Ministry Coach – why have one?
Today, Ministry Coaching for Pastors and Church Professionals is a necessity. Many Pastors and Church Staff feel isolated in their positions. Church professionals spent significant time receiving training in their area of specialization. Yet, the world is constantly changing and offering new challenges. Learning needs to continue and we can’t always have the experience that makes the best responses possible.
Too often, leaders tend to rely on what they know or have done in the past. Sooner or later, they discover that things are not going as smoothly in these rapidly changing times. Conflicts and tensions arise over choices and personalities. Knowing what to do next is confusing. Even the best leaders must constantly learn new skills, be aware of their context, and stand ready to lead their congregations in reaching new people for Jesus Christ. It is not an easy task, is it?
Even the world #1 tennis players have a coach – so why not you? Yes, it can be challenging to find someone you can trust to honestly reflect with you on your effectiveness, needs, and find fresh opportunities to serve your community. But finding that person will strengthen your ministry.
Having regular contact with a Ministry Coach can make the difference between getting by or getting there. A skilled coach can help you accomplish your ministry goals and sort out the complexities of interpersonal relationships, stress and choices.
What is a Ministry Coach?
A Ministry Coach is a trained/certified or very experienced person who understands ministry and have successful experience working with Pastors and Church Professionals. They are people who know how to help you maximize your effectiveness and not just tell you what to do! They also have interpersonal skills that help them to know you well enough to be an honest sounding board for the issues and celebrations you face in your work.
Working with a Coach is not a sign of weakness. In fact, it takes a dedicated leader to recognize areas of improvement and accountability. It takes maturity and commitment to always be seeking to grow as a person and in ministry. If you have these qualities than entering into a coaching relationship can bring new vitality to your service.
How do You Find a Good Coach?
Finding a good coach that you can trust is vital! Ask your supervisors, judicatory leaders and colleagues if they have a ministry coach or know the names of good coaches. Sometimes you can locate these individuals on-line. Find out who others admire for their skillset in listening and discerning fresh directions.
Once you have a few names, contact them to learn their approach, availability and fee. This conversation often results in a first session so that you can become better acquainted and discern if they are a good fit for your needs. Treat this contact as a job interview and prepare questions in advance of your initial meeting. You will need to know how they were trained and what ministry specializations or credentials they hold. Inquire how long they have served as a ministry coach and ask them to provide concrete examples of what they have accomplished in working with Ministers.
How Does It Work?
My clients set our session’s date/time, topic and talking points. I find that regular sessions work best for my clients so we arrange the coaching session date and time to fit our schedules. Most clients meet with their coach monthly (although sometimes it may be best to meet more often if you find yourself in a new situation or one that is extremely stressful). Setting the session times is best done in advance at the end of each coaching conversation. Sessions typically last for 60 minutes.
Conversations with your coach should fit your style and location. They should be convenient. Most coaches are flexible in how you accomplish your session. Perhaps there are coaches who live close enough to your location that they can meet with you in person. Most of my clients live all over the country, so we utilize Skype or the telephone.
The approach I use is called the GROW model. It is an effective way to assess a situation and work through the challenges you face. This method often produces adaptive leaders who generate the next steps they need to take in order to be efficient. It stands for:
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- Goal – what are you trying to accomplish?
- Reality check – what is your specific situation? What have you tried?
- Options – name 2-3 ways you could resolve your concern?
- Will do – what will you commit to doing? Are there any obstacles that we need to address that could prevent a successful resolution?
Coaching works best when your coach asks appropriate questions that stimulate your thinking, provide fresh approaches and necessary feedback. This respects your ability to be accountable in achieving your objectives while growing in your leadership abilities.
Conclusion
Church ministers who utilize ministry coaching often report a better self-awareness of their gifts and abilities, a well-focused productivity and less isolation. They find new ways to deal with tension and difficult situations. They become learning leaders who are productive and effective.
Consider coaching!