Coaching is one-on-one conversations with a person who listens carefully, asks helpful questions, and understands the complex challenges of pastoral ministry. This coaching relationship is dedicated to exploring both immediate issues and long range goals while providing personal support, a source of accountability and, when helpful, direction and guidance. Click here to see our Philosophy & Process of Coaching.
History of Coaching
Executive Coaching is rooted in the coaching of athletes and musicians to perform at their top level, some becoming "world class". Corporations recognized that a similar coaching relationship could enable executives to provide more effective leadership. The success of executive Coaching over the last three decades has led to in increasing numbers of corporations providing Coaches for their top leaders.
Coaching and Church Leadership
The church has more recently begun using coaching as a primary means of leadership support for a variety of specific ministries as well as general parish ministry. Twin Cities based Clergy Coaches, one of the early coaching resources designed exclusively for pastors, began providing coaching in 2000. Pastors who have worked with a Coach consistently comment on the value the coaching has had for them both personally and professionally. Through more effective leadership, coaching has also benefited the congregations they serve and contributed to the building of a healthier church.
Clergy Coaches is…
- Efficient – Coaching sessions
are offered on the telephone allowing
for maximum flexibility and efficient
use of the Pastor's time. A coaching
session is normally 30 minutes long and
is generally scheduled every other week.
- Performance Based – Coaching is
intended to support Pastors in clarifying
challenges, developing leadership effectiveness,
and achieving professional goals.
Coaching is not for Pastors in the midst of
crisis.
- Cost Effective – The cost of coaching
for 12 sessions is $600 – much less than
any comparable individual leadership
resource. Some judicatories and an
increasing number of congregations are
providing financial support. Scholarships
are available for those who would not otherwise
be able to afford coaching. You
may wish to talk with your judicatory and
congregation about your desire to work
with a Coach. Contact Clergy Coaches if
you would like to apply for a scholarship.
- Confidential – The content
of coaching is confidential.
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