Across 40+ years I have been
engaged in making disciples of Christ. More than making converts or church
members, I seek to help people become fully devoted followers of Jesus who do
the same with others. (2 Timothy 2:2)
I
am thankful to have had mentors and colleagues along the way from whom I could
learn and with whom I could share best practices. The best disciple makers I
have known are not necessarily gifted teachers, but more like coaches.
Teachers tend to teach (telling), leaving their pupils in a passive
posture. A teaching approach is about delivery of information, knowledge,
assimilation of the knowledge, principles and practices.
Coaches draw out of their pupils (asking questions) what the Lord is
doing in them. Their pupils are more deeply engaged and active in the process. Coaching
is more about skill development and questioning of the one being coached. It’s
about understanding and working processes. It’s focus is on application of
understanding in context.
Mentors tend to focus on personal and professional development
of their mentees. They give the mentee perspective by sharing their experience
and expertise.
At
age 64, I have been and continue to be in all three roles with various people. As
we serve and lead sportspeople, let’s discern which role will best fulfill the
Lord’s purposes in the ones we are serving. Some of us will find that one of
the roles is a perfect fit, while others may wear each hat with different
people, given the opportunity at hand.
Let’s
teach, coach, and mentor effectively in order to make disciples. (Matthew
28:19-20).
