11. REAP is coming
Experts tell us that today’s young people really value mentors in their lives. They are ready to follow the Lord to the hardest places but long for a guide to walk with them as they search out the way. Rather than jumping into life-long commitments, they prefer to make incremental commitments with someone coaching them as they move from challenge to challenge. These young people are coming to TEAM. Are we prepared to be coaches to them?
TEAM’s program for personal and professional development calls for a ministry coach to guide those who report to them. We’ve probably had good coaches in our own lives, and we recognize good coaching when we see it in action, but most of us are not sure what it takes to be an effective coach. Are some people just “natural” coaches? Are there certain skills that could make each of us effective coaches? How do we know what questions to ask? How do we help someone stay on the course the Lord has given them? How can we challenge our peers to continue to grow and develop in a way that is not threatening?
The next REAP Workshop is being developed to address some of these issues. “Coaching – A Ministry Tool” will be the REAP Workshop for the next five years. During this four-day interactive workshop participants will hear stories of good coaches. They will learn coaching skills and practice them with each other. Each session will feature abundant illustrations, and missionaries will leave with a wide range of resources, including the help and encouragement of fellow missionaries. Every TEAM missionary is expected to attend once during this 2010 – 2014 cycle. Each year this will be scheduled for the last full week of July, so start to make your plans now! REAP 2010 will be held at Wheaton College, July 24-31.