Coaching for Discipleship
by Ircel Harrison
In leading a session at a church recently, I talked about the terms used in the New Testament for the followers of Jesus. I noted that the word “disciple,” is found 263 times in the New Testament and the word “Christian,” only three times. The word “member,” is found 45 times in the New Testament, nine times in the Gospels. Disciple seems to be the term used most often for Christian believers. As I unpacked the importance of being disciples of Jesus, I received some push-back that the word “disciple,” had negative connotations and perhaps another word would work better. I was a bit surprised. Perhaps it is time to reclaim the word and use it more in our coaching practices with believers.
What is your definition of “discipleship”? In general usage, a disciple is one who follows the example and teachings of another person. In the Christian context, a disciple is a follower of Jesus Christ, one who seeks to practice His teachings and make them a part of her or his life. Living out the teachings of Christ is generally called the act of discipleship.
Several years ago, I joined my colleague Mark Tidsworth in training church leaders to use coaching principles to help others to grow as disciples. We called the process “Disciple Development Coaching©.” Both Mark and I have a rather comprehensive view of what it means to be a disciple. Our concept (and I think the belief of many others) is that discipleship encompasses all of life—not simply our spiritual practices but the way we use God’s gifts to us, act in our relationships with others, and pursue our vocational callings.
Someone once challenged me that coaching a person to be physically healthier was not a “discipleship or spiritual concern.” Eating properly and getting adequate exercise was not “discipleship.” My friend’s idea of discipleship was much narrower than mine. He saw discipleship primarily in terms of one’s spiritual devotion and development, especially as it relates to the church.
If I were to adopt such a view, my discipleship coaching would change in several key ways and become much more limited.
First, I would only talk with some clients about activities that, at most, encompass one day of their week. Even if they are regular attenders of worship services, pray every day, and read the Bible daily, what my friend calls a “spiritual concern,” would take up very little of even the most conscientious person’s time.
Second, topics like financial accountability, use of time, and being a responsible and productive worker would not be on our agenda.
Third, meaningful discussion of relationships with family and friends would not take place because these are not “spiritual concerns.”
Fourth, we would never talk about following a healthy lifestyle or reducing one’s stress because these are not “spiritual concerns.”
In reality, when we coach a person in their development as disciples, all of these things and more are fair game. God has created each of us as whole human beings. When one enters a relationship with Christ, the entire person becomes (or is becoming) a disciple. So, the way that I use my finances for personal and family needs is just as much a spiritual concern as whether I tithe and support Christian causes. If I give ten percent to Kingdom causes and squander the other ninety percent, what does this say about my Christian commitment?
If I don’t take care of my body, fail to set proper limits on the use of my time and become ineffective or sick, how useful am I as a disciple?
If I fail to exercise a Christ-like attitude in relationship with family and friends, what does this say about my comprehension and practice of the Christian faith?
One biblical passage sums up this idea very well: “If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.” (Romans 14:8, NIV) We seek to become the persons that God has called us to be. This applies to everything we do.
In every area of our lives, we are called to be disciples, so when we have the opportunity to coach a person for discipleship growth, everything is on the table. As we engage in coaching, we help the person discover his or her gifts, vision for life, and how to use everything God has provided to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 3:18a, NIV).
Let’s redeem the term “disciple” as we coach believers.
Ircel Harrison is Coaching Coordinator for Pinnacle Leadership Associates and supplemental associate professor in Missional Theology at Central Seminary in Shawnee, Kansas. He can be contacted at ircelh@pinnlead.com.