STEP #3 COACHING

Evaluation provides a basic diagnosis, training is a treatment plan, but coaching is the cheering on and standing alongside those primarily responsible for the hard work of bringing about change. Ignite has long focused efforts on the leaders of local churches as being the change agents and the best focus when assisting churches. There is certainly a place for training the wider congregational membership or helping with church-wide events, but the local pastoral leaders are the ones who spearhead these changes that bring about a thriving congregation.

Two different kinds of coaching are included in this step of the program: mentoring and peer-support. Mentoring is often what is thought of with coaching, as the wiser and more experienced leader gives encouragement and provides accountability. The outside coach seeks to help the leader succeed, which will involve different steps for each coaching relationship. Ignite’s Thriving Churches program includes this kind of coaching environment, where church leaders are matched up with respected leaders to help guide their ministry efforts. This kind of relationship is critical, especially in a non-denominational church situation where no relationship like this is automatically provided through the church structure. The mentoring relationship helps the church leader to process the steps discussed so far of evaluation and training, and gives a personal element in helping them in what can be a lonely role of pastoral leadership.

The second aspect of peer-support does an even better job of meeting the isolation of pastoral work, as this program includes the network of fellow church leaders, launching in 2025. This could be considered “peer-coaching,” but the idea is really about community formation. The coaching network helps leaders figure out best practices, share resources, give ideas for training, provide personal support, and facilitate encouraging conversations. This group dynamic will be expanded from what is currently offered to provide multiple outlets for church leaders to connect with one another. Something as simple as a regular Zoom call gives leaders an environment to encourage and support one another.

The coaching step includes both the one-on-one dynamic of a trusted mentor as well as the group aspect of a supporting community. Both parts of coaching provide two needed aspects for church leaders of accountability and encouragement. Accountability is a key part of fostering significant change and knowing a trusted mentor or a community of peers will be checking on the progress becomes highly motivating to most leaders. Additionally, many church leaders are starved for encouragement in a role that often receives much criticism, so being able to connect with a supportive community makes a big difference in their ministry sustainability and health.