This was an overview of three techniques that can be used together or discreetly to help promote spiritual growth in the local church. Discipleship, mentoring and coaching were given specific definitions that may not align with how these terms are used generally in church and almost certainly not in other contexts. I say this partly because I've yet to come across a widely accepted definition of mentoring and coaching certainly means different things in different circles.
The definitions we were provided with were:
Discipleship: An older believer who is committed to following Jesus helps another believer move forward in their growth on Christ.
Mentoring: someone more experienced in the faith imparts specific skills and knowledge of their faith to a less experienced person.
Coaching: someone facilitates another to take the action they require to produce desired growth.
After exploring some myths about spiritual growth we were presented with three vital steps for spiritual growth.
Step one: Develop a vision (a personal vision for one's own growth)
Step two: Decide that you want to change
Step three: Diarise regular spiritual practices
I thought that this really needed a fourth step which I suggested could be Determine measurable outcomes. Whilst I recognise that somethings are difficult to measure, I do feel that there are times when our failure at least to try to measure our growth leaves us assuming we are growing when in fact we might not be growing.
We did some work on a series of scenarios, looking at what approach we might take and how we might do things in a range of situations.
Overall it was a helpful day. The framework was useful as was some of the Biblical context. Reflecting a little on how Jesus did things and hearing the perspectives of others is always valuable.
Next up is a seminar about self-esteem and a leaders event.
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