Fathers NOT Coaches.

An update from the Australian Men’s Network.

Fathers NOT Coaches.

Since 1992 there has been an increase in a field that has become known as life coaching. This practice has been embraced by corporate and community figures as a way to help people on a one on one basis obtain their life goals. A coach was someone who would help someone set goals, discover their gifts, discipline and encourage them, motivate, be a listening and reflective ear. It has always sounded to me like the relationship we were supposed to have with our parents.

Since 1995 I notice an increasing reference in church leadership circles to terms like mentoring and coaching particularly pertaining to a pastors personal growth and pastoral skills development. Church leaders around the world are encouraging each other to get a coach and be a coach.

The challenge I see with this is that it is not the best option available to us. It is certainly not the option most desired or needed by the next generation of church leaders.

1 Cor 4:15 For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.(NKJ)

Instructor means: . tutors/guardians/teachers/coach

The definition of a father is altogether different.

Father: . the founders of a family or a society that is animated by the same spirit as himself . one who infuses his own spirit into others, who impels and pushes, challenges the mind.

A father literally takes that which is within in him and puts it within another.

A father and families are meant to provide 3 very distinct things to a child

1. Direction 2. Correction 3. Protection

A father is meant to fulfill the role of 1. Prophet 2. Priest 3. and king within the home.

These are essential activities that need to happen in the formative stages of a persons life and if they do not, instead of being able to pass this skill set onto another, they continually search for someone who will provide them for them.

There is a desperate need for fathers in the faith, not just sideline critics. People who are prepared to be active participants in the game of life. They need more than just willing coaches.

They need voices of leadership and direction.

People who will take the time and effort to walk, talk, wrestle and push another one to success beyond themselves.

There are radical differences between coaches and fathers, here are some of them.

Coaches

Are paid for what they do

Fathers

Love what they do

Coaches

Are Professional pastors

Fathers

Are Dedicated discipler

Coaching

Is an occupation

Fathering

Is a lifestyle

A Coach

Selects you

A Father

Gave birth to you

A Coach

Will drop you from the side if you don’t cut it

A Father

Will never leave you nor forsake you

A Coach

Will pick you based on performance

A Father

Will love you inspire of performance

A Coach

Will change teams

A Father

Heads up the team

A Coach

Is in it for the season

A Father

Is in it for the long haul

A Coach

Yells from the side line

A Father

Cries in the locker room

A Coach’s Responsibility stops at the end of the season

A Father’s

At the end of a lifetime

A Coach

Tells a player how to play a game

A Father

Prepares a child for a lifetime

We have a generation that is crying out for the fulfillments of Bible prophecy.

Mal 4:6

And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.”(NKJ)

Note that this prophecy does not start with the change in the heart of the children but in the heart of the fathers.

It needs a generation of people who will arise and say “I will father, I will lay down my life for the success of a future generation!”

I understand the principal behind the coaching and mentoring philosophy, I am just wanting to make a distinction between a tool and a heart attitude. I also feel that some people shy away from the term and title of father because a bad personal experience. Friend lets not be victim to what we may or may not have had. But lets steel ourselves against our lack and take some ground for the next generation.

My little girl doesn’t need a coach, she needs a daddy. And it does matter how old she gets, little girls always need their daddy….that’s what daddy’s are for.

The emphasis for driving the curse from world lies not with corporate coaches, but with committed fathers. Fathers with a passion for the next generation, not just for there own household, but the ENTIRE generation.

For more free resources and material please consult our website. http://www.amn.com.au

John King President Australian Men’s Network