Coaching for Ministry Professionals

Posted on August 11, 2010 by zachary

Rev. Dr. Bob Anderson

Leadership Coach and

Transition Ministry Specialist

An emerging field for ministry leaders today is what is often called “clergy coaching”. Coaching is a process whereby the coach assists the client to determine what he or she wants in all areas of work and life and to then develop realistic and multiple action plans to achieve those visions.

Coaches provide a service for leaders who are already basically happy and successful. Coaches are committed to assisting their clients to realize their full leadership potential, passion and brilliance. When problems occur or obstacles are encountered, the coach is trained to listen in such a way that the client will dig deep within themselves to discover multiple possibilities for action. The coach can provide objective and valuable feedback that’s very difficult to generate by oneself. Their work is confidential and can produce amazing results.

Coaching is more than simple techniques. Coaching is not a quick fix or formula based program. Coaching is a process of discovery, learning, and application that is self generated with the coach. Coaching is a relationship that is both confidential and potentially life changing. Coaching is also a conversation. By being fully present, effective listening, and powerful questions, the coach will assist the client to move quickly from problems to solutions, from insights to action, from status quo to new and satisfying outcomes.

The coaching process is most effective over a period of time, usually six months or longer. Coaching sessions may be done in person or on the phone. Coaching is one path for professional development, life-work balance, and satisfaction in ministry. This makes coaching something that does qualify for use of continuing education funds.

Coaching is increasingly recognized as a valuable opportunity by our church. The Presbyterian Church (USA) is beginning to network trained coaches through the Middle Governing Body office as a first step to help ministers find coaches in their area.

My coach training is with Dave Ellis Leadership and Coaching. (www.daveellisleadership.com). With nearly 35 years of ministry experience as a pastor and governing body executive, I am able to listen well to the concerns, hopes, and dreams of ministry leaders in our churches. For more information you may call me at 412-926-5106, visit my blog at www.breakthroughlifecoach.org. My email is bob@breakthroughcoach.org

Bob Anderson

Journey Together

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Get Motivated! Report and a Possibility!

Posted on August 11, 2010 by zachary

GetMotivated! (www.getmovtivated.com) came to Pittsburgh this week and I spent the day participating in a variety of perspectives on how to live successfully in turbulent times. Terry Bradshaw was a big hit and I loved listening to Colin Powell. I related to his transition from a “big deal” to an “ordinary civilian”. There were some tried and true opportunities for the money making ventures (yes, I did sign up for one). My favorite was the discovery that could attend the World Vision/Willow Creek luncheon – there is a free lunch! – it was fantastic. The ministry of World Vision is ever growing (check out the book by Richard Stearns, CEO), The Hole in our Gospel. Stearns presents a challenge to the church (anywhere on the conservative/liberal continuum) that the Gospel is empty if our message does not include God’s vision for the poor and marginalized that appears throughout scripture. I’ve read some very powerful excerpts and get a thumbs up from some colleagues.

Rudy Giuliani was interviewed by Tamara Lowe (an organizer of the Get Motivated! event). What a deep thinker. He surprised me with the agile way in which he spoke to the needs of church leaders in times of turbulence. I thought, “duh”, when he said, “this time of turbulence is the best of times for your churches, the world needs faith more than ever!” Stick with your mission, leverage what you already do well, were two of his thoughts for getting through the financial downturn in budgets.

Tamara Lowe presented the vision for Get Motivated! to create partnerships with World Vision, Willow Creek and others to provide resources and support for ministers. I wasn’t able to get even close to a personal moment with her, but I did email my invitation to consider BreakThrough Possibility Coaching as one element. Tamara’s book GetMotivated is a great read that I received on my way to the lunch. She has a super tool for creating multiple paths of motivation for your organization’s leaders. The book and some bonuses are available at her site, www.getmotivatedbook.com

So why shouldn’t I motivate you with my own offer? Here goes… as an introduction to Possibility Coaching! I’m offering an on line personal assessment using DiSC (Inscape Publishing $99 value) plus two hours of telephone coaching with me ($190 value) all for $149. If you are a minister or non-profit leader, I have a description of this in educational and professional development language for reimbursement as continuing ed./professional development.

Dwell in Possibility!

Bob Anderson

412-926-5106

Posted in Leadership, Motivation, Possibility | Leave a comment

Coaching for Value Added Ministry

Posted on August 11, 2010 by zachary

In my own leadership as interim transitional leader in congregations and governing bodies, I hear members tell me repeatedly, “we are not getting value” from our pastor’s leadership. Then, my coach asked me how I was adding value in my practice of ministry. What? Add value? I already don’t get paid enough and besides, adding value is for corporations. Not!

That comment began a simple journey of living to add value in all areas of my life, not only ministry. We can begin with ourselves. With good self care and life-work balance I add value to my own life. In turn, however, I add value as a pastoral leader. That’s not always easy. I worked extra long to be able to take a week off this week to think and write things like this! The first two days were miserable because I had to let go of my “stuff” – I unwind slowly.

Adding value might be a simple act like being fully present to the unexpected visitor in the church office when you were on the way to make hospital calls. Adding value might be writing your report ahead of time and sending it to your Session, Vestry, Council, Deacon Board or what ever name your governing group may have. Adding value happens when I return phone calls quickly. Adding value occurs when I make those phone calls or visits that I would rather delay than deal with sticky issues. Adding value may be one extra round of polish the sermon or the extra proof reading of the church worship bulletin.

The coaching process will help you dig deep into your own self awareness to discover ways to add value that are authentic and already available to you. Recruiting a Coach is one way to add value for yourself and your practice of ministry.

Bob Anderson
Clergy Leadership Coach

Posted in Coaching, Leadership, Ministry | Leave a comment