Coaching: The Art and Weight of Leadership

James 3:1 reminds us of the weight that comes with teaching. It warns that those who step into that role will be judged more strictly. And while that message is geared towards spiritual leaders, it absolutely applies in other areas of life—athletics included. Not every great player becomes a great coach, and not every great coach was ever a top-tier athlete. That reality speaks to just how complex leadership and mentorship are.

Being a standout athlete doesn’t always mean someone will become a good coach. A lot of players succeed because of their natural talent, physical gifts, or consistent work ethic. But those qualities don’t automatically teach someone how to lead. Coaching requires something totally different: the ability to communicate clearly, connect with people, and break things down in a way others can understand. If an athlete never had to self-reflect on their own performance, they may struggle to explain what made them successful.

On the flip side, some of the most impactful coaches didn’t have standout athletic careers. Some may have only played at a basic level—or not at all. But they studied the game. They watched, learned, and gained a broader perspective. Often, they see things others miss. They identify patterns, recognize potential, and help players grow in ways that more naturally gifted athletes might overlook.

The heart of coaching is the relationship between a coach and their players. A great coach earns trust and respect, but also knows when to push an athlete to their edge. That’s hard to balance if the coach leans too heavily on their own past accomplishments. The best coaches invest time in understanding their athletes. They create spaces where players feel seen, supported, and motivated to improve.

So… coaching is about more than knowledge or experience—it’s about mentorship. It takes patience, self-awareness, and a heart for growth. James 3:1 reminds us that leadership isn’t something to take lightly. On the court or off, the best coaches are measured not by their resumes, but by the lives they’ve helped shape.