As Immanuel Coaches, our role is like the chaperone on a date. If you picture a car, Jesus is the driver, the Receiver is the passenger and the Coach is in the back seat. If these roles get switched, the process will be hindered. The goal of intimacy cannot be attained without Jesus at the wheel.
In this picture from an episode of Seinfeld, Jerry and his date are accompanied by their chaperone, Kramer. Think of the woman as the Receiver in an Immanuel session and Jerry as Jesus (forgive me Jesus…). Now look at the picture again…Who is driving? Obviously Kramer has taken over the session and Jesus (Jerry) is relegated to the back seat.
Sometimes the Coach jumps into the driver’s seat. Sometimes even the Receiver can take the wheel. We need to be aware when this is happening and get Jesus back into the driver’s seat as soon as possible!
According to Dr. Karl Lehman, Coaches of an Immanuel Session “provide the overall structure / framework for the Immanuel Approach”
- By directing the recipient through the steps for establishing the initial interactive connection with Jesus,
- By coaching the person to focus on Jesus and ask Him for help at any point she needs guidance or other assistance,
- By repeatedly coaching the person to describe whatever comes into her awareness,
- By periodically checking the status of the recipient’s connection with Jesus,
- By helping the person re-establish an interactive connection at any point this is lost,
- By employing troubleshooting tools when the recipient has difficulty connecting with Jesus, and
- By leading her back to the initial positive memory and interactive connection whenever this safety net is needed.
“If the facilitator doesn’t recognize the importance of providing the structure for the Immanuel approach by providing direction with respect to the process, then she won’t take responsibility for providing this structure carefully and competently.”
The Immanuel Approach (to Emotional Healing and to Life), Chapter 25: Let Jesus Drive. P. 1.
Karl D. Lehman, M.D.