Coach’s Corner:   Teaching point during breakout session at Willow Creek Church’s Small Groups Conference with speaker Mike Hart, small groups pastor at McLean Bible Church in the Washington D.C. area.

What every small group leader needs from their coach is to know them personally.  This is the qualification in earning a small group leader’s trust and respect.  Coaches hasten this process by getting to know the leader’s stories, challenges & understanding their strengths and weaknesses. 

Coaches BEWARE:  Don’t go in asking leaders about their small group.  Knowing them first ought to be the primary motive of the heart.  Too often, we are more concerned with attendance and curriculum than we are in spiritual development. 

Practical Steps

In your first meeting, share your testimony and share what you love about group life.  Be genuine and authentic and only in doing so expect the same from your small group leader.      

Encourage your small group leaders spiritually.  What’s God teaching them in the last 30 days?  How are they taking a risk for God right now?  Be prepared for leaders to ask you the same thing.  Ask them what they need/want from you as a coach…write it down and deliver on it! 

Keep in mind, the pace of coaching relationships is real slow in the early days.  It’s going to take time so don’t give up!  Coaching relationships are built on the foundation of trust and respect.  Base your coaching relationship on consistency not speed. 

Whether you are a Coach or a Group Leader, please share your insights on this topic!

        ~by Jeff Kozyra, Small Groups Pastor