Coaching, as developed for pastors, is one-on-one conversations with a person who understands the complex challenges of pastoral ministry, listens carefully and asks questions that help a pastor think in new ways. Through these coaching conversations, the Coach also provides a source of accountability, personal support and when needed, direction and guidance.

History of Coaching

Coaching has long been recognized in the business world as a uniquely valuable tool for strengthening corporate leadership. Corporations have been hiring Coaches for their top executives for over 20 years. Today executives in most major corporations are working with Coaches. 

The church has more recently begun to explore the value of coaching for developing effective pastoral leadership. Twin Cities based Clergy Coaches, one of the first coaching resources designed exclusively for pastors, has been providing coaching since 2000. Pastors, who have worked with a Coach, have reported and demonstrated the value of coaching. This affirmation has encouraged the wider use of Coaches to support pastors in their leadership with the broader goals of building stronger congregations and a healthier church. 

Philosophy of Coaching

Coaching, as offered through Clergy Coaches, is based on the following philosophy:

• The coaching relationship is collegial and supportive
• Coaching is most valuable when it helps pastors discover their own solutions to complex leadership issues
• Issues are clarified and solutions revealed through talking with a Coach skilled in careful listening and asking helpful questions

The Coaching Conversation

The coaching conversation is rooted in basic goals and a logical sequence to achieve those goals. The strategy for addressing coaching goals is to: 

• Clarify the goals of the person being coached
• Identify internal and external barriers to reaching these goals
• Develop effective strategies to overcome barriers and achieve the goals
• Support and challenge the person being coached
• Acknowledge and celebrate progress 

Coaching with 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 two to three times each month.
• 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 for 12 coaching 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.