Iron sharpens iron

 

What does coaching offer to individuals in church leadership?

Proverbs 27:17 says: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

One critical issue facing some ministry leaders today is isolation. This may be due to painful experiences associated with criticism, betrayal of confidences, or simply the overwhelm of the needs of your ministry.

 

How do you tackle isolation?

Coaching may provide the answer for you. “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

Coaching is not counseling, mentoring or advising. Christian Coaching involves:

• Confidential one-to-one conversations
• Integrating a biblical worldview
• Using a forward-thinking, Spirit-driven process
• Creating action plans aimed to fulfill your God-given purpose and calling.

As a coach, I partner with you, as a ministry leader, in a way that is outlined in Proverbs 20:5, which says: “The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.”

 

What does research* reveal as the most useful outcomes of coaching for ministry leaders?

Arising out of learning through the coaching experience, ministry leaders may experience:

• Increased sense of efficacy
• Improved performance
• Increased resilience and resourcefulness
• Overall development
• Maturity

 

What are other possible outcomes from working with a coach?

Coaching clients reported positive coaching impacts in the 2017 International Coaching Federation Global Consumer Awareness Study. These included:

• Improved communication skills
• Increased self-esteem/self-confidence
• Increased productivity
• Optimized individual/team performance
• Improved work/life balance
• Increased well-being

 

What topics may be discussed during a session?

Each session is unique to the individual. For ministry leaders, some topics may include but aren’t limited to:

• Ministry focus
• Time management
• Handling disappointment
• Vision drift

 

Does coaching ensure confidentiality?

Yes! Coaching provides a safe and protected space to talk openly about any and every situation or challenge.

Credentialed coaches, like myself, uphold the strictest confidentiality, giving church leaders a unique conversation opportunity. The International Coaching Federation Code of Ethics requires coaches maintain the strictest levels of confidentiality with all client and sponsor information unless release is required by law.

 

How do you connect for a coaching conversation?

As a  one-to-one conversation, coaching may take place in the way that works best for you: in person, via telephone, or by video using a computer or mobile phone.

Call me at 336-317-8938 to set up your no-cost introductory conversation today.

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:9–12

 

 

* Source: Evaluating coaching and mentoring in the pastoral ministry, Theresa Hammond, Welwyn Garden City, United Kingdom; Published in the International Journal of Evidence Based Coaching and Mentoring Special Issue No. 10, June 2016