When coaching someone, there is power in using a "what if" question. In this blog, I want to encourage you to use the "what if" question as you coach others and seek to help them assist others to come up with solutions to the problems they might face in life, leadership, and ministry. Read on to discover more about using this helpful "tool."
First, let me provide an example of a "what if" question. Paul is a church planter who has successfully formed and launched a growing new church. Last Sunday, he was dreaming about multiplying his church by planting a daughter church using a site campus in a nearby community. His friend, Joe, shares his vision and meets with Paul to discuss how their church can multiply. He begins the conversation by asking Joe to open their meeting with prayer and start by asking him any question that might guide them into their discussion. Joe starts with the question: "What if God were to raise up ten key church planting team leaders from our church? – Who might they be?"
Asking a "what if" question is a great way to open a conversation. And, it puts the focus of your conversation on the Lord and His work through the person with whom you are speaking or coaching.
A "what if" question can help the person or group brainstorm possibilities. It empowers people to move beyond single ideas to big dreams given by the Lord. (see Eph. 3:20-21)
This kind of coaching question helps another person stretch their expectations and imagine the actors and plans in God's vision. It helps people begin to believe that with God, all things are possible. (Matt. 19:26) After all, God is in the possibility business.
The "what if" question is a great way to help some others take the first steps toward the accomplishment of their goals or action steps. This makes it a great leadership tool.
These kinds of questions also bring encouragement and much-needed hope. In the above example, Paul may only see one out of his ten want to be part of a new church plant, but even ten percent who sign-on can be an encouraging start.
I'm sure there are other benefits of asking "what if" questions, so what can you add to this list? What if you were asking your friend "what if?"
[Photo by Florian Klauer on Unsplash]