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Simon
Cayzer
- Why does someone seek out a faith coach or mentor?
Recently
I had my first golf lesson. Prior
to last year, playing golf was hardly in my thinking let alone paying
someone to coach me in this sport. My interest in golf has steadily
grown as I’ve purchased equipment, played the game and met other golfers.
Now, just after a year of playing every 2-4 weeks I’m hooked and
would count this as my main sport and a significant leisure activity for me.
However, after slicing, topping and even completely missing the ball on
numerous occasions I recently realised I needed some help if I was to play
this sport well. First it was
video’s and books from the library.
While showing me what perfect actions looked like, these resources
didn’t tell me where I was going wrong.
I needed someone to observe my golf swing, and then show me the
correct way to carry out this fundamental part of the game.
My lesson and coach didn’t disappoint me, I came away with several
key practical things to do to improve my swing, and also the thought, “why
didn’t I do this sooner?”
Why
does someone seek out a faith coach or mentor?
Usually because they have a desire to better know God and live for
God. Without a desire to learn,
there is no need for a coach or a mentor.
I want to be able to enjoy the game of golf and be a good player.
Occasional coaching will help me realise this goal.
I
chose my coach based on recommendations from two friends.
Although I had little experience relating with this coach, rapport
came from my perception of his competence.
People who are open to coaching and mentoring need to have confidence
in the experience, faith or knowledge of their coach or mentor.
Andre,
my coach, related well to me during the coaching session.
Coaching and mentoring in faith or personal life areas is far more
relational than having a golf coaching lesson.
Relationship between the coach and mentor is very important. When Andre suggested I practice what I had learned, and then
come back in a month or so for more coaching, I felt positive about this.
I felt confident in Andre’s competence and the rapport that he had
developed with me.
A
desire to learn, relationship with the coach or mentor and perceived
competence on the part of the learner are important dynamics in any coaching
or mentoring relationship.
When
looking for someone to coach or mentor, consider the following guides:
-
Talk
to God about this. Who is
God putting on my heart and bringing across my path?
-
Whom
am I developing rapport and relationship with?
-
Look
for signs of an open heart and learning attitude.
-
Look
for signs of faith in action. Who
is taking initiatives (however small) to live out their faith?
-
What
areas am I motivated and able to help people in?
When
these guides line up, ask God for opportunities to get something started
with the person you have in mind. The
following suggestions might help you.
-
Pray
for the person regularly.
-
Take
opportunities to relate with this person in different life contexts.
-
Take
an interest in this persons' faith journey, and share openly about your
own faith experiences
-
Listen
and look out for areas the person wants to grow in. How could you help and encourage this person in this area?
Follow the ideas God gives you.
Suggest meeting to learn in this area together.
May God help you to develop great coaching and mentoring relationships.
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Lifenet connecting everyday faith with everyday life.
Past issues
of this newsletter,
along with many helpful coaching resources,
are
on the Lifenet web site
at
http://www.lifenet.org.nz/coaches_room.htm
(Username "coach", Password
"help")
About the author: Simon Cayzer works part-time as a Lifenet Coach;
mentoring people keen grow in their faith, and coaching other coaches to
be their best. Feel free to contact Simon at
Lifenet
Coaching
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article.
Contact
information:
Simon Cayzer
P.O. Box 6072
Palmerston North
Phone 64 6 354-0113
Fax 64 6 357-1781
Email: s.cayzer@inspire.net.nz
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