There is a lot of confusion about coaching for churches and church leaders. Coaches themselves contribute to the problem by defining coaching to be only their approach. In truth, the concept of coaching is broad and varied.
There are two major types of Christian coaching:
- Individual Leadership Coaching (sometimes called executive coaching or life coaching) and
- Organizational Coaching (sometimes referred to as church or revitalization coaching).
Let’s look at each major type separately.
I. Leader, Life or Executive Coaching
This approach is typically done with a coach and an individual. It usually focuses on helping the leader identify his or her strengths and abilities. Within this major type of coaching, there are several distinct approaches. (NOTE: Coaches from this major approach would usually not be the best coaches for organizational or church coaching.)
Non-directive life coaching
In this approach, the coach listens to the client and by the use of listening skills and good questions helps the client think through their issues. You would want this type of coach if you would like help processing issues and questions you are facing. A good example of this approach would be coaches certified by the International Coaching Federation (ICF) (http://www.coachfederation.org).
Directed life coaching
In this approach, the coach leads the client through a process to help them establish key competencies. You would want this type of coach if you want to establish key life and leadership competencies. A good example of this approach would be Ministry Coaching International and their “Core4” system (http://www.ministrycoaching.org). Like most coaching organizations, Ministry Coaching International has a coach’s certification program.
Examples of Life Coaches:
- Bobby Clinton
- Greg Salciccioli
- Terry Walling
- Steven Covey
II. Organizational or Church Coaching
Now let us consider Organizational or Church Coaching. In this approach a coach works with a church or organizational leadership team, and almost never with only a leader or individual. Organizational coaching focuses on helping the organization identify their weaknesses and design a plan to strengthen them. Within this style of coaching there are also several approaches. Most organizational or church coaching providers offer coaching certification in their approach (NOTE: Coaches from this major approach would usually not be the best coaches for life or executive coaching.)
Church Directive Coaching
In this approach, the coach has a specific point of view and helps the church or organization apply their approach. You may want to consider this type of approach if you just need some system to follow. It is critical if you use this approach, that it match your philosophy of ministry, for it does not encourage you to consider other approaches or alternatives. It is a little bit of a cloning approach. An example of this would be Nelson Searcy Coaching (http://www.churchleaderinsights.com/coaching). Another example of this would likely be the Acts 2 model currently being developed by the AG.
Church Process Coaching
In this approach, the coaches lead the church leadership team through a process to help the church discover their own ministry direction. You may want this approach if you want to discover your church or organization’s unique DNA. In this approach, the coach will guide you through a process sharing with you options that you might consider. Then your team will consider your theology, philosophy and context and identify the approaches you feel would be best to accomplish your full kingdom potential. An example of this would be the Leadership Development Resources (LDR) process (http://www.ldrteam.com/ldr.html). Obviously, as a founding partner of LDR, I think this approach has the most potential for church transformation.
Church Consulting
In this approach, which is closely related to coaching, the consultant does an extensive assessment and then recommends action steps. You may want this approach if you feel you need a specific plan of action that is customized for your church, but are unable to develop it. An example of this approach would be the Society for Church Consulting (http://www.churchconsultation.org/).
Examples of Organizational coaches:
- Lyle Schaller
- Bill Easum
- Gary McIntosh
- John Ewart
- George Bullard
- Mel Ming
- Steve Mills
Recommendations and conclusions:
1. Only use a coaching approach for what it was intended to accomplish.
Do not use a “life coach” for a church or organization. A life coach would not be the best for a church revitalization or development process.
In the same way, you probably do not want to use an “organizational coach” to help you develop life skills.
2. Various groups have their own certification, but the certification is for only their approach.
There is not any one certification for all types of coaching. Each approach has it strengths and weaknesses. The real issue is the coach’s impact on those they coach, not the paper on the wall. Look at their references for proven success.
3. For Church or organizational coaching, be sure they are coaching the leadership team, not just the pastor or leader.
I know of no legitimate church or organizational coaching that works only with the pastor or leader.
Coaching can be a great help to a church or leader. Find a coach that matches your needs.
Mel
