When the pastoral coordinator offered this book, I thought it was just another book on how to lead a small group. No, this one is for those who Coach or oversee small groups. Great little sidebar tips, insights, and strategies. Very practical.
Strategies include "How to Encourage Cell Leaders" and "Reasons to Ask Questions" which both give not only guide in what to do but point out the intent of each task.
The first part of the book addresses the "habits" of the Coach - things you do for the group leaders. The last part of the book looks at the issues of being a coach - authority, diagnosing problems, visiting the groups, coaching meetings, and, my favorite, the coaching stages.
I've already applied the concepts from this book as I prepared a training session for leaders in my care in a para-church organization. I'll give it a 4 1/2 out of 5 star rating and recommend it for those new to coaching or in the middle level of supervising ministry.
The Master Plan of Evangelism by Robert E. Coleman
"Evangelism is not an optional accessory to our life. It is the heartbeat of all that we are called to be and do. ...With this purpose clearly in focus, everything which is done and said has glorious fulfillment of God's redemptive purpose...." ~ Robert E. Coleman, The Master Plan of Evangelism
The Master Plan of Evangelism has been an interesting book. At first, I was skeptical because the author seems to say "Jesus came only to show his disciples how to evangelize. That's all there is to it and there is no other way of seeing it." I don't generally continue reading books written in that tone. However, the book was a class assignment. So I read on.
It took five chapters before I began to let down my guard and see that Coleman has some good points. Although I'm not convinced that his perspective of this being the only intention of Jesus, the concepts for growing others through mentoring relationships are appropriate whether you are training someone for ministry, marketplace, or your favorite hobby.
The difference is summed up in the above quote. For the Christ follower, passing along our experience is not an option.
The class facilitator offered this encouragement, we don't have to know a lot, we need only pass on what we do know. That knowledge comes from spending time in the presence of God. Passing it on happens by intentionally being involved in the life of the one(s) being "trained."
I would recommend this book for a leader who struggles with the important task of preparing someone to step into her role. Also for the Christ follower who needs guidance in the command of Christ to "go and make disciples." You can skip the three pages of "Words of Commendation", the "Forward," "Introduction," and "Preface." They seem to be a bit boastful which didn't help my skepticism.
