Ministry coaching works, but don’t take our word for it

When we ask pastoral ministers to reflect on how ministering in the Church today is different than 10 years ago, we usually hear responses like:

• ”The things I used to do don’t work in the same way.”

• “Things I thought would be constant have shifted.”

• “I’ve lost some/part/all of my professional community.”

• “I used to have multiple layers of support.”

• “It’s harder to keep up with competing and changing needs.”

• “I am less able to maintain balance. I have more stress.”

• “It feels like fewer people in my parish understand or value my ministry.”

• “We have become so polarized, especially in the Church.”

Perhaps these comments are similar to how you would answer the question for yourself. While challenging, these responses shouldn’t be surprising. Consider the realities facing the Church today: growing religious disaffiliation, lack of involvement and participation, changing generational needs, closing/merging of parish communities, loss of support for ministries, reduction of staffing and budgets, the evaporation of the ministry pipeline, and more.

We are living in a (continued) moment of disruption, but we’re not living in a moment devoid of hope. Nobody knows any sure-fire, secret strategies that will “fix” everything and make the challenges go away. However, we can match this new moment with new, yet proven, tools. At the heart of the Center for Learning’s project is bringing new or underutilized models of formation and impactful learning. One of these models that we believe can make a significant difference in this time of disruption is ministry coaching.

Ministry coaching is a transformative and empowering partnership designed to guide pastoral ministers toward realizing their goals and the full potential of their ministry. Ministry coaching provides a structured and supportive environment for personal and professional growth that is rooted in collaboration and centered completely on the individual, their community, and the needs of their ministry.

Through personalized guidance and tailored strategies, a ministry coach creates a safe and non-judgmental space where each individual can explore their aspirations, values, strengths, and challenges. This support goes beyond just offering advice; it involves active listening, empathetic understanding, and insightful questioning that helps gain clarity, set meaningful goals, and develop an actionable roadmap for success.

Each ministry coach serves as both a dedicated ally and an accountability partner, motivating individuals to stay focused and make meaningful progress. A coach provides unwavering encouragement, celebrating each milestone and helping navigate obstacles.

The Center for Learning has been offering ministry coaching for about a year, and in that time we have coached dozens of clergy and lay people serving parishes as music directors, directors of religious education, youth ministers, liturgists, and parish administrators. We have seen ministry coaching work; but don't take our word for it. Here is what some of the pastoral ministers we have worked with have to say:

You met me where I was at and walked with me. Your questions helped me find my way forward. You focused on what was important for me and my ministry. (Jonathan, Director of Religious Education, Iowa)

I felt affirmed and supported in my ministry in ways I haven’t felt for a long time. I am so much more confident. Others have noticed it, too. My ministry is making a bigger impact. (Mary Beth, Director of Music and Liturgy, California)

Even when we talked about a challenge I was facing, I left every coaching conversation feeling motivated and energized. You didn’t give me answers; you helped shape the way I think through those challenges. I feel so much more equipped to handle whatever comes next. (David, Director of Youth Ministry, Minnesota)

I get frustrated after attending a workshop because I don’t know what to do with all of the great information I just received. Coaching has helped me to actually do the work and implement the ideas. (Robert, Deacon, Louisiana)

I feel like I remember my “why” again. I was burned out and stressed. The challenges are still there, but now I know how to navigate through them in a healthy way. (Maria, Director of Music and Liturgy, Connecticut)

As a pastor, I don’t have as much time to spend with my staff as I need. I can see the difference coaching has made for my staff. They are more effective. Our whole staff benefits from their ideas and energy. I wish every member of my staff received coaching. It is worth every penny. (Fr. Mark, Priest, California)

I’ve been wanting to meet these goals for a long time. Every time I started, I’d get stuck or hit a roadblock. Coaching helped me finally make progress, and now I’m meeting my goals and making a difference in the ways I had always wanted to. (Hannah, Director of Religious Education, Illinois)

Each coaching relationship is customized. A ministry coaching program can cover a wide spectrum of topics important to ministry, including planning, building a program, recruiting members or volunteers, communication, fundraising, healthy relationships, and more. Whatever the topic, each individual and their coach will focus on the present and future, uncovering solutions and strategies that work.

Ultimately, ministry coaching empowers individual pastoral ministers to overcome challenges and break through barriers. It is a partnership that offers valuable guidance and support to help pastoral ministers thrive.

We are proud to offer ministry coaching as a new tool to support pastoral ministers and help them thrive. If you or someone you work with could benefit from ministry coaching, or if you have any questions, please let us know. To learn more, and to schedule a FREE coaching session, visit us at learnwithocp.org.