While in ministry, it can be easy to get distracted and lack leadership and mentorship from others. Spending time with godly coaches and mentors gives us entirely new perspectives on why and how we do ministry. For me, coaching has proved vital in my desire to be an effective leader that influences people. One of my favorite verses about growing is found in proverbs:

“A wise man will hear and increase in learning, And a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel.” -Proverbs 1:5

What’s The Big Deal About Having A Coach?

Your coach is someone that is in your corner to bounce ideas off of, offer feedback and counsel, and provide a listening ear. Think of a coach for a sports team. The coach wants the team to win. So the coach does whatever it takes to help the team become better. The coach plays a vital role in every win, because they are a key element in the growth process. like a sports coach, a ministry coach is just as significant. Having several coaches can be even more rewarding. Different people yield different experiences, different ministries, and different perspectives. Listening to a plethora of coaches will help guide you as you are making decisions within your own ministry. 

Coaching Helps my Own Leadership

Being Bold. The first coach I went to helped me understand what it’s like to be bold and try something brand new for God. I told him that I wanted to go and minister in Alaska but was scared of the unknown. He told me to be brave and stop waiting around. He helped me to not be afraid and to know that God wants to do immeasurably more than all I can ask or imagine (Yep, that’s in the bible. Ephesians 3:20). It has been a game changer in my walk with Christ to have a coach who wasn’t afraid in pushing me to be bold in my faith.

Owning My Voice. My current coach from Youth Ministry Institute has helped me understand what it’s like to do ministry in the local church and helped me identify my leadership style. I used to have a tendency to let someone else’s vision become my calling. That is, I would put my own thoughts to the side to better serve. My coach has helped me see that I have opinions, beliefs and a voice that do not have to be compromised when trying to determine the best way to do ministry. He’s helped me see that voicing my thoughts actually benefits and strengthens the ministry and staying quiet often hinders ministry effectiveness.

Caring for Others. My current pastor has helped me see that people matter and that I’ve got to be sensitive to their feelings. This is one of my pastor’s greatest gifts, caring for others. He has shown me that being sensitive to people will help me understand how I can minister to them in the best way. He’s helped me bridge the gap between the questions “How can I care for them?” and “How can I walk with them?”

It is important to find the right coach. I look to my current pastor for coaching on how to care because it is one of his gifts. Having many diverse coaches ensures that you have a coach for every need in your ministry. Without a coach, ministry can be draining and provide a fast road to burn out. With an encouraging and helpful coach by your side, you can gain new perspectives and ideas to survive and thrive in ministry.