This entry is the second in a four-part series on what it takes to build a coaching culture. Many pastors and leaders want to have coaching be part of the very fabric of how they do ministry– they want it to permeate their whole discipleship and leadership development process. Yet few manage to make that happen. Why? What’s needed?
Element #2: a clear vision
Many times, leaders will express the desire for a coaching culture in their church or ministry, but– if pressed– have only a cloudy idea of what that would look like if it actually happened.
As a leader who wants to establish a culture of coaching, there’s no substitute for visioncasting. You need to cast a clear and compelling vision of what a coaching culture would really look like when it is fully lived out. People need to be able to see it, taste it, see it in their mind’s eye.
Here’s what that vision looks like for Christina Roberts, lead pastor of Madison Vineyard Church:
- They take seriously that God can speak clearly to each person when they have someone coming alongside them to help listen.
- They offer coaching to every newcomer coming into church to help them navigate their discipleship and involvement.
- They offer coaching for people in their family life.
- They offer coaching for people to become involved in incarnational ministry.
- They offer coaching for all of their ministry apprentices to continue developing them in their gifts and skills.
- They are committed to having enough coaching capacity so they can offer coaching to everyone who is serious about wanting someone to come alongside them to help them grow.
Another important point of visioncasting for a coaching culture is to underscore the benefits for people. They need to understand the benefits coaching will bring… concrete examples of how it will make a difference. Michael Gatlin, senior pastor of Duluth Vineyard, talks about how much coaching has impacted the quality and scope of pastoral care at his church. People are empowered with the confidence to come alongside others in times of need and to work on their issues together. That kind of motivation is essential– people need to see the benefits.
If you want to talk with me about your vision for building a coaching culture in your organization, reach out and connect with me at bob@loganleadership.com.