First of two parts

I love LifeWay Christian Resources' slogan about Sunday school: "The original small group." It reminds us that everything written on small groups will be useful for Sunday school. There is no difference; one just meets in a home.

This similarity is why I recommend Bill Donahue's books to lovers of both small groups and Sunday school. Willowcreek's small group expert, he is a national leader on the subject. Donahue and Greg Bowman have written a great new resource: "Coaching Life-Changing Small Group Leaders."

This article will summarize the book in interview form, with quotes excerpted or adapted.

Josh: What is coaching?

Bill and Greg: It is often misunderstood as a "boss" or "fault-finder." In truth, coaching is personal, developmental and supportive, bringing out the best in leaders.

Josh: Why is coaching necessary?

Bill and Greg: It takes a coach, or shepherd-leader, to build into the lives of small group leaders. When someone speaks life, hope and truth into another person's heart, it releases the power of the Holy Spirit. This is especially true of those who carry the burden and weight of ministry. They need words of life.

Josh: What does it take to have a strong coaching ministry in a church?

Bill and Greg: There are four foundational truths involved: '

                    1. Embrace a vision for life change.

We must believe that people can change. Early in Bill Hybels' career a seasoned pastor said, "Can I shoot straight with you? You stand up there every week preaching your heart out, hoping people will change. But they don't." Hybels replied, "Well, sir, I am betting my whole life on the fact that you are wrong."

Coaches develop and support group leaders because they are "devoted to

the fellowship." (Acts 2:42.) God created community and we are to participate in it.

A major barrier to spiritual growth and connecting people in churches is the availability and empowerment of shepherd-leaders who will nurture them in Christ and provide a safe, loving place for them to belong.

Ministry is like love—it has no value if it is hoarded. The point is to give it away. It is a ministry of reproduction.

A shepherd guides people to rest and refreshment, comforts them in the face of difficulty, provides for life and assures them of God's presence. (Psalm 23.) One example is Debbie Beise, who despite suffering from liver cancer met with her leaders weekly. She devoted herself to them; many were facing serious challenges and needed care and support.

Josh: So the key question is: what do coaches actually do?

Bill and Greg: Four key skills define a coach's effectiveness.

Josh: Let's take these one at a time. What is the biblical basis for modeling and how have you seen it work in the real world?

Bill and Greg: Jesus taught that when modeling is working as it should, the disciple will become like his teacher (Luke 6:40.) Leadership studies show that in about 36 months, people will reflect who you are. A loving teacher will produce loving disciples. Likewise, grumpy teachers equal grumpy disciples.

Josh: What are some common mistakes you have seen in shepherding?

Bill and Greg: Coaches can miss the need to build community with, and among, their leaders. They move too quickly to envisioning and equipping. When this happens, leaders may feel like a manager or guide instead of a shepherd. Jesus placed a high value on relationships and so should we.

Josh: What are some common mistakes you see in casting a vision?

Bill and Greg: Most churches have a vision for the role of small groups, but it often breaks down when translated to the role each group leader plays in helping the church reach it.

Coaches can fall into the trap of parroting the church's official vision. If this happens, the vision will not capture the hearts of group leaders and there will be little connection to their daily activities. Coaches need to create space to think and dream about what the larger vision looks like lived out in their group. Coaches work with group leaders to develop a clear and compelling vision for their group.

Josh: Is it fair to say that many churches jump into skill development too quickly?

Bill and Greg: Yes. That is a central message of our book.

Josh: What is the opposite error?

Bill and Greg: Getting stuck in the relationship phase. This is not just a feel-good session. Building skills is important.

Note: That takes us through roughly the first half of the book. Next week, we will discuss the second half and review how to develop a coaching structure for small group leaders.

Josh Hunt is the author of You Can Double Your Class in Two Years or Less and speaks nationally on church growth and adult education. You can contact him at http://www.joshhunt.com/.