Need more information?
Still have questions about coaching? Contact Naomi García, Michigan Conference Staff for change, systems, conflict... 4 good
What is coaching?
Having a coach and being coached means you are focused on next steps. Coaching is forward looking: Here’s where you are. What are you willing to consider to get you where you want to be?”
Coaching is not mentoring because the experience of the coach doesn’t matter. Coaching is not teaching; the coach doesn’t tell but asks. Nor is this athletic coaching that tells what to do. Coaching is not counseling; counseling is about what has happened in the past.
Support for Congregations and Ministry Leaders
In today’s world, pastors, ministry staff and church leaders find themselves poorly equipped to affect the kind of culture change needed. Leaders are expected to enable new dreams for their congregations despite shrinking budgets, continuing uncertainty and changing demographics of our neighborhoods. They are left feeling overwhelmed, overworked, ineffective, insecure, isolated and alone. Coaching can help. Coaches provide just-in-time support by asking questions and challenging the one being coached to set and reach their goals. Using deep listening, coaches ask questions to trigger deeper contemplation, providing a sounding board that allows the coachee to think more deeply and profoundly than they would without coaching.
Discovering new perspectives
Coaching begins with a hoped-for outcome.
Unlike counseling, mentoring, teaching, or consulting, coaching challenges the one being coached to think differently to discover new perspectives. These perspectives, in turn, invite and empower movement toward action. Using deep listening and probing questions, a coach walks alongside you as you discover your resources, set your goals and unlock yourself from stuck thinking.
As part of the Michigan Conference vision to create Bold & Effective Leaders and Vibrant Congregations, clergy and church leaders can be referred to a trained Michigan Conference coach. Click Here to request a coach.
What Types of Coaching Does The Michigan Conference Offer?
Click the buttons to learn about each type of coaching.
Ministry Transitions
Coaching for leaders (laity, staff, and pastors) experiencing role transitions. Offered free for 12 months (12 sessions)
Accessed by filling out Coaching request form.
When you fill out the coaching request form, someone WILL get back to you. You are NOT committed until after an initial session.
For More Information Contact Naomi García
Self Starters and Coaching for Any Other Reasons
Do you want to have a coach for the time and space to explore and seek clarity in your work, ministry and life?
CLICK HERE to fill out the Coaching Request Form and someone will be in touch with you. By filling out this form you are not obligated to agree to coaching.
For More Information Contact Naomi García
Which Conference Ministry Resources Does Coaching Partner with?
Click the sections below to learn about each resource.
Anti-Bias and Anti-Racism Training and Tool
- Click HERE to visit the Cultural Vibrancy Page
- For More Information Contact Brittney Stephan
Support risk-taking ministry ideas of young adult imagineers.
- Visit the Young Adult Ministries Toolbox.
- For More Information Contact Lisa Batten
Support pastors in leading their congregation's future.
- CLICK HERE to visit the Church Revitalization Toolbox
- For More Information Contact Dirk Elliott
Frequently Asked Questions about Coaching
Click the sections below to learn about each resource.
- The International Coach Federation defines coaching as “partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.”
- Others might define coaching as:
- Discovery-based process to help people get results by bringing out the best in themselves
- A healthy, encouraging and grace-filled way to challenge assumptions that lead to a shift in perspective, emotion or attitude uncovering new possibilities.
- Coaching operates from the perspective that the client has the answers within themselves. Through deep listening and powerful questions, a coach enables the client to gain clarity about what they really want.
- Coaching maximizes potential, moving people from good to great as they are ready.
- Everything shared between the coach and the client is absolutely confidential.
- Anyone willing to invite new awareness, understanding, and plan for change can benefit.
- Anyone reaching for professional and/or personal goals
- Someone who appreciates a sounding board when making decisions
- Clergy or laity who want to grow in professional and personal development, communication and life skills
- Anyone who could use a cheerleader, accountability partner and unconditional supporter.
- “I wish I had a coach years ago.”
- “It is almost magical how creating a safe, dedicated time for thinking, clears a path to new thinking.”
- “A resting place for sound thinking.”
- “Unexpectedly ‘easy-hard’ every time.”
-
Counseling/therapy looks to the past to provide meaning and discovery, while coaching looks to the future and starts on the foundation of tapping into the individual’s potential.
- Once your request is received. The lead coach will assign you a coach. You’ll have a free introductory session at a mutually agreed time. If you start with a coach and it doesn’t click or feel right, the one being coached or the coach may choose to discontinue or request a change. The lead coach recommends a minimum of 3 coaching sessions.
- How often you meet varies and is agreed upon by the coach and the individual or group receiving coaching. It could be weekly, every other week, once a month or some other arrangement. Sessions are typically 30-60 minutes over the phone, by Zoom or in person.
Typically the charge is $50-$75/hour
- Currently, if you are in transition (a new ministry role or location), the Michigan Conference may provide up to 12 sessions during a 14-month time period at no cost to you.
- For those not in ministry transition, other funding sources may be available.
Request a Coach or Learn More
- Contact Naomi García, MiConference lead coach
- Request a Coach
- Coach Training (becoming a coach)