Wisdom for a Young Head Coach
25 Bible Studies for Coaches
from First and Second Timothy
Notes:
· The questions for discussion will
appear in normal text like this.
·
Suggested answers, discussion hints and follow up questions will appear
in italics like this.
Focus on Your Goal
I Timothy 1:1-7
1.
Read
the text aloud.
2.
Discussion
Questions:
·
To
whom does Paul (the mentor) write and how does he describe their
relationship? (vv.1-2) Timothy, my
true child in the faith…
·
With
whom have you had, or do you have a similar relationship in coaching? (v.2) Who is it? Solicit stories of their mentors in
coaching.
·
What
ideas or concepts in coaching just bring on controversy rather than further our
goals? (vv.3-6) Controversial
techniques for training, motivation, etc…
·
Who
have you seen in coaching that acts like these men mentioned in verse 7? Arrogant young coaches without experience,
others…
·
How do
coaches pursue the goal mentioned in verse 5?
Related to players? Seeking
their good, not just mine… Related to their coaching staff? Dealing honestly and honorably…Related
to their families? Balancing the job
with family time… When do we stray from that goal? When we lose focus on important matters
and life priorities.
3.
Weekly
Summary:
- Thank God for your mentor in the game
and in the faith.
- Focus on the things that really
matter.
- Pursue the goal of love from a pure
heart and a good conscience.
I Timothy 1:8-14
1.
Read
the text aloud.
2.
Discussion
Questions:
·
What
sorts of laws (rules and regulations) are good when used properly in
coaching? (v.8) Recruiting rules,
training restrictions, drug rules, g.p.a. regulations…Why do they
exist? To protect those who could be
easily abused.
·
What
is the primary function or objective of the Law? To expose error.
·
From verse
11, what is the standard by which we judge truth or error in our coaching
(doctrine)? The glorious gospel of
the blessed God.
·
For
what is Paul thankful? (v.12) That God considered him faithful… When are
you most thankful for your opportunity to be a coach? Solicit a story or situation.
·
What
was there in Paul’s past that should have disqualified him for such service?
(v.13) He was a blasphemer, persecutor and violently aggressive toward the
Church. How about for you? What could have disqualified you from your
service as a coach? Foolish mistakes,
errors in judgment, youthful indiscretions…
·
How
have you experienced God’s mercy, grace, faith and love as a coach? Stories of how God has shown them mercy in
spite of their errors listed in previous question.
3.
Weekly
Summary:
- Remember
that rules are useful, primarily to expose error in the rebellious.
- Be thankful
for your opportunity to coach.
- Thank God
for his mercy and grace in your life.
- Share God’s
grace and mercy with others as an example to them.
I Timothy 1:15-20
1.
Read
the text aloud.
2.
Discussion
Questions:
·
When
did you fully accept the statement in verse 15?
Ask them when they received Christ Jesus as Savior. Why would Paul consider himself the worst
of sinners? He’s very aware of his
sins and former life of rebellion.
·
In
what way has Christ displayed His mercy and patience with you in coaching?
(vv.15-16) By not removing them from coaching, by preserving them through
hard times, losing streaks, etc… How has that been an example to
others? Did others in the program see
those times as mercy and patience from God?
·
Whom
does Paul consider to be worthy of honor and glory for his present status?
(v.17) The King eternal (God). How
does he describe Him? King, eternal,
immortal, invisible, the only God…
·
How is
coaching like a good fight? (v.18) Real
opponents, real pain, struggle, blood, sweat, tears… What’s good about it? It teaches us about ourselves, we build
real relationships with friends, coaches, and teammates…
·
How do
faith and good conscience affect how one coaches? (v.19) They can keep us
from errors, make us more concerned for God’s will and other’s best interests,
less self-serving.
·
Whom
have you seen shipwreck their coaching careers like the two guys mentioned in
verse 20? Solicit stories of coaches
who have crashed their careers by foolish and out of control lives. How do we avoid such trouble? (vv.18-19)
Through fellowship, maintaining our faith and a good conscience…
3.
Weekly
Summary:
- Remember
that Christ Jesus died for the worst of sinners, even us.
- Honor God
for how He brought you to this position.
- Fight the
good fight, not just any fight.
- Watch out
for coaches who are about to shipwreck their careers. Stay off that ship!
I Timothy 2:1-7
1.
Read the
text aloud.
2.
Discussion
Questions:
·
For
whom does Paul urge Timothy to pray? (vv.1-2) All men, kings, those in
authority…
·
As
coaches, who are our kings and those with authority in our profession and
calling? Athletic Directors,
university chancellors and presidents, local government…How can we pray for
them? For good working relationships,
for favor with them, for their salvation, for health, etc…
·
Why is
it good and pleasing to God when we pray for our leaders, administrators, etc?
(vv.3-4) This is the way God views people and He’s pleased when we reflect
His nature. In what way could verse
4 be an indicator of a proper subject of prayer for those people? To pray for them to know Christ is
certainly God’s will and would be good for all concerned.
·
According
to verses 5 and 6, how many ways are there for us to experience a relationship
with God? One… How did Christ serve as a ransom for all
men? His life was given for everyone
who would believe.
·
As a
coach, how do you similarly pay a ransom for your staff and players? Sacrifice and doing without. What do you sacrifice in order to coach
more effectively? Time with family, more lucrative career options… What
does it cost you to be a coach? Sleepless
nights, anxiety, stress…
·
To
what offices was Paul appointed and for what purpose? (v.7) Preacher,
apostle, teacher to the Gentiles. To
what positions and for what purpose are you in coaching? Assistant, coordinator, head coach,
administrator… to train players, to build people of character…
Staff Attitudes
I Timothy 2:8-15
1.
Read
the text aloud.
2.
Discussion
Questions:
·
What
attitudes are evident in Paul’s request at verse 8? Prayerful attitude, without wrath, without
dissension. How do we maintain them
in a coaching staff? Stay focused on
our need for God, solve disputes quickly, and build team unity…
· From what we read in verses 9-15, what is
the value of modesty and wise behavior for women associated with your
program? They will not be deceived
nor a distraction for others in the program.
They will be examples of faith, love, sanctity and self-restraint.
·
What
sorts of behavior and attitudes in those women could be detrimental to the
program and staff relationships? Overbearing, demanding and controlling
personalities, promiscuity, being flirtatious, distracting behavior of any
sort.
·
Which
women in your program display the attitudes and behavior that are worthy of
encouragement and recognition? Give
me a name and the characteristics that are worthy of encouragement… How can you and your staff honor them? Notes of thanks, encouraging letters,
flowers, plaques or other decorative items, public recognition…
3.
Weekly
Summary:
- Foster
proper attitudes in your staff.
- Encourage
proper attitudes and behavior among women associated with your
program.
- Watch for ways
to honor those who model the attitudes and lives you want to encourage.
Choosing a Staff with Character
I Timothy 3:1-13
1.
Read
the text aloud.
2.
Discussion
Questions:
·
What
would be noble about being an overseer? The
position has responsibility and authority…What would be a coaching
equivalent to that role? Head Coach.
·
What
attitudes, abilities and behavior are listed as important for that role? (vv.2-7) Answers are in the text…Why
are these important? (v.5) If he
can’t handle his own family, how could he manage others’ kids?
·
If a
deacon were different than an overseer, what coaching role would be similar to
it? (vv.8-13) Assistant coach,
coordinator, etc…
·
Who on
your staff coaches in a way that’s reflective of these qualities? (vv.8-12) Tell us about a coach that has
these qualities. Which of these
traits stands out in him/her? Pick
one or two of his/her best qualities.
·
How do
coaches who serve well gain assurance and an excellent standing? Others notice their good work and
character often resulting in better opportunities, promotions, confidence and
security.
3.
Weekly
Summary:
- Focus on
the character of your staff and on your own character.
- Encourage
and reward your staff members who exhibit good character.
- Expect that
your staff’s good character will result in their receiving job offers and
opportunities to go elsewhere. They
become a reflection of your leadership.
I Timothy 3:14-16
1.
Read
the text aloud.
2.
Discussion
Questions:
·
How
valuable is it for you to regularly communicate with your mentor in coaching?
(v. 14) What’s the value of a phone call or e-mail from your mentor? How do you do that and with whom? Phone calls with college coach…E-mail from
coach you formerly worked under…Christmas cards from your high school coach…
· What seems to be the purpose of Paul’s
writing these instructions? (v.15) So Timothy will know how to conduct
himself.
·
In
review of chapters 1-3, which ideas are most poignant to you related to proper
conduct within your staff? Focus on
your goals? God’s mercy to qualify you
to serve. Fighting the good fight? Having purpose for your position? Proper staff attitudes? Choosing a staff with character? Others...?
·
What
is mysterious about the poetry of verse 16?
Contrasts in each pair of verses… Revealed in flesh, but vindicated
by Spirit… Beheld by angels, but proclaimed among nations…
·
Why is
it such a mystery for us to grasp that the God described in chapter 1 verse 17,
would undergo a process like chapter 3 verse 16? Why would a God so powerful, immortal, and
invisible come to the earth and pay the price of death for us?
3.
Weekly
Summary:
- Make some
time to call or write your mentor this week. I’m sure he/she would love to hear from
you.
- Leave room
for some mystery in your faith and in the game.
- Realize the
wonder that’s a part of the Gospel.
God chose us to love Him.
I Timothy 4:1-8
1.
Read
the text aloud.
2.
Discussion
Questions:
·
When
have you seen coaches use odd or foolish training techniques with their
players? (vv.1-3) Denying them water,
over-training, encouraging fighting, ignoring steroid use…
·
What
is often the source of such destructive methods of training and
motivation? (v.2) A conscience that’s
numb or dead.
·
What
are some very good things that have been withheld from players by coaches you
know? (vv.3-4) Water, food, family
time, social time…What is shown here to be a healthier attitude? (vv.4-5) Thankfulness for all things with
prayer.
·
According
to verse 6, what is the evidence of being a good coach (minister)? Pointing out the ideas from vv.3-5 and
being nourished on the words of faith and sound doctrine.
·
How
much physical training do you do weekly?
How many hours in what forms… running, weight training…? What is its benefit? (vv. 7-8) Physical health, clear mind,
etc…
·
How much
godliness training do you do weekly? How
many hours in what forms… Bible reading, worship, prayer…? What is its benefit? (v. 8) For all things…in this life and in
the next… Clear conscience, wisdom, good relationships…
3.
Weekly
Summary:
- Watch out
for foolish and destructive training techniques.
- Be thankful
for all that God gives and don’t withhold good things from your staff and
players.
- Keep a
proper balance between your physical and spiritual training. Don’t neglect either.
I Timothy 4:9-15
1.
Read
the text aloud.
2.
Discussion
Questions:
·
How
does one place his hope in the Living God?
(vv.9-10) By trusting Christ as his savior and Lord. Through faith and in prayer. How is God described in verse 10? The Living God who is the Savior of all
men.
·
How is
He the savior of those who believe? He
has rescued us from our sins. How
so for those who don’t believe? His
grace has been extended to them as well, even before they have received
Him. His life in believers has restored
God’s ways in them and that impacts even those who are not yet Christians. (…all men… verse 10)
·
How
can younger head coaches rise above the tendency of people to disrespect them
because of their youth? (vv.11-16) Read
the attitudes and actions in these verses.
·
Who
among your coaching peers sets a great example as in verse 12? Tell us about a young coach who is doing a
great job with a wise attitude.
·
To
what coaching methods and philosophies are you devoted? (v.13) What are the foundational principles
that guide your coaching?
·
How
are you and/or others on your staff uniquely gifted as coaches? (v.14) List the gifts and abilities that
your staffers each possess.
·
How
does one measure diligence in coaching? (v.15) Is it measured simply in hours? Is it measured by wins and losses? Is it measured in character? How do we monitor the values that guide our
lives and our staff? (vv.15-16) How
do we keep an eye on more than just the nuts and bolts of coaching? How do you keep a proper perspective on the
big picture?
3.
Weekly
Summary:
- Maintain
your trust in the Living God through faith and prayer.
- Follow the
example shown in Paul’s instructions to Timothy.
- Keep a
focus on your coaching values, your staff’s gifts and wisely measure
diligence.
I Timothy 5:1-16
1.
Read
the text aloud.
2.
Discussion
Questions:
·
When
have you seen a senior staff member harshly corrected or otherwise treated with
less respect than is due him/her? (v.1)
Who has seen a young coach rudely correct a senior staff member? Tell us the story. Why would Paul warn against this? It tears down team unity, breeds
disrespect and gossip, etc…
·
What
is a more honorable way to treat those on your staff who have greater
experience? (v.1) Appeal to him as a
father, with respect and honor.
·
How
should we relate to the younger coaches on our staff? (v.1) Like brothers. Share an example of how that has been
done with or by you. How has another
coach shown you proper respect and welcomed your input or opinion?
·
What
attitudes should guide our relationships with women associated with our
program? (v.2) Treat the older women
as mothers. The younger like
sisters. How do these apply with
women otherwise? In our families,
churches, the community, etc…?
·
What
qualities describe the way we relate to our mothers? (v.2) Respect and honor... How about our sisters? Respect and purity…
·
If a
suddenly displaced athlete or coach were like a widow, what kinds of things can
happen that would isolate them from the normal life of the team? (vv.9-16) Injury,
suspension, disciplinary benching, illness…
Are there circumstances that require handling each situation
differently? How so? You wouldn’t handle the 5th
year senior leader who becomes injured in the same way as a freshman who
repeatedly breaks team rules.
3.
Weekly
Summary:
- Beware of
disrespecting an older coach on your staff.
- Give proper
respect to the young coaches on your staff as well.
- Lead your
staff to conduct themselves wisely with the women around your program.
- Use wisdom
in dealing with those who are suddenly displaced or isolated from the
program.
I Timothy 5:17-21
1.
Read
the text aloud.
2.
Discussion
Questions:
·
What
makes our senior staff members who display excellence worthy of double
honor? (v.17) They’re worthy when
they lead well and work hard.
·
Who do
you know who is worthy of such honor? Who on your staff is like this? What distinguishes his/her work? Tell us a story or give an example.
·
How
should we properly compensate our staff members who work hard at teaching and
training? (v.18) Is money the only
way to compensate? How can we “pay”
them in ways that are better than money?
Public recognition, attaboys with the team and staff, thank you
gifts, encouraging notes, “good job” meetings…
·
On
what basis should one hear a complaint regarding a member of your staff? (vv.19-20) Only on the basis of two or
three witnesses. Not because of a rumor
or gossip.
·
If a
staff member has committed a gross error, what is a proper forum for his/her
correction? (v.20) Within the staff
or possibly with the whole team. Not in
public or the press.
·
Why
would Paul warn so strongly against partiality and favoritism in keeping his
instructions? (v.21) Partiality and
favoritism are contrary to God’s righteousness and justice. They pervert the principles that are
foundational to our values.
3.
Weekly
Summary:
- Look for
ways to “pay” your staff that go beyond money.
- Be careful
to only hear complaints about your staffers that come with proper facts
and credibility.
- Correct and
restore those in error with wisdom and without favoritism.
I Timothy 5:22-25
1.
Read
the text aloud.
2.
Discussion
Questions:
·
What
are some dangers that go along with hastily choosing staff members? (v.22) You could share in their foolish
decisions and behavior.
·
What
might a Head Coach do that would have him share in the guilt of a staff
member’s foolish actions? (v.22) He
could ignore an obvious flaw of character or a pattern of behavior that’s
easily seen before his hiring.
·
How
does a coach maintain his purity when others on the staff may be very
impure? Abstain from participation in
the impure behaviors or attitudes…
·
What
is required for your well being that others may see as a weakness or otherwise
criticize your use of it? (v.23) A
minimum amount of sleep, prescriptions, a special diet…
·
What
coach(es) do you know whose errors were quickly met with exposure and
judgement? (v.24) A coach who got
caught cheating, recruiting violations, drug abuse…
·
What
coach(es) do you know whose errors stayed hidden from public view until his/her
retirement or death? A coach in an
extra-marital affair, addicted to pornography, a secret drunk, abusive of his
children…
·
How do
a coach’s obvious good deeds come to light?
(v.25) Their players or coaching staff tell others about them. Parents or others notice their quality. How about the less obvious good
deeds? As they retire, the player
tells about a private meeting with the coach.
At a funeral, the staff member tells about his mentor’s influence upon
his life…
3.
Weekly
Summary:
- Choose your
staff wisely and deliberately.
- Maintain
your personal purity, even when others in the program may be acting
foolishly.
- Remember
that both our best and worst moments will come to light eventually.
I Timothy 6:1-10
1.
Read
the text aloud.
2.
Discussion
Questions:
·
What
sort of attitude should the most junior staff member have toward the Head
Coach? (v.1) The Coach is worthy of
all honor.
·
What
difference should it make to those staff members whether or not the Head Coach
is a believer in Christ or not? (v.2) It
should make no difference at all. Why? Some Christians could presume preferential
treatment from a Christian Head Coach and that would be improper.
·
What
sorts of attitudes often underlie the aberrant training and motivational
methods used by some coaches? (vv.3-5)
Conceit, ignorance, morbid interests, envy, strife, abusive speech, evil
suspicions, depraved minds, greed…
·
How do
we gain greatly through godliness with contentment? (vv.7-8) A grateful attitude and proper
perspective…
·
What
are some inherent dangers for the coach who is motivated by greed? (vv.9-10) They fall into temptation and
traps, ruin and destruction, all sorts of evil…
3. Weekly Summary:
- Watch for improper attitudes within your
staff. They may assume you’ll give
them preferential treatment if they’re Christians.
- Discern the attitudes that may be
behind that odd training technique or motivational method.
- Watch out for greed… live a life of
contentment.
I Timothy 6:11-16
1.
Read
the text aloud.
2.
Discussion
Questions:
·
Paul
exhorts Timothy to flee from what? (v.11)
Those things listed in verses 3-10.
·
What
does he call him to pursue? (v.11)
Righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. How does one display these qualities in
coaching? Take them one by one and
apply to coaching… Righteousness in coaching looks like… Godliness in coaching looks like… Faith in
coaching looks like… Love… Perseverance… Gentleness…
·
What
about your faith and its impact upon your coaching are worth fighting for? (v.12)
Its value to your life.
Biblical values of right and wrong.
What is not worth a fight? Mere
matters of opinion… Sectarian
doctrines… Cultural forms of Christian
expression…
·
How is
your “good confession” of faith similar to Christ Jesus’ “good confession” of
faith before Pontius Pilate? (vv.12-13)
I confessed that Jesus is God, the Savior and Lord of my life.
·
How
long shall we hold to our values for coaching and our faith in Christ? (vv.13-16) Until the day of His appearing.
3.
Weekly
Summary:
- Flee from
foolish things and pursue the list from verse 11.
- Pick your
fights well and wisely. Don’t fight
over foolish matters.
- Make the
good confession and keep a long-term view of your faith.
I Timothy 6:17-21
1.
Read
the text aloud.
2.
Discussion
Questions:
·
Why is
wealth, which leads to arrogance among coaches and/or others associated with
the program, such an insecure source of hope?
(v.17) It’s uncertain in its origin and can disappear as quickly as
it arrived.
·
What
can we do as coaches to be rich as described in verses 18 and 19? Invest in
the people around us, our staff and players.
Be generous. What are such
good deeds? Giving second chances,
overlooking offenses, loving the unlovely, patience with difficult people…
·
What
are you doing to guard the instruction of your mentor(s) and the wisdom
gathered from your coaching contemporaries?
Keep a journal, compile a notebook, catalog videotapes…
·
With
whom are you sharing such instruction and wisdom? Assistant coaches, players, graduate
assistants, coaches in other programs…
3.
Weekly
Summary:
- Watch out
for the deceptive power of greed.
- Invest
deeply in the people of your program.
- Guard and
pass on the wisdom and instruction you’ve gained from your mentors in
coaching and life.
II Timothy 1:1-7
1.
Read
the text aloud.
2.
Discussion
Questions:
·
How
would your coaching be changed if you were to receive more grace, mercy and
peace from God? (v.2) I’d feel less
stressed, less pressured. I’d have
better relationships with my staff…
·
Tell
us about a coach or a player for whom you’ve been a mentor. Who is watching you for direction and
guidance? What is your strongest
recollection of him/her? Tell a story
about his/her strongest character traits.
How do you pray for him/her now?
(vv.3-5) Do you pray for his/her coaching, family, faith, and career
choices…?
·
What
gifts do you bring to the coaching profession that you can fan into flame? (v.6) Is it passion, vision, understanding
of the sport, motivational abilities…?
·
What
happens to our team when our coaching is driven by fear? (v.7) We become driven by a need to
control everything, we withdraw from people, and we become defensive and protective
of ourselves…
·
How is
it different when it’s full of power, love and self-control? (v.7) We’re confident of our abilities and
of God’s guidance. We’re looking out for
the other’s best interest. We’re under
control, not being pushed around by every fear or question.
3. Weekly Summary:
·
Ask
God for more grace, mercy and peace in your life.
·
Pass
on to another young coach the wisdom God has given to you.
·
Put
away fear and coach with power, love and self-control.
Unashamed Suffering
II Timothy 1:8-12
1.
Read
the text aloud.
2.
Discussion
Questions:
·
What could
lead to a young coach being ashamed of his mentor? (vv.8-10) His foolish behavior or speech
that dishonors God.
·
What
would make us ashamed to speak of our love for Christ Jesus? (v.8) Fear of ridicule or
misunderstanding. Fear that I couldn’t
defend my opinions.
·
When
have you been appointed to a coaching position that led directly to
suffering? (vv.11-12) Tell us a story
about a position that came with suffering.
How did you handle it? Give
them some hope that it might be worth it.
·
What
under-girded Paul’s confidence even while enduring such suffering? (v.12) His knowledge of God and his
confidence in Christ’s ability to carry out His plan. What fuels your confidence while
suffering continues? Trust in God’s
call, fellowship with other believers, encouragement from those also in the
fight…
3.
Weekly Summary:
- Don’t be ashamed of your mentor or of your Lord.
- Be ready for the suffering that may come along with coaching.
- Remain confident, even while suffering, that God’s plan will be
accomplished.
II Timothy 1:13-18
1.
Read
the text aloud.
2.
Discussion
Questions:
·
What
did you learn from your mentor that you still hold as foundational principles
for your coaching philosophy? (vv.13-14)
What were the three or four coaching points he/she always talked about? How do you guard such valuable
commodities? Keep a notebook,
computer program, journal, note cards…
·
Have
you ever felt like you were abandoned as a coach? (v.15) Fired without cause… Left hanging in a recruiting situation…What
was the situation? Tell us the story…
·
Who
has been a refreshing friend to you like Onesiphorus was to Paul? (vv.16-18) Another coach? A friend from church? Your spouse?
A player?
·
How
can you be a refreshing friend to a coach who’s embroiled in controversy? Assure the person of our friendship. Spend time together. Speak well of your friend in public…
3.
Weekly
Summary:
·
Guard
well the foundational principles you learned from your mentor.
·
Thank
God for the friends that refresh our souls.
·
Be a
refreshing friend to your friends who may be caught in a controversy.
Focus your Leadership
II Timothy 2:1-13
1.
Read
the text aloud.
2.
Discussion
Questions:
·
How
can we be as focussed on our coaching staff and their development as Paul was
with Timothy’s development as a leader?
(vv.1-2) Regular meetings with them, prayer with and for them, understanding
their goals and dreams…
·
How
can we exhibit focus for leadership while enduring hardship like the soldier of
verses 3 and 4? By pressing through
the pain and inconvenience of our work…
·
What
is the focus of the athlete in verse 5? To
win the prize. How would that kind
of focus shape our coaching? We’d be
more likely to achieve our goals if we would keep them in clear view.
·
How
much time do you spend in reflection, analysis and evaluation of your
leadership with your staff? (v.7) An
hour a month? A day a year? An hour a day? How much?
·
What
have you endured for the sake of your coaches and athletes? Misunderstanding, controversy, ridicule…
3.
Weekly
Summary:
·
Focus
on developing your staff and equipping them to do the same.
·
Take
some time to regularly analyze and evaluate your leadership of the staff.
·
Pay
the price necessary to bring along the next generations of godly leaders and
coaches.
Warnings and Reminders
II Timothy 2:14-19
1.
Read
the text aloud.
2.
Discussion
Questions:
·
What
are the instructions and values about which you constantly remind and warn your
staff? (v.14) Academic excellence,
honorable behavior, wisdom, hard work, passionate play…
·
How
does one reward a coach who has proven himself through hard work and wise use
of speech? (v.15) Public recognition,
financial bonus, personal thanks…
·
Where
does godless chatter, like in verses 16-18, show up in the world of coaching? Crude stories, gossip about other people,
criticizing others on the staff…
·
How
does such godless chatter act like the gangrene mentioned in verse 17? It eats away at the loyalty, respect and
good will on a team…
3. Weekly Summary:
- Keep the
big ideas about coaching in front of your staff constantly.
- Strongly
reward the coaches who do particularly well.
- Don’t fall into godless chatter and its destructive pattern of criticism, second guessing and blame shifting.
Coaching with Honor
II Timothy 2:20-26
1.
Read
the text aloud.
2.
Discussion
Questions:
·
Which
uniforms in your equipment room are more honorable, those used daily for
practice or those only for game day?
(vv.20-21) Obviously the game jerseys are more honorable, they’re
only used on game day. Practice jerseys
get used everyday.
·
How do
we pursue the nobility mentioned in verse 21?
By cleansing ourselves from the things listed above. For what purposes does such nobility
qualify us? (v.21) For every good
thing.
·
What
evil desires are common to coaches you know?
(v.22) Drunkenness, promiscuous sex, greed… What does Paul call us to do in relation
to them? (v.22) Flee from those
things!!
·
While
fleeing those desires, toward what should we run in pursuit? (vv.22-23) Righteousness, faith, love and
peace…
·
Who is
the best coach you’ve ever known at handling quarrels and opposition? (vv.24-26) Tell us about a coach… What was key to his skill with
problematic people and situations? A
cool head? Listening to all sides before
he reacted? What was it?
3.
Weekly
Summary:
·
Let’s
be the vessels of great honor this week.
·
Watch
for God to reveal His purposes for you and your life as a coach.
·
Flee
the things that wage war against your soul.
·
Pursue
the things that give you real life.
Renegade Coaches
II Timothy 3:1-9
1.
Read
the text aloud.
2.
Discussion
Questions:
·
Which
of the characteristics listed in verses 2-9 are evident in coaches or programs
with which you’re familiar? Greed,
arrogance, malicious, out of control, which?
·
How do
these coaches put up a front of proper conduct and good coaching, but if
examined closely would be seen as without real power or substance? (v. 5) They say the right things, but
their behavior and attitudes betray them.
·
How
does Paul recommend that Timothy relate to such men? (v. 5) Avoid them. How would such a recommendation affect your
hiring of staff? I’d try to see these
things about them before hiring them and choose someone else.
·
What
is the inevitable end for such coaches?
(v. 9) They’ll be exposed and will not progress along the path.
3.
Weekly
Summary:
·
Watch
out for renegades and the baggage they could carry into your program.
·
Look
below the surface to see their true character.
·
Avoid
the renegades and watch as they self-destruct.
Continue in My Pattern
II Timothy 3:10-17
1.
Read
the text aloud.
2.
Discussion
Questions:
·
How
often do you share stories of your coaching career with your peers? Daily around the office or in staff
meetings? How has your mentor
challenged you with his/her stories and instruction? (vv.10-11) Good decisions made, wisdom
displayed in tough situations, insight and tact, others…
·
What
might it cost you to live a godly lifestyle among your coaching peers? (vv.12-13) Possible isolation from others,
missed opportunities… Is this likely to get better or worse? If people continue to decline morally, it
will get worse. Why? The world is in a steady decline.
·
What
are key coaching principles that you teach as a continuation of your mentor’s
instructions? (vv.14-15) How is your
coaching style an imitation of your mentor’s?
·
What
or who is the source of Scripture?
(v.16) God is the source of the Bible.
·
For
what is the Scripture useful in coaching?
(v.16) Teaching, reproof, correction, training in righteousness…
·
What
is the intended result of scriptural instruction? (v.17) That we may be adequate and
equipped for every good work. How
has the Bible equipped you and for what good work? Changed character for the good work of
coaching/leading.
3.
Weekly
Summary:
·
Pay
attention to the stories shared among your staff. The stories are often a window to their
values.
·
Pay
the price to live a godly lifestyle among your peers. It’s worth it.
·
Search
the Scriptures for the wisdom you need as a coach.
Finishing Well
II Timothy 4:1-8
1.
Read
the text aloud.
2.
Discussion
Questions:
·
Have
you ever been given a charge by your mentor or been strongly challenged as you
began a new assignment? (v.1) Tell us
about that. What did he ask you to
do? What was the assignment that
challenged your abilities the greatest?
·
What
characteristics or principles of coaching are applicable both in and out of
season? (v.2) Rest, proper nutrition,
good workouts, academic excellence…
·
When
do your staff and players grow weary of sound coaching and instruction? (vv.3-4) During losing streaks, when
presented without creativity, when given in a whining tone…
· How should we respond to such
situations? (v.5) Stay under control,
press on, endure hardship, do the work, fulfill your role…
·
Have
you ever been to the retirement party or a funeral for an elder coach? (vv.6-8) Whose was it? Did he finish his career or life well or poorly? What was the end result of the coach’s
life? Good or bad? Pride or embarrassment for his family and
friends?
3.
Weekly
Summary:
·
Occasionally
look back on the challenging assignments in your career and how they shaped
your life.
·
Be
prepared in season and out, to honor Christ will all of your life.
·
Look
for new and creative ways to teach and coach with wisdom.
·
Finish
your life and career well and you can look forward to a great reward.
Joy in Grief
II Timothy 4:9-22
1.
Read
the text aloud.
2.
Discussion
Questions:
·
How
rewarding would it be for your mentor to send you a letter asking that you come
see him quickly? (v.9) Very much, it
would be an indicator of his need for my presence and assistance. Why
would Paul want to see Timothy so urgently?
For encouragement, for fellowship, for assurance…
· When have you encountered some lonely times
in coaching like Paul in verses 9-12? Tell
us about the loneliest time in your career.
·
What
coaching tools do you have that are as valuable to you as the items in verse 13
are to Paul? Clipboards, playbooks,
whistles, notebooks…
·
When
have you been strongly opposed in your work, like Paul was in verses
14-15? Opposed by a troublesome
parent, an administrator, a sportswriter…
·
Have
you ever felt abandoned during hard times in your career? (vv.16-18) No one to talk to during the
long losing streak, staff jumping ship between seasons, family problems…Where
did you find strength to endure and to complete your mission? In
prayer, in your church, with close friends, with your spouse, in Bible reading…
·
In
verses 19-22, Paul sends greetings to a number of his closest friends and
associates. Who are some of your
coaching associates that have become dear friends and brothers/sisters? Tell us their names and what makes them
special… There could be some of those in
this group.
3.
Weekly
Summary:
·
If
your mentor requests your presence, find a way to get there. It could be payday for you.
·
Be
ready for some strong opposition to come your way.
·
If
you’re feeling abandoned, find new strength in friends and faith.
·
Send
periodic greetings to your close friends and associates who share in your
labors.
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