A coach is someone who:

• Demonstrates Christ-like character (loving, prayerful, forgiving, servant, knowing their identity in Christ). 
  
• Demonstrates knowledge of God’s word and a grasp of how to use biblical tools to study and search it.
  
• Has leadership ability to lead one on one or a small group of people.
  
• Is willing to give their time and talents to equip and encourage others.
• Demonstrates the confidence to lead others to become leaders/coaches.
  

Coaches create opportunities to engage with an individual (disciple/apprentice) by arranging times or places to meet at least twice a month. This can be face-to-face, via phone, or virtually (Zoom, Facetime, etc.). Depending on the situation, engagement can average from 6-12 months or longer - let your relationship and their maturity/need be your guide. The ultimate goal is to see them as a growing and maturing member of the body of Christ. 

Go through any of the resources VCF suggests or what you have used for yourself to grow in Christ’s character. Decide together on a spiritual study plan.

If you are coaching someone here are some coaching tools you can use:

COACHING TOOLS

ONE

I do. You watch. We talk

After the apprentice observes the coach in action, meet together and discuss "What worked?" "What didn't work?" and "How can we improve?"

TWO

I do. You help. We talk

In this step of development, the coach gives his apprentice an opportunity to help lead part of the group meeting. This should be followed up with a one-on-one debrief between leader and apprentice.

THREE

You do. I help. We talk...

Now apprentice transitions from helping coach to taking on most of the leadership responsibilities for the group/ministry leader. The coach will be there the whole time. The apprentice has watched enough and feels comfortable leading and the coach is gradually releasing responsibilities to his/her new, developing leader.

FOUR

You do. I watch. We talk

The apprentice process is almost complete as they grow increasingly more confident in their role as a leader. The coach has them lead the entire meeting each week while he/she watches, and give them the responsibility. With both leader and apprentice debriefing after meetings, they begin to plan whether the apprentice will take over the group or lead a new group, and what the coach will lead next.

FIVE

You do. Someone else watches

This is where the process of multiplication comes full circle. The coach now asks the apprentice if they have started to think about who they can mentor and repeat this process with. The coach continues to work with the apprentice and other leaders in a coaching capacity.