Coaching in Ministry

Sometime ago, I wrote this about what coaching was doing in and through my relationship with those I was coaching…

TCI has a coaching program (www.thrivingchurches.com), so I was reflecting on that and I came across something I wrote several years ago that I thought might be of interest to you:

I have recently been coaching 5 gifted and talented pastors. I’ve recently added a denominational leader to my group. Each of these gifted people have high-octane ministries with challenging growth opportunities and significant barriers to overcome. Our twice monthly conversations are stimulating and challenging. And, I’m becoming a better leader through coaching.

All gifted leaders are similar in at least one respect…passion for what they do. My coaching group is no different. When we talk, I’m constantly encouraged by their heartbeat for ministry and their commitment to overcoming the barriers to growth. We’ve laughed, cried a little, and enjoyed the journey together. I’ve been praying for them more than I ever thought I would. Each of them are growing stronger, their ministries are getting larger, and their leadership is becoming more effective. I get to be part of that journey, and I’m the better for it.

Part of what has changed in me is thinking about “how” and “why”. It is easy, in the midst of a busy life, to only ask the “what” question. Coaching forces me to think through, with my colleagues, the “how” question. “How do you develop team members? How did you identify the top priorities of your ministry? How can I cultivate an evangelistic heart in our people?”. These questions invariably lead me to probe further and make sure the “why” of what we do is clear. Because I’m helping others refine their thinking, my own thinking gets clearer.

When I first started coaching, I wondered how much I’d have to share. Now I know that it is not primarily the learning resources (of which I try to share generously and frequently!) that I bring to the table, it is my heart for ministry and the working of God in my life and ministry. Indeed, the Wisdom Writer said many years ago, “Iron sharpens iron”. I believe it. I’m experiencing it. Coaching is making me a better leader! I’m glad I’m in the game and on the field of kingdom work.

So….how are you growing in your role as a leader by being part of a team and coaching each other to healthier ministry life?