Congregational coaching FAQs
Here are the questions I hear most often when churches are exploring the possibility of using a coach to help with transition navigation.
Why does my church need an outsider’s help?
It is difficult for the people in any system to see beyond the past and present to what could be. As an outsider I can probe past events and current behaviors and attitudes that your church accepts as normal or universal. That enables you to see opportunities and make changes you would not have been able to conceive of otherwise.
How is congregational coaching different from consulting?
There are different types of consulting, but with each there is usually some expectation that the consultant is the “expert.” I believe that you are the expert on your church and community. I also know that for your congregation to follow through on named actions, you must design them. As a coach, then, I bring the tools, guidance, and encouragement to help you own your expertise and to come up with your own plans.
What is a Professional Certified Coach?
The International Coaching Federation, the world’s most recognized oversight body of coaches, awards the Professional Certified Coach (PCC) designation to coaches who have undertaken at least 125 hours of training, completed 500 hours or more of coaching, received 10-plus hours of mentor coaching, and demonstrated proficiency in core competencies through a performance evaluation. As of early 2023, I have trained for over 225 hours and coached for over 1500 hours. This total does not include the dozens of hours I have spent working with groups, teams, and entire congregations.
Are you telling other congregations the same things you’re telling ours?
I am telling other churches that they are gifted and called by God, because I believe that. I tailor all processes to the particular congregation I am working with, however. I do not believe a cookie-cutter approach is faithful or effective.
Why does congregational coaching come with this price tag?
The short answer is: for all of the reasons named above. Your church is making an investment in its future, and the return is related to how much the congregation is willing to sacrifice, not just in money but also in time and effort.