Why Coaching?
By Shawn Herkstroeter, GIA Director of Coaching
Even the strongest and most gifted ministry workers were never meant to lead alone. Just take a look at 1 Kings 19. Following one of the greatest displays of God’s power in Scripture, Elijah suddenly found himself isolated, exhausted, and afraid. This extreme stress and adversity drove him to self-isolation and wanting to die.
While today’s ministry workers may not face the extreme circumstances that Elijah was in, they are certainly challenged in many ways. On the outside, they may appear composed and capable. But internally, many are carrying stress, fatigue, uncertainty, and isolation. This often leads to unhealthy coping mechanisms that deteriorate one’s personal health and relationships.
Coaching is an impactful tool for helping ministry workers just not survive another day, but thrive. Here are 5 reasons why coaching is effective:
Coaching creates personalized growth. The person being coached is always in the “driver’s seat” and can bring any topic to a coaching session. What follows is often an introspective and collaborative conversation that is forward focused.
Coaching provides outside perspective. Connecting with someone outside one’s ministry walls in a safe, unbiased environment often generates “aha” moments and accelerates personal and professional growth.
Coaching develops proactive leadership. Rather than simply reacting to problems, coaching helps individuals optimize their God-given abilities and resources so they can be at their best serving the Kingdom and others.
Coaching offers a confidential thinking partner. Ministry brings challenges, complexities, and adversity. Tapping into someone who isn’t invested in the internal dynamics of a ministry can lead to better judgement, decisions, and communication.
Coaching strengthens personal resilience. The collaborative building of a personal growth plan helps individuals intentionally care for their soul, mind, and body with healthy habits and accountability.
With a team of 15 coaches, Grace in Action stands ready to serve school leaders, classroom teachers, staff ministers, and congregational leaders through Christ-centered, growth-focused coaching that strengthens resilience and equips leaders to serve faithfully for the long haul.
p.s. - Our Five-Week Summer Coaching Program is designed to help you build a personal system that positions you for increased resilience in life and ministry. You’ll receive:
A Resilience Webinar on June 19 at 11:00am CT to kickstart your resilience journey
Five 1:1 coaching conversations tailored to your context
A Personalized Resilience Plan you can actually live out
All for $625. This may be the most impactful professional development investment you make this summer. And remember, most coaching programs qualify for Title II funding, making this an even more accessible opportunity.
CLICK HERE to apply for our Summer Coaching Program. The application deadline is June 1.
