Coaching, Connection and Hope

A friend recommended I sign up for the coaching class at Columbia.

Little did I realize the ripple effect it would have.

It has me leaning into hope.

In the course, the leaders framed the program for coachees to coach each other as a way to practice the skills being learned.

The coaching mindset sees every person as naturally whole, creative, resourceful and competent.

Every person is perfectly capable of solving their own problems and moving forward in ways they desire.

It is delightful and life-giving to see another person that way, and it is equally life-giving to be seen in that way.

I have witnessed our teachers modeling this mindset, and it is contagious in the best way.

I was with a group of people I did not know, yet they were all showing up for (me) and others in authentic, meaningful ways. By showing up, I mean bringing real issues and vulnerabilities to the coaching table.

Our culture is divisive right now, but coaching has me leaning into hope; one of connection in very real and kind ways.

Coaching is servant ministry at its best.

As we come out of Covid exhausted, the connection that comes from coaching is freeing and encouraging.

The coachee knows they are not alone, and can actually get unstuck.

Learning to be a good coach means setting aside your agenda and opinion on how you think a problem could or should be solved.

A good coach learns to get quiet and listen deeply to another person.

Listening to someone’s heart helps us ask non-judgmental, curious questions that may shine a light for the coachee to see where they would like to go.

Holding space for someone to think through what is needed, and for the coachee to own the solution is fabulous.

We all feel good when we own our progress and come up with great ideas to get unstuck.

The coaching relationship is a partnership of respect and discovery.

Leaning into hope is a joy and privilege.

The Coaching Institute gives me hope for the church in the future.

I think one-to-one conversations of genuine connection are where we see the face of God in others. When we see each other as whole, creative, resourceful and competent, it is life-giving, because we get a glimpse of how God sees us.

Inviting others into conversation and perspective gives me lots of hope. What better place is there to practice seeing one another the way God sees us, than the faith community?

I am grateful for the ripple effect of hope.

Sophie is a certified Christian Educator at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Nashville TN where she is the Executive Director of Family Ministries. She has served a variety of Presbyterian churches over the years, always trying to bring joy, faith and service together. She loves chocolate, hiking and hanging out with family.

To contact Sophie, send an email to:sophie.maness831@gmail.com