Core for More Bible Study — June 17, 2026
Successful Coaching – P1
Program Objective & Successful Coaching
We are starting to focus on how to develop your team by enhancing your skills in four key areas: coaching, interpersonal management, team building, and change management. Our goal isn't just to 'manage' tasks, but to invest in people.
Biblical Parallel: This reflects the heart of Discipleship. In the same way Paul mentored Timothy, a leader's primary objective is to equip others so they can eventually lead and develop others themselves.
2 Timothy 2:2
What is Leadership?
Coaching is integral part of effective leadership. Leadership is the ability to elicit extraordinary performance from ordinary people and to motivate them toward a common goal. It's about seeing potential that others might miss.
Biblical Parallel: Consider Gideon. God called him a 'mighty warrior' while he was hiding in a winepress. Leadership is seeing the 'mighty warrior' in someone who currently feels like an 'ordinary' worker.
Judges 6
What is Coaching?
What is coaching specifically? It is a conversation aimed at changing behavior in order to improve results. It is a targeted, intentional dialogue.
Biblical Parallel: This is seen in Jesus' interaction with Peter. After Peter's failure, Jesus didn't just give a lecture; he had a specific conversation on the beach aimed at changing Peter's focus from his guilt and failure to his mission: 'Feed my sheep.'
John 21
First Things First — Effective Listening
To fulfill your responsibilities and motivate others, you must first listen effectively and respond appropriately. You cannot lead people you do not understand.
Biblical Parallel: James 1:19 reminds us to be 'quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.' This is the foundational posture of a leader.
James 1:19 — "Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry."
Clarifying and Confirming
We must assume value in the thoughts of others. To do this, we use two tools: Clarifying and Confirming. We must understand both what the person is saying and why they are saying it.
Biblical Parallel: The Bereans in Acts 17:11 are a great example. They listened with great eagerness (assuming value) but then examined the scriptures to truly understand the 'what' and 'why' of Paul's message.
Acts 17:11
When to Use Clarifying and Confirming
Use these tools when you need to take action on information, or — more importantly — when your immediate impulse is to reject, ignore, or disagree with what you are hearing.
Biblical Parallel: Nicodemus sought clarification when he didn't understand Jesus' teaching about being 'born again.' Instead of rejecting a confusing statement, he asked questions to understand.
John 3
How to Clarify and Confirm
To clarify, seek additional information about the what and why. To confirm, state your understanding of what they said and why they said it back to them.
Biblical Parallel: This is the 'Proverbs 18:13' principle. By confirming, you ensure you aren't answering a question that wasn't asked.
Proverbs 18:13 — "To answer before listening — that is folly and shame."
Balanced Feedback — When to Offer
Balanced feedback should be offered when expectations aren't met, when you want to improve performance, or when an idea seems unworkable. In every case, your intent must be constructive.
Biblical Parallel: Proverbs 27:17. The goal of the friction is not to destroy the iron, but to make it sharper and more useful.
Proverbs 27:17 — "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."
How to Provide Balanced Feedback — Merits First
How do we do this? We specify the merits first, then we specify the concerns. We lead with what is working.
Biblical Parallel: Look at the Letters to the Seven Churches in Revelation. In almost every letter, Jesus begins with 'I know your deeds...' listing their merits before saying 'But I have this against you...'
Revelation 2–3
Why Merits First?
Starting with merits shows you are attentive to the positive aspects of their work. This makes it much easier for the person to accept your concerns without becoming defensive.
Biblical Parallel: Ephesians 4:15 tells us to 'speak the truth in love.' Starting with merits establishes the 'love' (the value you see in them), which makes the 'truth' (the concern) easier to hear.
Ephesians 4:15 — "Speak the truth in love."