Critic or Coach; the last message in a sermon series called "You Asked For It"
Our churches need more coaches and less critics!
A critic is an energy vampire - someone who can just suck the life right out of you. He's one who likes to give unwanted opinions and desires to get involved in every little detail so that he can offer all of the worse possible outcomes of any situation. A critic wants to limit potential!
A coach on the other hand is an encourager and an instructor. John Wooden, UCLA Legendary Basketball Coach, says that a good coach is someone who can give correction without resentment. A coach on the other hand wants to help you be the best version of yourself and live up to your potential.
One of the best coaches I see in scripture is a guy by the name of Barnabas (Joseph). His nickname was "Son of Encouragement." Barnabas played a major role in the early church. His ministry was one that gave birth to others! I believe he was instrumental in helping the Apostle Paul establish his ministry as he accompanied Paul on his first missionary journey. Acts 11 says that Barnabas was a "good man" and full of the Holy Spirit!
I believe that in order to be a great coach - you have to be a great encourager. Encouragement is not flattery and it is not spouting off motivational quotes. Encouragement means to come alongside. It is close and intimate. It is not distant. Encouragement is simply to "put courage in." It means to be close to someone in their suffering, in their struggles, in their hardships and in their joys. Encouragement in the Biblical sense always points people to God - to his faithfulness - to his goodness - to his loving kindness.
Here are 4 practical ways you can be a good coach/encourager in your homes, your churches and your circles of influence:
1. Allow people the space to grow!
2. Affirm the capabilities you see in other people.
3. Point people toward the "opportunity."
4. Speak prophetically to one another. (Let people know how God is speaking to you.)
5. Be committed.
Remember that being Christians doesn't mean "Me and Jesus" - it means "We and Jesus."
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