Every Pastor Needs a Coach
Hiking with an experienced trail guide is so much better than being handed a map. An experienced trail guide anticipates the challenges to be faced on the trail. There are no surprises that the trail guide hasn’t already faced. A Ministry Coach is just like that trail guide helping the leader navigate the inevitable challenges that go with leading a faith based organization. Here are some reasons you need a Ministry Coach:
1. Outside Viewpoint
It is easy to lose perspective when each day brings new challenges. A Ministry Coach is able to see things from the outside, helping to provide valuable perspective on what needs to be done to keep the organization moving in the right direction. A coach often has a different perspective taken from personal experiences in problem solving in ministry.
2. Healthy Boundaries
The needs of the people in the church are never ending. Without healthy boundaries burnout is inevitable. Too often the family gets the smoke after the candle has burned out, which leads to unhealthy marriages and children that feel neglected. A coach can assist in defining when ministry becomes an unhealthy mistress. The church is the bride of Christ and is not in need of another mate.
3. Messy Ministry
Letting a staff member go is far more sticky than letting a person go at a secular job. The church is not just the person’s employer but also the place of community and close relationships. Extra care is required for shepherding staff members. There are also the messy conversations that go with members who are choosing to leave. It is so helpful to have a coach who can encourage and affirm when these tough hits come.
4. Church Unique
Every church and every pastor is unique. There are the unique gifts and abilities of each pastor. No one is omni-competent. The size and location of the church will also impact the responsibilities of the pastor in leading the church to impact the region for Christ. A church that is stagnant has different challenges from those that are experiencing growth pains. A coach can help develop a custom approach to seeing the church maximize the potential.
5. Vision
“Where there is no vision, people perish.” Proverbs 29:18
Yogi Berra, “If you don’t know where you are going, you might end up there.”
A coach can help define the vision, mission and direction of the church. Aligning the various ministries around a common vision is essential for the church to flourish over the long haul.
6. Encouragement and support
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.” Romans 12:15
Too often pastors move from one initiative to the next without every celebrating the wins. It is essential to take a breather and thank God for the victories that He provides.
7. Lifelong Leaning
When you are through learning, you are through! A coach will supply a rich list of resources and tools to stay fresh in ministry.
Howard Hendricks once asked an older prof what kept him studying and learning. He responded, “I want my students drinking from a running spring, not a stagnant pond.
