By Joel Comiskey, How to be a Great Cell Group Coach
One of my favorite films is Chariots of Fire. It tells the riveting true story of two Olympic runners, Eric Liddell and Harold Abrahams, and their quest for gold at the 1924 Paris Olympics. Both men were intense and fiercely competitive. Yet their motivations and temperaments couldn’t have been more different.
What fascinates me most is the role others played in preparing them for success. Abrahams hired the legendary Sam Mussabini to sharpen his speed and help him channel his intense competitive drive.
Liddell was also surrounded by people who encouraged and strengthened him as he pursued excellence while holding firmly to his core conviction: running for the glory of God, not personal acclaim. Both men crossed the finish line as Olympic champions, and both benefited from people who helped prepare and strengthen them for the race.
The dynamic we see in Liddell and Abrahams isn’t unique to athletics; Scripture shows the same pattern in spiritual leadership.
Coaching in Scripture
Scripture is filled with relationships that illustrate what we now call coaching. Jethro coached Moses in the wilderness, affirming him, naming his blind spots, and helping him restructure Israel into leaders of tens, fifties, hundreds, and thousands (Exodus 18). Barnabas came alongside Paul through encouragement and partnership (Acts 9, 11, 13). Elijah prepared Elisha to step confidently into his prophetic calling.
These weren’t random mentoring moments. Rather, they were intentional, developmental relationships. And while Jesus modeled discipleship primarily in a group context, Scripture captures the one-on-one dynamic well through the idea of coaching: coming alongside a leader to offer encouragement, accountability, and fresh perspective.
Coaching in the Cell Church
The same principle holds true in cell ministry. David Yonggi Cho, the pioneer of the modern cell church movement, put it plainly: “The most important role in cell ministry is that of the section leader (coach).” Cho understood that cell leaders thrive when someone walks with them–encouraging, developing, caring for, and strategizing alongside them. Leaders left to fend for themselves rarely flourish over the long haul.
Jim Egli’s Ph.D. research, surveying 3,000 cell leaders across 20 countries, reached the same conclusion: “Quality coaching of cell leaders was the most important factor in establishing a successful cell system.” Of all the variables Egli tested, coaching came out on top.
What God modeled through one-on-one relationships in Scripture is exactly what cell leaders need today.
Prioritizing the Coach
So how do we prioritize coaching?
First, we must continually develop leaders into coaches; the need for new coaches never stops.
Second, we must help senior pastors and leadership teams understand why coaching matters and why it deserves intentional investment. Many churches assume leaders will “figure it out,” but isolation is one of the surest ways to stall multiplication. Without coaching, even gifted leaders eventually plateau, become discouraged, or drift from the church’s vision.
This September, we’ll explore how churches can make coaching a genuine priority—not simply by creating another layer of structure, but by developing coaches who care for leaders, listen well, ask the right questions, and keep multiplication in view. If healthy cells depend on healthy leaders, healthy leaders need someone walking alongside them.
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Here’s what we’ll cover:
- September 06–12: Scriptural reasons for coaching.
Scripture repeatedly shows the power of coming alongside others, from Jethro and Moses to Elijah and Elisha, Paul and Barnabas, and ultimately points us to the Holy Spirit, our divine Helper who guides and strengthens believers. - September 13–19: How to coach.
Listening and asking questions form the foundation of coaching. Effective coaches draw out leaders’ needs rather than simply teaching or talking. - September 20–26: Caring and friendship.
Relational coaching is essential. Some coaching structures emphasize results, but biblical coaching begins with friendship that builds trust. - September 27–October 03: Planning to make disciples.
The goal of cell ministry is to make disciples who make disciples. Coaches help leaders identify potential leaders, ensure everyone is equipped, emphasize reporting, and cast vision for multiplication.