A coach is someone who nurtures and equips small group leaders. Role What this means   Nurture Soul   Guiding Guiding leaders means taking an active interest not only in their ministry, but their lives as well.  Coaches learn their leaders’ stories and walk with them through joys and struggles.  As they walk, they encourage a deep connection with Christ, affirm what God is doing in their life, challenge them to grow, help refine and sharpen their goals, and offer care and prayer in time of need. Modeling a deep walk with Christ The most important role of a coach is to model a deep walk with Christ.  Out of our connection with Christ flows the abundance of all we do in ministry.  As coaches conform to the image of Christ, they become better shepherds of God’s leaders.     Develop Skill   Envision The most important part about connecting with leaders is doing it regularly.  It can be as simple as a quick e-mail or phone call, but the important thing is that it is done frequently. Coaches should also make it a point to connect with leaders on a deeper level at least once a month.  These deeper connections can include visiting the leader’s group to affirm what God is doing, meeting one-on-one to catch up and help plan, or organizing a huddle meeting for their small group leaders to discuss leadership development and be encouraged by other leaders.  Naturally, some leaders will need more attention than others.  Feel out the needs of each leader and make sure they are connected to you. Equip The best resource coaches can offer leaders are themselves.  Coaches possess valuable insight and experience that leaders need in order to grow.  They make themselves available when their leaders need to talk through issues regarding their group, an encouraging word, or to bounce a new idea of someone.  In addition to offering themselves as a resource, coaches connect leaders to the many tools Bel Air provides.  These tools include a recommended Bible study every season, ongoing opportunities for leadership training, and helping leaders maintain their group page.