Clergy-Focused Coaching
Changing appointments, navigating the ordination system, or trying to release the past for a more effective future? Clergy-specific coaching is a proven way to find a more balanced, healthy, and boundary driven ministry. Clergy, and clergy families, often face a unique form of religious trauma. The statistics for clergy divorce, mental health issues, addiction issues and family disharmony are stunning, and we can help you find your path to peace.
Your ministry supervisor may have suggested clergy coaching, or you may be seeking a listening ear from someone who understands the systems of organized religion and how they can be harmful. Clergy Coaching can often be subsidized by Ministerial Education Funds (MEF) for clergy in the United Methodist Church, or similar scholarship program in other denominations.
Clergy coaching comes in a package of six (6) ninety (90) minute sessions via Zoom.
Clergy Coaching Topics
Religious Trauma
We can be a damaged group of professionals. Some congregations and individuals seem to have a mission to take down their pastor. Some supervisors seem to want to tear you down rather than build you up. What we experience in the life of the church can challenge our faith and our values. The religious trauma of the pastor is a real and serious thing, and can jeopardize your health, happiness and family security. Secular therapists are great for certain aspects of caring for clergy, but don't always have an understanding of the roles faith and church play in our wellbeing. Professional pastoral care for clergy members bridges this gap.
Discernment
Considering a move out of or into pulpit ministry, or if it is time to leave an appointment? An intentional time of discernment can help you remove the mental barriers and find a path to live your life and ministry to its fullest.
Transitions
Change is inevitable in the life of the itinerant pastor. Clergy coaching for transitions helps to evaluate the lessons learned and leave behind any harm caused so it does not damage your new appointment. Also, moving is hard. I've mastered it and can help you plan.
Ordination Coaching
The journey to ordination is challenging. Discernment, paperwork, interviews, required retreats and other aspects of the ordination process can be overwhelming, and it always helps to have someone who has 'been there, done that' by your side. While I'm most familiar with the United Methodist process, I can help with the ordination process in any denomination.
Supervisory Issues
You've just left a meeting with your DS or other supervisor because something has gone terribly, horribly wrong. They are requiring you to seek counseling or coaching to deal with a specific issue so your ministry can be more effective. It's not your choice, but let's do this together.