Ongoing coaching is an essential to disciple-making. While training initiates learning, coaching sustains it through encouragement, support, and guidance. Coaching is marked by a "whatever needs to be done" approach, ensuring disciples receive the help they need, wherever and whenever necessary.
Coaching begins by shifting from merely learning about disciple making tools to actively applying them. It is marked by a transition from frequent training meetings to less regular ones—sometimes every other week, monthly or as needed. However, the coaching relationship, ideally never ends, fostering a "life on life for life" approach to disciple-making. Coaching is divided into two primary phases: Multiplication and Maturity.
Coaching begins by shifting from merely learning about disciple making tools to actively applying them. It is marked by a transition from frequent training meetings to less regular ones—sometimes every other week, monthly or as needed. However, the coaching relationship, ideally never ends, fostering a "life on life for life" approach to disciple-making. Coaching is divided into two primary phases: Multiplication and Maturity.
PHASE 1: MULTIPLICATION
The multiplication phase involves a three-step process: Look Back, Look Up, and Look Ahead.
Look Back: Review past disciple-making experiences, reflecting on both successes and challenges. Ask guiding questions. For instance, "What is going well in disciple making and what is challenging or hard?" Or, "What are you learning?" Also include, "How did your "I will" statement go from our previous meeting?"
Look Up: Engage actively with Scripture. Options include reviewing mission related passages from your own devotions, choosing an upcoming story or a coaching passage from the DBS Story Sets. Ask, "What does this passage teach us about making disciples?"
Look Ahead: Express concrete actions moving forward. Ask participants to pinpoint their next steps by answering, "What is your next step?" Emphasize the importance of sharing "I will" statements. Encourage participants to write their "I will" statements on their personal devices. Leaders should model this practice by sharing their own commitments. Conclude with prayer, asking for God's help in sustaining these practices and deepening their understanding of Him.
PHASE 2: MATURITY
The maturity occurs after multiplication takes place. It focuses on helping multiplying discovery groups evolve into mature disciple-making communities. This phase draws heavily from Acts 2:36-42. Each movement may identify different sets of practices, but common elements include:
- Repentance: Acknowledging and turning away from sin. Acts 2:38
- Extraordinary Prayer: Engaging in fervent, consistent prayer. Acts 4:24-31
- Communion: Regularly remembering Christ's sacrifice. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
- Baptism: Initiating new believers into the faith. Matthew 28:16-20
- Love and Forgiveness: Practicing love and forgiveness within the community. 1 John 3:11, Ephesians 4:29
- Giving: Generously supporting one another and the mission. 3 John 1:5, 10
- Multiplying: Actively making disciples who make disciples. 2 Timothy 2:2
By following these steps, coaching ensures that the disciples not only learn, but also apply and multiply their knowledge, fostering a sustainable and expanding disciple-making movement.