“Simply reading about coaching will not make you a coach.”  Tony Stoltzfus

Think about something you’ve learned and have not  yet implemented into your life.  Why not and what will it take to get you  to do that?

For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”).  (Acts 4:36a; NLT)

In my last Wednesday’s Daily Gram, I wrote about one of those individuals who make up that small handful of folks who have had a major impact on our lives.  I specifically referred to one of the principals of a start-up Christian-based coach-training organization, i.e., the individual responsible for writing most of the curriculum.  However, I cannot overlook the primary vision holder of that organization, and the one, without whom, it would never have gotten off the ground in the first place.

Today, I would like to tell you about yet another friend and mentor, Dr. Joseph Umidi.  Joseph is the one who had the vision to launch a coaching movement that would impact the Christian world and who, toward that goal, assembled the initial team that included Tony Stoltzfus.

I first met Dr. Umidi as one of my professors at Regent University.  I had him for a number of classes and was always impressed by his heart to incorporate practical ministry techniques into a highly academic seminary program.  After graduation, our paths crossed a couple of years later when he joined the ministerial staff of a large church that Sharon and I were blessed to be serving.  It was in that setting that Joseph invited us to join him in his living room to hear him unfold this vision regarding Christian-based lifestyle coaching.  That’s when we signed on.

Since that auspicious beginning, that coach training organization (formerly known as Transformational Leadership Coaching and now Lifeforming Leadership Coaching) has spread the coaching message and coach training literally around the word.  A couple days ago, I was thanking Tony for all that he has taught Sharon and I about coaching, but today I would be remiss to not thank Joseph for inviting us to be a part of his vision, wherein we met Tony.  Without Joseph, none of this would have happened.  If you understand the “lead domino” principle, Joseph was literally the lead domino in our being where we are today.

Most recently, Joseph paved the way for Regent University to invite me to teach his coaching course as an adjunct professor.  But that’s the next chapter that has yet to fully unfold.

Isn’t it exciting how God supernaturally networks people together?

Prayer Power
Lord, we both thank You for Joseph and the great vision You gave him to bring Christian Coaching to the world-wide church.  We pray for favor for him as he continues his travels and networking to advance that vision yet further.  Grant him the grace to not be taken off course by the naysayers that all men who carry great visions encounter.

Link of the Day
LifeForming Leadership Coaching

Blessings on you this day and every day as you remain open to the life-changing effect of a divine encounter.