Do You Need a Coach for Ministry?

Coaches help you see the distance…and then go the distance.

It is an honor for me to serve pastors and leaders as a coach. What a privilege! But if you have never had a coach or wonder what kind of coach I’d be, let me give you a few ideas about how I work and try to serve the people I work with.

What’s Next?

Most of the leaders know where they want to take their church or organization. They know what to do, but they may not know what to do next. I’m that guy who can help the leader figure out the next step in their journey toward the mission.

I provide coaching to help faithful leaders excel in their work. I am a Certified Life Coach with extensive experience in church work, staff development, church growth, capital fundraising, congregational leadership, board leadership, preaching, communication, and fundraising.

I help leaders lead and execute their ministry by assisting them in finding and refining their next best steps, considering all options, taking action, and evaluating and celebrating the results.

Your Agenda

We meet (usually) twice a month on the phone. We pray together and catch up on news and family (most of these guys have become friends). And then I’ll turn it back to you with a quick “Whatcha got today?” The agenda is set by your situation or circumstances. Our sessions, usually on Zoom, are yours.

Untie Knots

Our sessions are yours; it is your time, and we will follow your agenda and address your needs and pressing issues. But usually, the leader is trying to untie a knot somewhere in the organization. It is a metaphor for straightening things out. Whether it’s setting goals, addressing challenges, talking through staff or clergy issues, or whatever else, we focus on what matters to you most.

Caddy

In a way, I will be like a caddy to you. It will always be your game, your swing, your approach, your ability, your calling, and your decision. But I can help you with club selection, interpret wind conditions, read the ambient temperature, or offer hard-earned wisdom. Our sessions are yours; it is your time, and we will follow your agenda and address your needs and pressing issues.

Conservation of Energy

To address church issues, I will help you (and mostly remind you) to act/think/lead like an executive leader. There is a lot to do. You have a lot on your plate. My coaching style is to help you see where one area of your work or life is pulling against another. I help leaders set priorties and goals with this idea in mind: Leaders must remember that they can do anything they want; but they can’t do everything they want.

How Often?

We talk twice a month, usually for 60+ minutes. In addition, I will be on call for you anytime. If you have an additional question or issue or want to talk through something, call anytime. If you, for example, want me to read over a parish letter for a fundraising program, etc., give me what I need to read and respond to. I usually turn something around and get it back within 24 hours.

And As Needed/Requested

For example, a church leader wrote me a quick question the other day about what makes a sustainable church. I wrote back a quick outline. I gave him my best thoughts in a finished form he could present to his Vestry. That is the kind of thing I can offer, which is included in the fee.

Fee for Time

My normal rate for coaching is $300/month for two calls and whatever else is needed. For example, you can practice a presentation with me over the phone before a meeting. You can ask me to read parts of a parish communication or review a due diligence report or the criteria for a staff position. If there are more complex ministries you are leading, we might need to adjust the fee.

But I want to add this: If I am doing a good job for you and you show up for the calls on time, engage in the process, and be prepared to meet as we do, you will find that all coaching and consulting are free. That’s right. You’ll discover that whatever you pay, you will be paid back in time saved, mistakes unmade, energy conserved, funds raised, and staff developed.

Usually, I ask the leader to buy a six-month package to get started. After six months, you will know if it is working for you. Let me know if you want to talk to some leaders I have worked with. They have all become friends, and I know they will give you honest feedback.

If I can help you further, email me, and I’ll send you a link for an appointment.

Let’s do it! Let’s do it together!

Grace and peace,
The Rev. Canon David Roseberry
David@LeaderWorks.org