Year of the Coach Day 1

As I sit in the lobby of this hotel in Orlando, the sun is coming through the glass atrium ceiling reminding me that I'm not at home.  And then when I get on google maps to find a nearby coffee shop and I there are only two within a 4 square mile radius; I realize, I'm REALLY not at home.  (Seriously, you have fast food joints EVERYWHERE and only two coffee shops?  And one is in the hotel?!  Step ya game up Orlando.  Ok, I'm done.)

I've got a great job, it is a blessing to get to do what I do.  As I've found myself back in the sports world, I believe more than ever that coaching is a phenomenal tool for youth development.  As I finish reading Inside-Out Coaching; i'm reminded even more of the potential impact for better or worse that coaches possess.  I've been getting tons of training lately, and that's a good thing.  A few weeks ago I was reminded of the necessity of my own growth in discipleship and will be a formative training that I need to remember to go back to often.  But this week has the potential to be the most important training I go through in my young career within FCA.

We keep hearing things about The Year of the Coach.  The emails sent out from our HQ, the words are mentioned on every conference call, and now this week is all about the coach.  It's about impacting the coach and setting them free to coach the body, mind, and heart of every athlete that comes across their field

or court.  To say I'm excited for this training would be an understatement.  In the short time I've spent as a coach, I've seen the impact.  I've seen the impact of a coach who is more concerned with his own success.  I've seen the impact of a coach who gives herself away for her athletes.  They are both equally powerful, and both are equally difficult to undo.  In our world where young athletes are DESPERATE for hope, encouragement, and an adult they can lean on; a coach holds a special place of authority that has the potential to build or destroy.  I've spoken with high school athletes, and some college athletes, who all share stories of a coach who has produced more pain than encouragement.  My heart breaks as the damage that is done is buried deep and will take a long time to work through.

Coaches, you possess power.  Uncle Ben had it right when he told Peter, "With great power, comes great responsibility."  Scripture tells us that the one who teaches will be held to a higher standard. (James 3).  I'm not sure how many of my coaching friends will read this, but to those who do...if you have a heart or a desire to impact the lives of young people...then learn a sport and get out there and coach!  I don't care if it's TBall!  I watch my 7 and 6 year old respond to their coaches praise and encouragement and I can tell you that it makes a difference!  

If you are the praying type...do me a favor, pray for this week.  Pray for this time in Orlando, pray that I'm challenged, pray that I grow, pray that my heart and mind would be an absolute sponge at what we are taught this week.  May I come back equipped, encouraged and confident in my own coaching and in what I have to share with those coaches I look up to.  Coaches, if you are reading this, I'm praying for you.  I'm praying we don't take our opportunity to serve our athletes lightly.  I'm praying for wisdom and discernment as we seek to raise up a generation of young men and women who will be good fathers, good mothers, good husbands and wives and active members of their community.


____________________________

For those who have always wanted an opportunity to be a part of what God is up to out here, there is no better time than now.  I need your help to bring this training back to the coaches of Portland.  Consider sponsoring me in our Golf Marathon Fundraiser.  My goal is $5,000, we've already raised $3,600 in pledges.  Will you join me?  Take a moment and fill out this form: Golf Marathon Sponsor.