Barnabas Ministries UK

                                                             

Rev. E. Anderson

A PRIME TIMER AS COACH 

An older person has a great opportunity of fulfilling a great ministry in their later years. Instead of squandering and wasting the crowning years they should make sure that they are using the available time and gifts in a profitable manner on others, especially the younger generation. One of the things that they can perform is the role of a coach.

The call of God can come in this direction and they fulfil a new ministry to immense good. Their talents and energies can become devoted to a new ministry and mission.  Some of the best work that has ever been done has been wrought by this calling and gifting. It has to be stated that the best and most fulfilling years of service has been when this kind of work has been engaged upon.

In contrast to withering and dying, many people have been renewed and made alive, discovering further gift and opportunity of maximizing the use of the final years. Many good players have become gifted and successful coaches. No longer pining over the fact they were once involved, although not the most outstanding player, they gained invaluable experience and in some cases, expertise that could be utilized to good effect. 

Illustration:  Alex Ferguson may have not been the greatest of players in football but many regard him as one of the best of coaches. He is more renowned for his coaching abilities than his days on the playing field. 

Here are some helpful thoughts and considerations on the issue:  

1. A COACH IS ONE THAT HAS BEEN ON THE FIELD OF PLAY

 The playing days are over but at least they have been on the field of play. They have been out where that action was and lived under the guidance and mentoring of others of former generations. Much is owed to our forefathers who inspired by their example and teaching. 

   2.  A COACH IS ONE THAT HAS LEARNED A GREAT DEAL DURING THAT TIME OF SERVICE

 There was not only the immense delight of action in ministry and church life, there was growth and development in character and charisma. The passing of the years brought a significant maturity and fruitfulness of worth. There has to be the moment of stock-taking and noting what the Lord has created and cultivated and how that life has been enormously enriched. Honest reflection before the Lord is called for and an awareness of what is of value to be further used. 

   3.  A COACH SENSES HE HAS A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT TO PASS ON TO OTHERS

 Rather than bemoan and bewail the fact of age and inadequacy there should be the divine sense as to what can be done in employing oneself in leaving a good legacy to others. Instead of dying with it, there should be a life-giving transmission of it so that others can receive and benefit. 

   4.  A COACH BEGINS TO SENSE THE GIFTS AND QUALITIES OF OTHERS AND THEIR UNIQUENESS

 The best and wisest procedure for a coach is to discover the abilities of those being coached, strengths and weaknesses, and seek to be helpful in both connections. It is up to the coach to know what talents are latent in the people the Lord has put his way in order to facilitate their break out and growth. In relationship with God there can be the possession of highest wisdom that gives insight and foresight with the folks he is called upon to assist. 

   5.  A COACH USES THE MEANS OF ENCOURAGEMENT TO BOOST THS SPIRIT OF OTHERS

 Above all, there is the knowledge that the best was to bring the best out of others that one is mentoring is by the use of encouragement. The simple meaning of encouragement is that of ‘putting heart and spirit into people.’ People need to know their worth and abilities and to be inspired to see such released in the right way at the right time.

 Illustration:  Barnabas was a good coach – he coached Paul and others 

   6.  A COACH IS NOT AFRAID TO EMPLOY DISCIPLINE TO BRING ABOUT THE BEST IN THOSE HE COACHES

 Discipline is a wholesome word and practise. All who engage in good disciplines in anything usually turn out efficient and proficient. Because a coach loves his job and people he is quite prepared to introduce tough schedules that make people more thorough, capable and profitable. Basic rules have to be laid down and have to be kept if they are to yield the greatest results. Out of his own disciplined life and work there is the capacity to produce it on a much wider front. Time and opportunities are not be squandered. 

   7.  A COACH REJOICES IN SEEING THOSE WHOM HE HAS COACHED TURNING OUT TO BE MORE SUCCESSFUL THAN HE

 The greatest moment for the coach is to see those whom he has given himself to, outstripping him in every way. He receives enormous pleasure when he beholds those he has mentored excelling in every way and is not jealous. 

CONCLUSION 

With such a calling and vocation that stands open to be accepted and fulfilled, no Prime Timer can afford to sit on the sidelines. There must be the learning of what it means to be a good coach and get on with it and see its great consequences.