I remember a time last year when there were some new things happening in my life and ministry. I felt blessed, challenged, passionate, and excited because it seemed that God was up to something big in both my life and my wife’s life. Yet despite these wonderful experiences, I just felt “stuck”, unable to make the decisions that would affect our future. It was a paralysis of my own making as I contemplated different case scenarios, failures, consequences, and unknown factors. Eventually, I would bring this situation to my coach who would help me get “unstuck” and move forward. I came to realize that every pastor or leader needs a coach. How did my coach help me?
Let me share with you what happened to me through my coaching relationship:
1. With the right questions, my coach helped me prioritize my activities. There were several “good things” I could be doing, but I had to process and focus on what was important to our family while the rest could simply wait.
2. My coach helped me clarify what God was up to in my life. I had a vision of what I felt God wanted me to do, but I could not articulate it. Once I was able to put into words exactly what it would look like to accomplish the goal, hesitation on my part began to dissolve.
3. Sometimes, I can convince myself there is only one way to do something. My coach was great at challenging my assumptions and helping me to think “outside the box.” Other viable options and possibilities grew out of our conversations.
4. We all have blind spots and as I entered into the possibilities of this new transition, I did not want to make a decision based on something I could not…or refused to see. My coach helped me consider the things that were real, but not on my radar at the moment.
5. As I answered my coach’s questions and created a step-by-step action plan, the Holy Spirit began the work of affirmation in my heart. I speak of affirmation that comes from prayer, clarification and prioritizing of the goal, addressing blind spots, and considering multiple possible options. As my coach led me through this process, I became “unstuck,” taking the final steps to move forward and submit to God’s leading.
Carolyn and I are very thankful to the association for the Christmas offering. We wish you a Merry Christmas and I am praying that all of our churches will have a blessed year in 2015 as we serve the Lord together.
