It is well established that church planters do better when they have a coach. Why is that?
Because the complex nature of planting often puts even an experienced leader in a “fog. So many urgent things to do, plenty of anxiety around the urgency of the task, and the expectations of people and a field supervisor can muddy thinking.
Here are simple principles to make the most of your coaching experience:
Most leaders need both types of coaching, so they look for a coach who can listen and help them work their plan but one who is also wise and will speak up and give reliable advice.
A qualified coach is:
It is always smart to ask for a coach’s credentials before you engage him or her with a contract. Experienced people are not always good coaches. A good coach needs to be an exceptionally good listener and exceptionally good at asking critical questions.
Your coaching relationship is most important at the beginning and at the critical junctures of your work. It is not uncommon to connect weekly in the beginning. At other times, a monthly connection is adequate. Your coach should also attend your stakeholders meeting. Expect to pay between $1,000 and $2,000 per year. Budget the expense.
Your coaching sessions should:
If they do not do all of these things, look for another coach. You need a coach who can help you do your best!
Minnesota Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church
122 West Franklin Avenue, Suite 400 Minneapolis, MN 55404
(612) 870-0058