The Necessity of A Christian Coach and Mentor

The Necessity of A Christian Coach and Mentor

-Leticia M. Starks-Underwood

My favorite basketball player is Kobe Bryant. When we look at how great of a player Kobe was on and off the basketball court, we must acknowledge that Kobe Bryant didn't become the dynamic superstar he was by himself. He had mentors and coaches to guide and coach the greatness out of him. For example, Phil Jackson had to coach the potential out of Kobe. Phil Jackson played in the NBA and won championships with the Chicago Bulls alongside Michael Jordan, Dennis Rodman, and Scottie Pippen before winning championships with the L.A. Lakers. Coach Phil Jackson had experience and knowledge that would help Kobe Bryant become a superstar. Having a coach and a mentor is a necessity for anyone who desires to advance in life and live their GOD-given purpose and dreams and not be destroyed by the pressure of life.

In addition, every great leader in the Bible had a mentor or coach to show them the way. Moses mentored Joshua so he would know what to do after the Israelites entered the Promise Land. Elijah taught and coached Elisha, who would pick up the mantle of Elijah. Paul mentored and coached Timothy in preparation for the ministry Timothy was called to. Jesus coached and mentored the 12 disciples in preparation for their ministry while walking with Jesus before his death and after the ascension of Jesus.

A mentor and coach are two very different things, but they both have the same goal: to help you become a better person who lives out your GOD-given purpose and destiny so that GOD would be glorified. A mentor takes you by the hand and guides you along the way. Mentors are there to help you make good decisions when you are not sure what to do. A coach helps guide us toward greatness in Christ!

A Christian mentor is a person who has been in your shoes before and has the experience to help you. They are typically are older than you, so they can give advice based on reallife experience. A mentor will also challenge you when needed, but not aggressively.

Mentors are there to encourage and inspire people who want to grow in their faith, career, and personal life or become a better person. Mentors don't just give advice; they also provide encouragement by reminding us of the faithfulness of GOD and His promises, furthermore showing us how to seek first the kingdom of GOD and keep GOD first in every area of our lives.

Dr. Myles Munroe said, "The potential of a seed is in the seed itself." A Christian coach recognizes the GOD-given potential and greatness in another; and makes it a priority to coach you to achieve your goals, potential, and dreams. A coach is not just someone who gives advice or counsel on a particular issue, but rather they are there with you as a confidant throughout the process of reaching your full potential and selfdiscovery.

The benefits of having a mentor and coach in your life are many. Mentors and coaches help you on the road of self-discovery, help stir up the greatness in you, help you to make good decisions, and help you to be a better person. They also help you when you feel stuck and need guidance. They're there to pray with and for you and wipe your tears when the journey becomes too hard. They're there with words of encouragement when you're ready to give up. They're there to discipline and instruct you when you lose your way for a season. They're there when you don't want them to be there because they have the ability to look past your mistakes and failures and see the potential in you that you can't see in yourself. Coaches and Mentors are there to believe in you until you come to the point to believe in yourself. Christian Mentors and Coaches teach you how to walk and talk with GOD.

A mentor is someone who takes you by the hand and guides you along the way. They may not always be around to help, but they are there for you when things get tough or confusing. A mentor is someone who has been through the same thing as you and knows what it's like, so they can tell you how to deal with your situation in a way that will work for both of them. This is especially important for young people who may not know exactly where their life is going or how to get there yet. A mentor can be anyone from your pastor to an older Christian friend or relative who has gone through similar experiences as you in life. Your coaches are essentially your mentors who can see things you cannot.

Who Is My Mentor and Coach?

I am so grateful for my mentor and coach, Dr. Oscar J. Nelson Dowdell-Underwood. I am blessed to have my mentor and coach play multiple roles in my life, from being my Apostle, Pastor, Grandfather, and Teacher. From a little girl I have always dreamt of living a meaningful and purposeful life that would serve GOD and help others. When I look at the purposed life that I want to live in Christ, I must be taught how to live that life, and there's no one greater than my Mentor and Coach who can teach and coach me. I understand that my potential and purpose has already been downloaded within me and must be unlocked to manifest.

Who Is Dr. Oscar J. Nelson Dowdell-Underwood?

Dr. Oscar J. Nelson DowdellUnderwood resides in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he is the founder and pastor of Destiny Dome Embassy at Cathedral of Praise Ministries, GOD'S I Am POSSIBLE CHURCH OF HOPE. He is also the founder, headmaster, and president of Cornerstone Christian Prep Day and High School International (C-Prep), and Cornerstone Christian Bible College International – Global (CCBCI-Global), GOD'S I AM POSSIBLE SCHOOL OF HOPE. In addition, to educating students in the classroom, teaching in the pulpit, and counseling people, he has written over 35 books.

Some of the Notable Achievements and Awards of Dr. Oscar J. Nelson DowdellUnderwood.

In 1977, Dr. Oscar J. Nelson DowdellUnderwood became Indiana's first African American teacher of the year and Nominee for national teacher of the year. From there, he left his successful career in suburban education to become principal at Ralph J. Bunche Elementary School in Fort Wayne, Indiana. As a result of implementing "The Underwood Model," the school's test scores increased dramatically at every grade level within one-two years in the school's history. Dr. Nelson Dowdell-Underwood then founded Cornerstone Christian College Prep Day and High School, where he unlocked and is yet unlocking the potential of students and staff from around the world. In 1998, he was awarded Indiana State Businessman of the Year. Dr. Nelson Dowdell-Underwood also testified before The United States Congressional Committee on Small Businesses. He received the Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction Award from the National Society of High School Scholars in 2018. In 2022, he introduced Former Vice-President Mike Pence, guest speaker, at the GOP Reagan Bean Dinner to highlight a few of Dr. Underwood's honors and achievements.

Thank you, Dr. Oscar J. Nelson Dowdell-Underwood

In addition to his passion for serving GOD and the Kingdom, Dr. Oscar J. Nelson Dowdell-Underwood has also dedicated himself to serving humanity in various ways so that those to whom GOD called him to can discover the possibilities within them. As the "Father of Possibility Education Awareness" and "The Father of Possibleology," Dr. Nelson Dowdell-Underwood's life, accomplishments, achievements, and honors are the result of trusting GOD, keeping GOD first in all endeavors, dreaming a dream, manifesting that dream, and listening to the coaches and mentors that GOD placed in his life. Therefore, I take the time to honor publicly and thank GOD for my apostle, mentor, coach, and grandpa, Oscar J. Nelson Dowdell-Underwood. Thank you for your example of serving humanity and displaying the Glory of GOD so that others may be empowered to make a difference in the world. Furthermore, thank you for your guidance, teachings, coaching, prayers, and sacrifices.