Gary Collins takes all the vital elements of coaching and brings them
together into one valuable resource. This book is essential for anyone
- not just Christians - who want to make a difference in the lives of
others.
KEN BLANCHARD/ coauthor, THE ONE MINUTE MANAGER
This is a 'must-read' and inspiration for all Christian coaches.
LEE SMITH PH.D/ president, CoachWorks International.
Have you read this book yet? It is outstanding! A great read for
any Christian who works with people, whether in a church or secular
environment. Coaching, as Collins would define it, is not specifically
discipling, or mentoring, and it is not counselling. It is helping
people to observe their lives and see God’s purpose for growth in their
midst – to walk alongside them specifically to help them understand the
present, to be free to see a new God-centred perspective, and to release
them into God’s agenda for the future.
Coaching is about observation, guidance and perspective. It is
based on spiritual disciplines (God’s word, prayer, worship, etc.) and
community (intimacy with God and others). Intimacy with others is
purposed by God because it allows us to be opened up so He can enter.
In his book, Gary Collins uses a ‘coaching model’ depicting six areas
of life (issues, awareness, vision, strategy, action, obstacles,
centred on Christ) to give coaches a guideline for their work. Through
this, and the various charts, examples and testimonies, Collins points
out the need for personal coaches in the lives of people today, and also
deals with the phases of transitioning when someone is being coached.
Collins also discusses coaching through life changes, in the presence of
obstacles, discovering values and vision, obtaining life balance, and
gives guidance regarding how to deal with difficult situations.
CHRISTIAN COACHING is not about church structure,
organization or programs. It is not about doing and achieving. It is
about spiritual formation and transformation--about presence and being. CHRISTIAN
COACHING is all about developing people, in any environment,
following the biblical model given to us... by Jesus."
KAREN WEST/ Pastor of Small Groups, Waterloo Mennonite Brethren Church