COACH = MAKE DISCIPLES

At VCF, our goal is for disciples to:

 

GROW IN CHARACTER

To become more like Christ with characteristics that include loving God and loving others; understanding how to study the Bible, pray, and serve; knowing how to share your faith and walk in forgiveness; confidence in your identity in Christ; walking in freedom from flesh patterns.


GROW IN COMPETENCE

Know the Word. Display leadership ability.


GROW IN CONFIDENCE

Lead others through the spiritual process themselves.


DESCRIPTION

A coach is someone who:

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

EXPECTATIONS

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 productive member of the body of Christ, and ideally reproducing by leading and coaching someone else. 


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 for a serving position, use the Coach Tools.


COACH 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 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 watches, and he gives 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.


RESOURCES

NEW BELIEVER

Smallcircle.com has “NEXT” printable study/downloadable for new believers. “Xchange” printable study/downloadable is for deeper one-to-one discipleship. App availability with extra resources/videos (app tutorial)


GOING DEEPER

Freedom in Christ (10 weeks). Available as: book (VCF has copies), RightNow Media videos Android App, iPhone App, (App has extra resources, can unlock extra films on app for $1.99).

The Grace Discipleship Course workbook (12 lessons); The Advanced Grace Discipleship Course workbook (12 lessons), a mini 4 lesson packet is also available from the office


TOPIC RESOURCES

RNM = RightNow Media  

VCF Handout = get from the church office

Articles = check out online

Books = get from the church library or public library.


HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE

  • RNM: Basics of Studying the Bible (6 sessions/12 short videos/handouts)
  • VCF handout
  • Article: 11 Ways to Study the Bible
  • Book: Know Your Bible: All 66 Books Explained and Applied - by Paul Kent; How to Study The Bible - by Robert West (.99 booklets).
  • Online free course: Dallas Theological Seminary

PRAYER

  • RNM: Basic Series: We Are Church-Prayer; Prayer/Youth Series; Lord’s Prayer
  • VCF handout: Vineyard Model
  • Article: How to Pray: 5 Practical Tips
  • Book: Art of Listening Prayer


SHARING YOUR FAITH

  • RNM: Conversational Evangelism
  • VCF handout: 3 words; GOSPEL; Crossover; Revive.
  • Article: Dare2share
  • Book: Tell Someone: You Can Share the Good News by Greg Laurie; Out of the Salt Shaker and into the World by Rebecca Manley Pippert.

FORGIVENESS

  • RNM: From Vengeance to Forgiveness, Can’t Forgive?, Freedom
  • VCF handout: Steps for Freedom (Forgiveness).
  • Article: Common Questions Christians Ask About Forgiveness
  • Book: Forgiving What You Can’t Forget by Lysa Terkeurst; Free of Charge by Miroslav Volf
  • CD/message: Forgiving from the Heart by Rich Miller

SERVING

  • RNM: The Power of Understanding Your You-Niqueness; More to Your Story.
  • VCF handout:
  • Article: Why We Serve
  • Book: The Greatness Principle by Nelson Searcy, Jennifer Dykes Henson; Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis.

IDENTITY

  • RNM: Freedom in Christ
  • VCF handout: 4 Lessons with Wheel.
  • Article: Grace Fellowship International - RESOURCES tab
  • Books: Exchanged Life List by Matt McMillen


FREEDOM FROM HURTS/ HABITS/ HANG-UPS

  • RNM: Got Freedom?; Unchained; The Steps to Freedom in Christ.
  • VCF handout:
  • Article: Life's Healing Choices Sample
  • Book: Life’s Healing Choices: Freedom from your Hurts, Habits, and Hangups by John Baker, Rick Warren.