In his outstanding book InsideOut Coaching, Joe Ehrmann says there are four critical questions every coach must ask themselves and be able to answer.  The first is, “Why do I coach?”  Ehrmann writes, “Think of all the time, energy, and sacrifice it takes to coach.  Why do you do it?  What is the purpose of your coaching?”

The “Why do I coach?” question is about understanding our purpose.  Ehrmann continues: “This ‘WHY’ should be a clear and concise statement defining the impact we are trying to make in our players’ lives.  WHY directs the expenditures of our time, energy, and effort and provides a final destination.  Answering the question ‘Why do I coach?’ can help a coach identify selfish agendas and develop a purpose that transcends personal, vocational, financial, or ego-driven needs.”

What’s the purpose that drives you as a coach?  Followers of Jesus Christ pursue a purpose – in coaching and in life – that is different from the world around us.  Colossians 3:17 says: “And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.”  Our ultimate purpose in coaching and in every other area of our lives is to honor our Lord Jesus Christ through living as his representative: doing everything for his glory, exalting him, pointing people to him, loving others as he loves us, desiring to impact others for him, and living out of deep gratitude for all the Lord has done and continues to do for us.

Is this your “why” as a coach?  Take a few moments to prayerfully reflect on why you coach and whether you’re coaching with a Colossians 3:17 purpose.  Where you recognize that other non-Christ-honoring “why”s are driving you, confess these to the Lord and ask him to transform your heart.  He is gracious and faithful, and you can trust him.  May your “why” as a coach exalt Jesus Christ and bring you the fulfillment only he can give!