Tim Olson, a coach friend of mine from here in Minneapolis, attended the conference in Charlotte on June 4 and 5. I asked him to share about his opportunity to connect there with other coaches interested a topic near and dear to his heart.
Linda Hedberg: Tim, I know you facilitated a roundtable discussion at the Christian Coaches Network conference a couple of weeks ago – the topic was coaching missionaries. Tell me about that.
Tim Olson: This was a great group of coaches who really want to have an impact on the world of missions to bring Jesus to the nations. Unfortunately, we all feel isolated and/or unsure how to go about it. In the round table, we were able to tell each other our experiences and vision for coaching this slice of society and to glean ideas and encouragement.
The fact is there are many coaching efforts happening “out there” but very little communication between them. The vision we shared at the round table was that some day, coaching will be an automatic part of a missionary’s schedule and support raising. We have seen the impact in terms of reducing burnout, increasing effectiveness and bringing life balance.
Linda: Tell me about the Mission Coaches Network.
Tim: Yes, I was asked to host the round table because of the Mission Coaches Network, which I co-started with Tina Stoltzfus-Horst. We have the same purpose: to learn from one another and to help lay tracks to take coaching to the world of missions. In effect, we hold a round table every month as a teleconference around various specific topics related to issues that both the missionaries and the coaches face.
Linda: Who attends the Mission Coaches Network teleconferences?
Tim: It is an open group and new coaches join us regularly. Interested coaches can contact me at mitolson@comcast.net for details on joining us.
Linda: Thanks, Tim!
Tim Olson has his own business as a personal life coach after years as a pastor, teacher, school principal, business owner and missionary. In addition, he works as a leadership coach for Dads First, a ministry for fathers in the US and in Ukraine. Also a speaker and writer, Tim received his coach training in the Christian track of the Institute for Life Coach Training. He is a member of the Christian Coaches Network. Tim can be reached at mitolson@comcast.net. <
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