Barnabas File

Despite its growing popularity and effectiveness, the purpose and philosophy of coaching—or as it is often called, life coaching--remains a mystery to many.   I have been doing professional life coaching for 15 years and I find that I still have opportunities to introduce and explain the concept to people.  Just about everyone understands athletic coaching either from observing a sports coach in action or serving as a volunteer coach.  Life coaching is a bit different.  Three basic ideas will help you understand how life coaching works.    First, the person being coached is the focus of coaching.  The coach is thoroughly engaged in the coaching conversation, but the conversation is all about the client.  When we engage in a normal conversation with a friend or colleague, we expect that each person will have their fair share of the time—not simply reacting but sharing their own ideas and experiences and carrying their part of th...

Looking for a master class in coaching?  Check out  Breakthrough Coaching: Creating Lightbulb Moments in Your Coaching Conversations  by Marcia Reynolds, a masterful coach.  The book is a fresh look at the basics of coaching written to encourage and challenge the practitioner.   Key topics are: ·        How to Embody a Coaching Mindset ·        Maintaining a Client-Centered Focus ·        What Is Their Desired Outcome Really? ·        Debugging the Operating System ·        Turning Insights into Commitments   An example of her approach is the way that she addresses empathy.     She explains,   “ Empathy doesn’t mean getting caught up in people’s emotions and dramas. There is a difference between empathy and sympathy. Sympathy is absorbing another’s emotions.  . ..  Empat...

Holy God, we acknowledge our need for your presence in our lives daily. We share our concerns, place them in your hands, and listen for Your Voice.   For those who have lost loved ones in recent days and still feel an emptiness in their lives. . . Lord, hear our prayer. For the homeless, the jobless, and those who barely survive on the margins of society . . . Lord, hear our prayer. For refugees, immigrants, and those who are misplaced . . . Lord, hear our prayer. For those whose lives are threatened by mindless war and violence each day . . . Lord, hear our prayer. For political, charitable, and ministry leaders who confront the problems of our world. . . Lord, hear our prayer. For the family and friends who love and support us . . . Lord, hear our prayer. For the People of God who are called to be light and salt in this needy world . . . Lord, hear our prayer.   And we thank you, God, for the reminders of your presence in the ordinary things of life.   For the touch of ...

With the cooperation of its member institutions, the Association of Theological Schools does an excellent job of tracking student enrollment.    The latest report provides insight into trends in the field and approaches to ministerial formation.   As of November 20, 2024, nearly all ATS schools have reported enrollment data. This study analyzes 260 schools that reported enrollment in both fall 2023 and to-date fall 2024.    Here are some highlights:   Master of Divinity  enrolment continues its annual decline, reflecting a decrease of 1.5 percent.  Although the basic degree for ordination in most ecclesial traditions, the number of students choosing this path shows a significant shift as a preparation for ministry.   Master of Arts  enrollment has increased by 1.3 percent. This includes some academic degrees (for example, Master of Arts in Theology) and more professionally oriented programs (such as emphases in spiritual formation,...

Milt Hughes passed away on November 5, 2024.     Milt made a significant impact on the lives of college students and collegiate ministers not only in the United States but around the world. After effective service as a campus Baptist Student Director in California, he accepted a position as evangelism consultant for National Student Ministries at the Baptist Sunday School Board.    For many of us, he refined the concept of “evangelism.”   In his Share Seminar material, Milt helped us to understand that effective evangelism is not a “one off” of sharing one’s testimony or the Four Spiritual Laws.  His approach began with the formation of the disciple as one whose walk with Christ empowered that witness.   I was preparing to teach Milt’s material on a campus in Arkansas, when I realized the full implications of John 7:38: “The one who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’” (NASB...