Congruency Coaching for Gen Z Athletes

In this episode, we dive into Congruency Coaching for Gen Z Athletes as Rob speaks with Luke Jones, Partnership Liaison for Reclaim Today—a division of Our Daily Bread Ministries focused on engaging millennials and Gen Z. Luke shares valuable insights into the challenges Gen Z faces, including information overload, skepticism towards authority, and their deep craving for authenticity.

Together, they explore how coaches and leaders can engage Gen Z athletes more meaningfully through techniques like reverse coaching, competence, and the power of honest apology. Discover how 'the ministry of presence' can help connect young people with God in ordinary moments, potentially key for both spiritual and identity formation. Key topics include the importance of authenticity, navigating information overload, building trust, and the challenges of mobilizing Gen Z from awareness to action. Listen in to learn how to foster genuine relationships while coaching the whole person in a holistic approach.

Key Topics Covered:

• Why authenticity and congruency matter deeply to Gen Z
• Navigating the information overload: competence vs. laziness
• Reverse coaching: mutual learning between athletes and coaches
• Why Gen Z may be skeptical of authority—but still deeply hungry for mentorship
• Coaching moments that build (or break) trust and character
• Identity and sport: why coaches must help athletes discompartmentalize
• The challenge of mobilizing Gen Z from awareness to action
• How presence, silence, and vulnerability build relationships

Notable Quotes:

• “Authenticity is huge. To miss that is to miss the heart of the student and the heart of the athlete.”
• “We’ve been trained in the arts of filtering. So we recognize filters easily.”
• “The life of a disciple is a planned, intentional life. And coaching can mirror that.”
• “Don’t get mad at Gen Z. Get busy with them.” —Tim Elmore (via Luke)

Resources Mentioned:

• Reclaim Today: reclaimtoday.org
• Books: Emotionally Healthy Spirituality, Renovation of the Heart, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, Celebration of Discipline

Connect with Luke: luke.jones@odb.org

Reach out via reclaimtoday.org

The Impactful Coaching Project (ICP) seeks to develop coaches that coach the whole person. ICP is the thought leader in coaching the 21st century athlete and produces training, information, and research to help coaches develop. For more information, check out https://impactfulcoachingproject.substack.com/ or contact us at rob@impactfulcoachingproject.com.