6 Essential Characteristics of an Effective Small Group Coach

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There are differences of opinion about the importance of coaching in the small group community. Some have tried (more than once) to build a coaching structure and decided it just didn't work in their environment. Others have tried to provide certain aspects of coaching through a "call center" approach (i.e., call this number when you need help). And some have concluded it is too important to be entrusted to volunteers and so it is a budgeted staff position.

I believe it is very possible to find the right men and women to serve in this essential role. They've been in every church I've served and they are in your church too.

I also believe you have to know what you're looking for in order to find them. See also, Building an Effective Coaching Structure.

Here are the 6 essential characteristics of an effective coach:

1. Capacity

To be crystal clear, high capacity is an essential characteristic. Willingness to serve as a coach is not enough. Warm and willing will not get the job done. If you want to build an effective coaching structure, you must be on the lookout for high capacity men and women. I describe this ingredient using Jesus' line about the relative capacity of a seed (30, 60 or 100 fold) from Mark 4:1-20. Jesus isn't talking about the maturity of a seed. He isn't challenging 30-folds to become 100-folds. He is simply observing that there are seeds that have a higher capacity.

Question: When you evaluate your current coaching team, what is the capacity of your coaches?

High capacity is an essential characteristic. Willingness to serve as a coach is not enough. Warm and willing will not get the job done. If you want to build an effective coaching structure, you must be on the lookout for high capacity… Click To Tweet

2. Spiritual maturity

The best coaches are a few steps ahead of the leaders they are coaching and steadily growing closer to Christ. Since the primary thing I need the coach to deliver has to do with a kind of spiritual mentoring (doing to and for the leader what I want the leader to do to and for their members), spiritual maturity is an essential ingredient.

Question: Are you investing in your coaches?

The best coaches are a few steps ahead of the leaders they are coaching and steadily growing closer to Christ. Since the primary thing I need the coach to deliver has to do with a kind of spiritual mentoring (doing to and for the… Click To Tweet

3. Teachability

The kind of men and women who make great coaches know that like Paul they have not yet arrived (see Philippians 3:12-14). The best coaches are being mentored and passing on what they are learning.

Question: Are the coaches on your team teachable?

The kind of men and women who make great coaches know that like Paul they have not yet arrived (see Philippians 3:12-14). The best coaches are being mentored and passing on what they are learning. Click To Tweet

4. Availability

The right people for the role of a coach will almost always be very busy people. High capacity people are rarely sitting around looking for something to do. While it makes no sense to recruit people to a role that to which they can't give quality time, this is a role that is right in the sweet spot of abilities for many and they will respond to the right challenge. I ask for a 1 to 2 hours a week commitment (which can often be done on the phone).

Question: Have you recruited people who can't give the time needed?

The right people for the role of a coach will almost always be very busy people. High capacity people are rarely sitting around looking for something to do. While it makes no sense to recruit people to a role that to which they can't… Click To Tweet

5. Productivity

Another word for productivity is fruitfulness. The right men and women are productive in their work as a coach. They are not spinning their wheels and they are not just wearing the name tag well. Their work bears fruit. Many high capacity leaders are simply in the wrong seat on the bus (to use the Jim Collins metaphor). I think if you're building a coaching structure, you need to monitor productivity.

Question: Have you recruited players who are actually bearing fruit?

Another word for productivity is fruitfulness. The right men and women are productive in their work as a coach. They are not spinning their wheels and they are not just wearing the name tag well. Their work bears fruit. Click To Tweet

6. Passion

I often refer to this ingredient as fulfillment. It is very possible for a high capacity individual to not have passion for the coaching role. A high capacity player can be productive for a season without passion, but they will not stay in the role for long. If you want to build an effective coaching structure you'll need to look for passion.

Question: Are your coaches fulfilled but not fruitful?

It is very possible for a high capacity individual to not have passion for the coaching role. A high capacity player can be productive for a season without passion, but they will not stay in the role for long. If you want to build an… Click To Tweet

See also, Diagnosis: The Coaches in Your System.

Need more help? My mini-course may be just the thing you need. Building an Effective Coaching Structure is a four session course that provides a very detailed map that leads to an effective coaching structure.

Image by Timmy

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