Part II: Missional Coaching

July 11, 2013 | by | Leadership

There are certain essentials in life that are foundational and enduring. I call them the main and the plain things. For instance the main and plain of physical health are diet, exercise and rest. The main and plain of mental health are love, community and purpose. These things are basic, unchanging and proven. For me the main and plain of maintaining a healthy, long-lasting ministry have been calling, character, and coaching.

Most pastors I know work long hours, some at the expense of their health and relationships with their family and even the Lord. Once a person is called, demonstrates character and begins ministry, coaching seems to be a key to developing and maintaining healthy, lasting ministry. Coaching is a process of coming alongside a person or team and helping them discover and get on board God’s agenda for their lives and ministries. We call this missional coaching and in my opinion it’s the lack of this type of care that contributes to today’s alarmingly high ministerial casualty rate.

Pastors and leaders report feeling isolated and alone. Coaching provides support. Many are confused and frustrated. Coaching brings clarity. Pastors and leaders often struggle with fear of failure. Coaching can help them make preventative course adjustments. Missional coaching isn’t a program it’s personal. It’s not information or advice-giving, it’s discovery. Given the challenges and pressures they face, every pastor could use a coach.

The idea behind The Main & Plain is to provide pastors that are already serving and emerging leaders that are preparing to serve with coaching and care – the main and plain of lasting, effective ministry.

Let us know what ministry or leadership issues you’re struggling with or finding challenging. Perhaps we can offer some main & plain help. Contact me with your questions or comments at: [email protected]

There are certain essentials in life that are foundational and enduring. I call them the main and the plain things. For instance the main and plain of physical health are diet, exercise and rest. The main and plain of mental health are love, community and purpose. These things are basic, unchanging and proven. For me the main and plain of maintaining a healthy, long-lasting ministry have been calling, character, and coaching.

Most pastors I know work long hours, some at the expense of their health and relationships with their family and even the Lord. Once a person is called, demonstrates character and begins ministry, coaching seems to be a key to developing and maintaining healthy, lasting ministry. Coaching is a process of coming alongside a person or team and helping them discover and get on board God’s agenda for their lives and ministries. We call this missional coaching and in my opinion it’s the lack of this type of care that contributes to today’s alarmingly high ministerial casualty rate.

Pastors and leaders report feeling isolated and alone. Coaching provides support. Many are confused and frustrated. Coaching brings clarity. Pastors and leaders often struggle with fear of failure. Coaching can help them make preventative course adjustments. Missional coaching isn’t a program it’s personal. It’s not information or advice-giving, it’s discovery. Given the challenges and pressures they face, every pastor could use a coach.

The idea behind The Main & Plain is to provide pastors that are already serving and emerging leaders that are preparing to serve with coaching and care – the main and plain of lasting, effective ministry.

Let us know what ministry or leadership issues you’re struggling with or finding challenging. Perhaps we can offer some main & plain help. Contact me with your questions or comments at: [email protected]