February 10, 2014
Coaching
A fellow Toastmaster of mine attended
a training session and then gave a report to our club. At the session the guest
speaker noted that some people are uncomfortable with the term “evaluation” and
that we might consider changing the terminology to “coaching.” Really. I wonder
how my college professors would react if I ask them to coach me in my assignments,
rather than grading my homework. I see this same temptation of softening our vocabulary
in the church. For example, many people are uncomfortable with God in the role
of Judge and they would rather demote Him to the position of evaluator, or
maybe even coach. The writer of Hebrews said, “For we know him who said, “It is
mine to avenge; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge his people.” (Heb 10:30 NIV)
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1 comment:
Gail;
-----The dishonesty of the practice needs to be fully appreciated. I am not a Toastmaster, so I don’t know the amount of actual coaching that might be involved. But “evaluation” is only one of several processes included in coaching. The two terms are no more equivalent than are “piston” and “engine” or “water” and “Jell-O”. Softening the vocabulary might rightly describe the intention behind the switch, but deceit rightly describes its effect. Next time you want a glass of water drink some Jell-O, then evaluate the wisdom of treating words like toys.
Love you all,
Steve Corey
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