This weekend I had the opportunity to coach at the USA Gymnastics level 9 Eastern National Championships. Besides watching and cheering for young, talented gymnasts, I also had a chance to talk with coaching friends from around the country. One thing I noticed: The most successful clubs have a strong head coach.
Effective head coaches surround themselves with high- quality support coaches. These head coaches also communicate their plans, purposes and visions to the staff. They build a cohesive support staff by encouraging and exchanging ideas, delegating responsibility and empowering the other coaches with the authority to get the job done. Though the head coach is ultimately the final authority in all decisions, they never ignore the concerns and suggestions of their coaches.
This is a metaphor for how Christ runs His church in the world. He is the authority over the earthly church just as He is the authority in the heavenly kingdom. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18).
The risen Lord communicates His plans, purposes and visions for the church in the world to His disciples. He gives them responsibilities and empowers them with the Holy Spirit to get His work done “on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). He is the final authority, yet, through the Holy Spirit He gives His disciples authority to complete the work He calls them to as the church.
In the world today, Jesus communicates with the earthly church through His Word as well the moving of the Holy Spirit. The church is Christ’s support staff in the world.
Photo by Sarah Noltner
Denise Larson Cooper has a passion for Christ and sharing His Word. A wife and mother of two daughters, Denise currently works as a gymnastic coach.
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