For Pastors Only: The Five Seasons of Ministry When You Might Need the Help, Counsel and Wisdom of a Coach
Church leadership is rewarding, to say the least. We all began our work with the utmost hope and promise for the ministry God gave us.
But certain times and seasons in our ministry are pivotal moments where the rector can significantly benefit from guided expertise. This is what a coach can provide.
After all, most ordained ministers have many ideas and hopes for their ministry. We know what to do. But a coach can help you figure out what to do next.
Here are five critical seasons of ministry where enlisting the service of a coach could prove invaluable:
1. Getting Off a Plateau: It’s a familiar story — congregational growth and momentum have stalled, and despite earnest efforts, the church has been idling on the same plateau for over five years. A coach can provide a fresh perspective, helping to identify underlying issues, unlock new growth strategies, and breathe new life into the ministry.
2. Making a Fresh Start: A new rector stepping into church leadership is a season brimming with hope and potential but also laden with the challenges of transition. A coach’s role is to help the leader start on the right footing — setting attainable goals, creating effective strategies, and establishing a strong rapport with the congregation.
3. Making Big Plans: When a church is poised to launch major initiatives — a building campaign, significant outreach programs, new staff, or planting a new congregation — navigating these waters can be daunting. A coach can act as an experienced navigator, a wingman, helping to chart a visionary yet realistic course, ensuring that the mission and plan are clearly articulated and actionable.
4. Finishing Well: Pastors approaching retirement face the complex task of ensuring a smooth transition while contemplating their legacy. A coach is a confidant and guide to help the pastor reflect on their journey, plan for a seamless handover, and make the most impact with their remaining time in leadership.
5. Planting Mode: For a church planter, beginning a ministry from the ground up is exhilarating. A coach can be crucial at this juncture, aiding team dynamics, clarifying vision, and setting foundational practices to steer the new church toward sustainable growth.
A certified coach's discernment and specialized guidance are indispensable in each of these scenarios. As I have said, most pastors have vast reservoirs of creative ideas and passion for expanding their mission. However, a coach can help refine those ideas into steps, helping discern not only what to do and what comes next.
If you’re interested, please let me know. I have limited availability in my schedule. I can connect you with some church leaders I’ve worked with, and you can ask them about their experience.
The author, David Roseberry, is the Executive Director of Leaderworks. He is the author of many books found here. With over 40 years of ministry in the Episcopal and Anglican Church and as a Certified Life Coach, David leads the non-profit ministry of LeaderWorks and lives in the North Dallas area with his wife, Fran.
