LDJ Coaching

What is a Coaching?

Most of us are familiar with coaches in the context of sports. They usually do not participate in the game itself, but on the sidelines providing the guidance, motivation and correction needed by the players.

Principles of coaching have found application in all areas of life—wherever there are persons who want to improve their performance and realize the value of having the help of another person.

Gary Collins says, "Coaching is the art and practice of guiding a person or group from where they are toward the greater competence and fulfillment that they desire. Christian coaches help people move from where they are to where they believe God wants them to be. Coaching helps people expand their visions, build their confidence, unlock their potential, increase their skills, and take practical steps toward their goals."

The LDJ model is that of peer coaching, where an experienced, effective pastor coaches a pastor who wants to increase his/her effectiveness.

How does Coaching differ from Mentoring?

At times terms may be used interchangeably—mentors, coaches, sponsors, disciplers, or counselors. As used in LDJ, mentoring is essentially focused on personal development and coaching is focused on skill development, through the being and doing aspects of ministry are inseparable. Both mentoring and coaching understand the necessity and power of peer relationships in developing effective ministry. In simple terms, mentors pour their best into those being mentored. Coaches pull the best out of the persons being coached.

What is the goal of LDJ Coaching?

The goal of LDJ coaching is the development of pastor-leaders who are highly focused on God's vision for themselves and their ministry; are living balanced lives; have a high level of satisfaction in ministry; and are effectively reaching their personal and professional goals.

What are the benefits of having a Coach?

We learn and grow best in relationships. A coaching relationship is a dynamic means for learning and growing. Among the benefits gained from having a relationship with a coach are:

Improved performance, production, and satisfaction in ministry
Enhanced learning
Improved quality of life
More creative ideas in solving problems and leading congregations
Better use of time, skills, and resources
Increased skill in strategic thinking, vision fulfillment, conflict resolution, and in relating with others
Relationship with an experienced person who can objectively see you and your context and speak truth with grace
Relationship with a person who believes in you and is committed to helping you reach your maximum potential

Who needs a Coach?

Any person can benefit from having a coach. Any person who wants to improve his or her level of performance; who is "stuck" and needs to find a way to move beyond present obstacles; who feels overwhelmed or discouraged; who needs help clarifying personal mission and vision; and who feels under-trained for dealing with specific ministry tasks.

What does a Coach do?

A coach listens, questions, encourages and assists the person being coached to clarify his or her vision for ministry; to work through issues affecting personal or professional life; and to raise the level of satisfaction and effectiveness in ministry. A coach supports and challenges. A coach holds the person being coached accountable for acting on the personal and profession goals he or she has established. A coach celebrates the victories achieved by the person being coached.

Who can be a Coach and how does a person become one?

There are character, skill, and experience qualifications for being a coach. Coaches are persons who are spiritually mature, trusted, honest, humble, disciplined, positive, and teachable. Coaches are able to listen actively, speak the truth with love and grace, inspire, think strategically, be objectively detached, perceptive, and self aware. Coaches model the ideal qualities of an effective pastor-leader; have a positive and healthy perspective on ministry; demonstrate an effective leadership history; are loyal to their district and general church; and are available and willing to take a coaching assignment.

Most importantly, a coach must have a passion to help others learn and grow, and must believe in the potential of the person being coached.

Persons interested in being a coach should participate in coach training to understand the role of a coach and to acquire the necessary skills. Coach training is available within districts and is conducted by the LDJ Coordinator or a coach trainer of the district's choosing. Coach training that can lead to national certification is available through several training organizations. The LDJ Coordinator can assist interested persons in finding training resources that best meet their needs.

The assignment and monitoring of coaching arrangements is handled by respective district superintendents.

How are sessions conducted and how often are they conducted?

Most coaching sessions will be conducted by telephone. In most cases, the sessions will be 45-60 minutes in length, once a month.

How long does the Coach relationship last?

The coaching relationship is designed to be for one year, at which time there should be an evaluation of the effectiveness of the relationship. Continuing beyond the one year must be mutually agreeable, with specific goals for continuing, and done in consultation with the district superintendent.

How can the Coach relationship be terminated?

Coaching is only effective if it is voluntary and both the coach and person being coached agree that the relationship is beneficial. If either person feels that they are incompatible, the relationship is not beneficial, or there are compelling reasons to discontinue the relationship, the district superintendent should be contacted and reasons given for the termination.

What will it cost me to have a Coach?

Some coaching arrangements are of a contractual nature in which fees are appropriate. LDJ is providing coach training and basic coaching resources without cost to districts and participants. LDJ peer coaching is intended to provide coaching without cost to those who need it most. Your cost will be in time, commitment to the process, and willingness to make the changes that might be necessary in your personal and professional life in order to achieve your greatest potential. Persons being coached will be responsible for the cost of long distance phone calls.

How are Coaches matched with persons who want to be coached?

Coaching arrangements are made by the district superintendent. Compatibility of temperament, extent of experience, and the coach's understanding of the ministry context of the person being coached will be considered. Both the coach and the person being coached must agree to the assignment.

How can I sign up for a Coach?

You will need to apply through your district superintendent to see if trained coaches are available.

What about more skill-specific coaching?

LDJ is providing peer mentor for enhancing general pastor-leader performance. Coaching for more specific skills (church health, ReFocusing, church planting, etc.) is provided by the Department of Evangelism and Church Growth or by other suppliers. The Coordinator of LDJ may give you counsel in finding an appropriate coach to met your needs. In most cases, there will be costs involved with outside providers for which you will be responsible.

Phone: 317-774-3896

Email: heerk@wesleyan.org

Mailing: P.O. Box 50434, Indianapolis, IN 46250