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Trends in Coaching and What They Mean for Faith Communities

Coaching in various forms is increasing, so it is getting more attention.  This means that change is at hand.  In a recent blog,  Edmée Schalkx  addressed “Trends in Coaching 2017-2022 ” and specifically noted what this means for users and coaches.   As one who believes both in the effectiveness of coaching and its usefulness in religious settings, I suggest what these changes in coaching means for those of us who work with churches.   First, faith communities will recognize that they need trained coaches.  Churches, judicatories, and other faith-based institutions will discover that coaching promotes retention, provides focus, and maximizes use of resources.  With less to work with, coaching will increase the impact of the work of faith-based organizations in all areas of ministry.   Second, seminaries will give more attention to teaching coaching skills and integrating coaching into the curriculum. Seminaries and church related colleges will add certification and degree-level educati
Recent posts

Uncommon Greatness: A Review

In his newest book on leadership , Mark Miller challenges the reader to a choice: Will you be a common leader, accepting the “common wisdom” that informs that stance, or will you be an uncommon leader who realizes there is a better way?   Miller has written the book to serve leaders who believe they can make a difference in the world, who care about personal excellence, and who are energized by producing tangible results.  These attributes apply to all leaders, not matter where they serve in the organization.    The five fundamental movements that the author delineates are:   See the future. Engage and develop others. Reinvent continuously. Value results and relationships. Embody a leader’s heart.   Similar processes can be found in other books on leadership such as those by James Kouzes and Barry Posner ( The Leadership Challenge )  but Miller brings an up-to-date spin to the process of being an effective leader.  Each section also provides valuable “Ideas for Action.”  Certainly wort

A Little Churn May be Good for You

When Rita and I moved to Columbus, Georgia, in 1965, we visited Benning Hills Baptist Church where Sidney Waterhouse was pastor.     The following Sunday I was an usher and within a few weeks we were teaching a Sunday school class.     I certainly would like to think that this is because we were such apparently outstanding leaders (Rita is, I am not).     That was not the case, however. Benning Hills was located just outside the main gate of Fort Benning (now Fort Moore), and the post had recently sent several units to the Republic of Vietnam.     They had lost not only a number of military personnel but families who chose to relocate.   The church was experiencing what I refer to as “churn.”  This is a rather robust word.  As a noun,  It means “ a container in which cream is stirred or shaken to make butter ” (yes, I have seen one).  As a verb, it means “to stir or agitate violently .”  Benning Hills was experiencing “churn” as people left, and new people arrived on their doorstep.  A

What are the Qualities of a Coaching Leader?

Do you have what it takes to be a coaching leader?   A coaching leader is someone who encourages another person to identify his or her goals, discover the resources available to pursue those goals, develop action plans together, and then walk along beside that person in the process of achieving the person’s goals.     A coaching leader can apply these skills in working with groups and teams as well, multiplying his or her impact as a coach by including others in the process.   A coaching leader is strong in the elements that Daniel Goleman attributes to emotional intelligence:   Self-awareness. Self-regulation. Motivation. Empathy. Social skills.   These are skills that can be learned once a person understands his or her own emotional intelligence profile.  The more that you, as a leader, can manage each of these areas, the higher your emotional intelligence.  Emotional intelligence is essential to be an effective coaching leader. These skills influence the qualities that make a good c

Compassionate Accountability: Coaching

The Gallup organization did a meta-analysis of 100 million employee interviews to identify what makes a highly engaged team.  The key factor is the manager, but one with a particular style of leading.  In a recent blog post, Jim Clifton reported, “ Gallup has discovered -- through studying what the best managers do differently -- that great managing is an act of coaching, not one of directing and administrating.”   At the center of compassionate accountability is coaching.  Good managers engage in regular coaching conversations to encourage, develop, and support team members.  In the blog, Clifton suggests several ways to implement this game changing strategy in an organization.   1.        Recognize that Millennials and Generation Z individuals want to learn and grow.  Coaching provides this opportunity. 2.       Announce to your organization that your leaders will move from administering teams to coaching teams. 3.       Do away with all evaluation forms and institute this approach:

What is the Role of Spiritual Formation in Theological Education?

For those who have never experienced theological education, the response to this question might Your “Isn’t that what theological education all about?”  Well, “yes” and “no.”  Theological education is a spiritual, educational, and skill development experience.  In addition to learning about biblical interpretation, theology, and doctrine, seminary students learn how to lead worship, preach, provide pastoral care, and lead congregations.  Although one would assume that spiritual formation is an intrinsic part of this experience, the assumption is based on intentionality on the part of the students, the faculty, and the seminary leadership.  It doesn’t just happen!   Perhaps today more than ever before, there is agreement that spiritual formation is integral to preparing well-rounded, effective religious leaders. One reason is that many students now come to seminary with only a marginal experience in being part of a community of faith.  Others have some concept of spiritual development,

What is the Difference Between Coaching and Mentoring?

Very often people confuse the terms “coaching” and “mentoring.”  (What we mean by coaching here is life or leadership coaching.)  Coaching and mentoring both involve supporting an individual's growth and development, but they have some key differences. Here's a breakdown: Focus: Coaching  tends to focus   on the present and future, helping you define your goals, overcome obstacles, and move toward your full potential. Coaches don't necessarily need direct experience in your field since they guide you to discover your own solutions and strategies. Mentoring  focuses on your past, present, and future, offering guidance based on the mentor's experience and expertise in your field or industry. Mentors often share their own stories and insights to help you navigate career or personal challenges and help in developing professional networks. Structure: Coaching  is typically more structured, with defined goals, timeframes, and action plans. Coaches work with you to develop acc