In ministry, there are many expectations, some are self-imposed, some are put upon ministers from congregants, colleagues, staff members, society, etc.  Working with a coach can help an individual be more fully who they are, using the gifts and strengths that God has given to serve God and to minister to humankind.

I have worked with a coach for approximately seven years.  Sometimes, on a frequent and regular basis, at other times for a supportive checking-in, an opportunity for grounding and to feel encouraged and supported in my strengths and gifts.  Coaching has helped me to embrace and engage more fully who I am as a minister, an individual and a professional. In being more fully the person that God has created me to be and to continue to become, I have more energy and resources to respond to the calling that God invites me to live.

I am a coach.  I coach clergy, individuals and/or groups connected to faith based institutions, such as seminaries, colleges or universities, denominations and denominational institutions, and congregations.  It is not uncommon, when someone asks about the work I do, to be met with many questions. One of the first questions is often “What do you coach?” and always I must explain that I am not speaking of a sports team, as if there is a big clergy intramural league.  Frequently, there will be a connection to business or executive coaching but it is not uncommon for that connection to be made with a bit of negativism or association to a problem to be fixed or maybe a reprimand.  Coaching can be helpful in difficult situations, but coaching is not about fixing people or situations. 

Coaching is a relationship that allows individuals and groups to stretch to their greatest potential.  “Coaching is partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.”  (from the International Coach Federation, Code of Ethics, 2008)

“Professional Coaching is an ongoing professional relationship that helps people produce extraordinary results in their lives, careers, businesses or organizations.  Through the process of coaching, clients deepen their learning, improve their performance, and enhance their quality of life.  In each meeting, the client chooses the focus of conversation, while the coach listens and contributes observations and questions.  This interaction creates clarity and moves the client into action.  Coaching accelerates the client’s progress by providing greater focus and awareness of choice.  Coaching concentrates on where clients are now and what they are willing to do to get where they want to be in the future.” 

(from the International Coach Federation, Code of Ethics,  2005)

Working with a coach is a benefit.  As a consultant, it is common, for me, to recommend a congregation provide a coach for the pastor and ministerial staff members, for individuals or for a staff team to help the ministers be more of who they are and to stretch and grow as healthy clergy.   Congregations can provide a coach for the pastor and staff and may find, not only benefits for their clergy but the benefits impact the entire system of the congregation to live healthier and more fully.