Leadership Coaching - Ch 0 (Introduction)

Summary

A newer concept of ministry leadership is emerging, that of "influencing and empowering rather than ordering--working together with others instead of telling them what to do or simply doing the work yourself."(Stoltzfus, vii) The idea that Stoltzfus tries to get across is the effective ministry leadership means being a good coach.

The underlying context of coaching(Stoltzfus, ix): its client-centered, relationship-based and goal driven.

The four key skill areas in the coaching conversation:
1) listening
2) asking
3) acting
4) supporting

And all this of course should incorporate not only book learning but actual practice, since "only practice and feedback provide the confidence most of us need to apply it in real life."(Stoltzfus, ix)

Personal reflection

I want to practice coaching on my friends, if they are willing. It doesn't have to be formal coaching, but I would like to get better at encouraging others to know and do the will of God. That would be so cool :) I'd like to ask better questions too, I am looking forward to using the examples this book has.

Scripture

God provides more leaders to lessen the burdens of one leader
Numbers 11:10-17 10 Moses heard the people of every family wailing, each at the entrance to his tent. The LORD became exceedingly angry, and Moses was troubled. 11 He asked the LORD, "Why have you brought this trouble on your servant? What have I done to displease you that you put the burden of all these people on me? 12 Did I conceive all these people? Did I give them birth? Why do you tell me to carry them in my arms, as a nurse carries an infant, to the land you promised on oath to their forefathers? 13 Where can I get meat for all these people? They keep wailing to me, 'Give us meat to eat!' 14 I cannot carry all these people by myself; the burden is too heavy for me. 15 If this is how you are going to treat me, put me to death right now—if I have found favor in your eyes—and do not let me face my own ruin."
16 The LORD said to Moses: "Bring me seventy of Israel's elders who are known to you as leaders and officials among the people. Have them come to the Tent of Meeting, that they may stand there with you. 17 I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take of the Spirit that is on you and put the Spirit on them. They will help you carry the burden of the people so that you will not have to carry it alone.

Stoltzfus, Tony. 2005. Leadership Coaching: The Disciplines, Skills and Heart of a Christian Coach. Tony Stoltzfus: Virginia Beach, VA