The Difference Between Coaching and Disciple Making

Perfect for: Anyone who is or has been confused about the difference between coaching and disciple making. 

 

1. Coaching is non-directive, but disciple making is directive.

    Disciple making however is directive, but don’t mistake directive with inflexible. Disciple makers are experts/models for what it means to follow Jesus. A disciplee is someone who recognizes his need to learn from the discipler. 

2. Disciple making requires faithfulness to Jesus, coaching requires faithfulness to a process.

    A discipler can’t develop someone further than she’s developed. She must not only be a maturing disciple, she must also know how to help another become a maturing disciple.

    Coaching however depends on the process of listening and inquiry. This allows a coach to coach doctors without being a doctor or lawyers without being a lawyer.

3. Coaching assumes you know what you need to know, disciple making assumes you don’t.

    Disciple making assumes you know some things and don’t know others.

 

4. Coaching is primarily self-focused, but disciple making is primarily others centered.

     Disciple making relationships begin because the discipler wants to help another grow to maturity.

 

Takeaway: Coaching and disciple making are not the same.

 

Action Step: “Take some time to evaluate your disciple making relationship and ask the question, am I coaching or am I making disciples.”

  

 

Show Notes:

https://www.justingravitt.com/blog/coaching-disciplemaking

 

Luke 6:40, Matthew 4:19, 1 Cor. 11:1

 

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Navigators Church Ministries

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