[featured_image]This morning I had the opportunity to be a trainer as part of the Church Planter Network School (CPNS) – a training for church planting missionaries/strategists, CP network leaders, directors of missions, pastors of reproducing churches, missions pastors, or anyone who wants to develop their own church planting strategies and sRaising a Movement of Coaches | missionalchallenge.comystems.

CPNS is Directed by Gary Irby, Church Planting Director for the Seattle Church Planting Group (SCP) and includes a great cast of experienced and effective presenters. SCP has extensive systems in the areas of:

  • Prayer
  • Recruitment/Assessment
  • Training
  • Focus Communities
  • Partnership Development
  • Support/Administration

My part focused on “Raising a Movement of Coaches” – utilizing materials developed in partnership with my good friend and colleague Steve Ogne, co-author of TransforMissional Coaching. (see Coaching Post-Modern Leaders Teleclass, Seven Benefits of Coaching, Ogne on Multiplication Movements)

How Do You Raise a Movement of Coaches? Giving someone the title “coach” does not qualify them to coach.

Why coaching systems can grind to a halt.
• The decreasing commitment of the coach.
• The leadership of the organization does not figure out what to do about that issue in advance!

Success or failure rests in Three Major Areas
• Recruitment
• Accountability
• Quality Control

1. Recruit Good Coaches

Qualities to Look for in Potential Coaches
• Spiritual health and maturity
• Loyalty to you and your movement
• Positive attitude
• Passion for the harvest
• Shared values and expectations
• Growing expertise in their field
• Humility
• Good reputation
• Availability

Where to Look for Potential Coaches
• Those who are currently successful leaders
• Those who have reproduced themselves and their ministries
• Those with a commitment to church growth and planting
• Others respected leaders and laity
• Those who naturally encourage and empower others.

Where to Avoid Looking
• Non-practitioners
• People you are trying to win
• Those who do not evidence the qualities listed above.

2. Support and/or Compensate Good Coaches

Acknowledge and “bless” coaches in Volunteer ministry settings
• Publicly honor them
• Gift them at special times
• Cover their expenses
• Constantly affirm them in front of others
• Ask them what would mean a lot to them

Continually affirm and appreciate coaches in Vocational ministry settings
• They deserve it
• It promotes spousal cooperation
• It helps “ramp up” excellence at all levels
• It leads to long term loyalty

3. Maintain Quality Standards and Momentum for Good Coaches

Establish a coach training meeting.

Four keys:
Learning – they learn a new skill
Encouraging – they encourage and affirm one another
Accountability – they practice both personal and ministry accountability
Dreaming – they dream about that God might accomplish through them

Where and when to provide Ongoing Coach Training
• Coaches’ huddle before or after network meeting for 30-60 minutes
• Coaches meet regularly for ongoing training, vision and encouragement
• Telephone calls with coaches for personalized assistance
• TeleClasses for ongoing training and accountability

Recommended Coach Training
CMTC C.O.A.C.H Training System – coming to Indianapolis in November 10-12, 2010
Core Coaching Skills Certificate Program – coming to Seattle in January 10-14, 2011

Today’s Missional Challenge

Consider how coaching leaders around you could accelerate your ministry’s progress toward it’s goals. How will you develop coaches around you?