Mentoring and Coaching – Investing in Others

Pouring in versus drawing out – that’s one of the simplest ways to differentiate between mentoring and coaching.

There is a time and a place for pouring into, or mentoring, others. Those who have more life experience, wisdom, and Biblical knowledge have a responsibility to pass on what they know to those who are younger, whether in age or faith. Paul’s word to Timothy was to “entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others” (2 Timothy 2:2).  Multiplication of disciples at its finest – tell them what I told you, so they can tell others!

Mentoring says, “I love you enough to give you everything that I have. I want to see you succeed; here’s what I know to help you do that.”

Life Coaching, on the other hand, says, “I believe you have what it takes to figure this out. I love you enough to listen and give you my full attention while you talk through this and create your own plan of action and change.”

Coaches use open-ended questions to draw out what a person has in them. Additionally, Christian coaches rely on the principles that God initiates change and that His sheep hear His voice. Coaching keeps the responsibility for growth and change with the coachee. Though asking and listening takes more time than telling, the impact is powerful.

Within the ministry of Teen Challenge, both mentoring and coaching have their place. Both say to students, interns and staff, “I’m invested in you.” They just say it differently.

Ask yourself:

• Who in my realm of influence would benefit from mentoring or coaching?
• What is the impact of mentoring on a conversation? Of coaching on a conversation?
• When is it most appropriate to use mentoring in your ministry? When is coaching most effective?
• What’s one step you can take this month to grow in the disciplines of mentoring and/or coaching?

Article submitted by: Angela Hastings (ELP Rep/Coach, Hosanna House)