveled to London, England to explore the possibility of playing soccer (“football”) and going to college. What I discovered about the player developmental system with the top flight Arsenal Football Club, influenced me for the rest of my life. The club was organized around player development so there were players ready in the wings when injuries occurred, a footballer retired or was disciplined.
One afternoon, I was given the opportunity to train with the Arsenal youth team. Every player was outstanding, had been assessed and placed with a group of boys of similar talent with the intent of taking their game to the next level. The fortunate few were given opportunities to serve an apprenticeship where they learned the game of football from seasoned professionals. They started out cleaning boots for the established players and for a select talent, allowed to progress to train with the reserves until they proved they had the skills to advance.
That model has served me well in ministry. As the product of a Christian home, a vibrant church and multiple people who have invested in me; I have experienced the power of coaching, the necessity of training and the catalytic influence of exceptional leaders in my life. Out of this crucible the vision for InFocus was birthed.
The passion to help people far from God discover who they are and what they are called to do, burns at the core of InFocus. The purpose why I coach, train and consult is so that more and better disciples, leaders and churches are multiplied. I hope you enjoy the new look and feel to the site.
I am entering the FB community and the 21st. Century. In May I will be traveling to India & Turkey to conduct coach training workshops. Please “Friend me” on Facebook to receive updates along the way.
Have a wonderful week!
