by Pamela Mertz, PCC, CPCC Director of Education, CCNI
Rom 15:14 admonish one another Col 3:16
Admonish is not a word we use very often, and even if we do, it’s not widely known as a good thing. However, it is a command that Paul wrote about a couple of times, to the Roman church and to the Colossians. It must be important or it wouldn’t be in the Bible for us to read and learn about.
When I first began to study this word, I came at it with my own preunderstanding of admonishment. I had it in the same category as chastisement and criticism. Neither of those is enjoyable or desirable to deliver as a “one another” command. What I have learned is that this is a way for us to be made aware of our blind spots. I know I really need that from others in my life. There are times when I can be so consumed by passion and excitement about a concept or opinion that I am blind to details that could be very important to consider.
Admonishment is a “gentle correction” or a warning when we are not fully aligned with God. I want that from others in my life, for sure! I give my “one anothers” full permission to admonish me.
As coaches, we are not to be “correctors” but our coaching can provide such clarity that admonishment takes place and self-correction occurs. As we listen at several levels, hopefully often at Level 4 where we are listening in to the Holy Spirit and to our client, we form our powerful questions. These powerful questions can admonish in ways that are not directive, but direct communication. Perhaps a client goes on and on about blaming others and makes excuses for their own part in a situation. You know that they highly value integrity, so you can ask, “How does this statement reflect your high value of integrity?” or “What level of integrity are you tapping into right now?” These are the kind of questions that are “one question away from being fired”. And a good coach will not shy away from such questions, as that is where transformation takes place.
We don’t want to shy away from difficult, direct communication with our clients and it can often look like admonishment. Know that this is a command from God on how to interact with those in our lives well. Our clients need this type of bold communication from us.
As you think about your coaching practice, how are you at operating in this space of admonishment? How might you stretch yourself in your next call while exploring admonishing?
Pamela Mertz, CPCC, PCC is passionate about Christian coaching and loves sharing how God continues to show her how impactful it is for the world! She works with many Christian coaches around the globe through her roles at Promised Land Living, Professional Christian Coaching Institute and CCNI as Board Secretary. For more information about Pamela you can visit her website at www.blueprintlife.com
