Recently, I was introduced to a minister who moved here from out of state. He asked me what I do for a living. “I’m a coach who partners with professionals and ministry leaders on the journey to more fully live out their purpose,” I enthusiastically responded. (I’m sure he could sense my passion around coaching!)
He said he was familiar with the coaching process because the former association he worked with offered coaching to ministry leaders. It was his next comment that surprised me most: “Coaching is for those who are starting out in their ministry, but people like me are set in our ways and not interested making changes.”
Press on
I believe God’s Word calls us move forward in our faith journey, not remain stagnant. Consider what Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 3:12-14:
“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been perfected, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have laid hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus.”
Congregation members’ growth is a natural part of a healthy church. But to offer growth to others, ministry leaders must focus on their development first. This ultimately hones their ability to help others.
With this in mind, I turn to Ephesians 4:11-13, which says: “So Christ Himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip His people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”
Strain toward what is ahead
I challenge you to consider what coaching will bring to you. It is designed to help you move from where you are today and “strain toward what is ahead” through forward-thinking action plans. Now is the time for you to attend to your personal growth: Move forward in deepening the call that Christ has placed on your life.
Just the message I needed to hear as I go forward after back surgery Four weeks ago this coming Wednesday I had surgery and with Gods help I have moved forward every day. There have been times, like today, when the journey seems a snails pace but the scripture you quoted urges me to persevere…. patiently and not accept status quo or become stagnant! Thank you for the encouraging words…
I am so thankful this offering has encouraged you! Keep persevering! You will keep succeeding by leaning on God’s amazing strength!
Just the message I needed to hear as I go forward after back surgery Four weeks ago this coming Wednesday I had surgery and with Gods help I have moved forward every day. There have been times, like today, when the journey seems a snails pace but the scripture you quoted urges me to persevere…. patiently and not accept status quo or become stagnant! Thank you for the encouraging words…