A Congregational Coach in Residence

By Eddie Hammett, PCC

with Russ Rainey, Ph.D.

A Great Idea!!

When it comes to coaching and the local church, how about if we “supersize” our vision?  Let’s shoot for the stars instead of limiting ourselves to what would be “plausible” remembering that we have a great God who is all about big dreams.  One person I know who has big dreams for coaching and the church is Eddie Hammett, Senior Coach and Consultant for the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina.  He has been coaching church leaders on church issues for years.

 Eddie knows that coaching can play a larger role in the church than most have dreamed about.  He thinks about what it would be like to have a “Congregational Coach in Residence” in a local church.  Following are some of his thoughts about what that would look like.

 Ministry Description:

A congregational coach in residence offers lay and clergy leadership the benefits of a professional and certified coaching relationship which helps insure personal and professional growth of leaders that will impact the progressive movement of the church that transforms persons and communities for the cause of Christ.

Benefits of Coach in Residence to the Congregation and Community:

Assist leaders to…

• identify gaps between where leaders are and where they want to be
• grow forward in faith and function with the companionship of a coach
• effectively deal with change, conflict, and stressful interpersonal relationships
• move from dialogue to action plans that move them and the congregation forward
• face and deal with personal discomforts as a growing edge of faith formation and leadership growth
• explore options and barriers through guided dialogue, not based on answers or prescriptions, but on well timed powerful questions
• move forward with the consistent support and encouragement of the coach in residence
• design congregational strategies and experiences that transform individuals and communities for the cause of Christ

Partnership Options:

Option 1: Contract with a certified coach to be onsite during a stated period of time around a major issue, struggle or learning curve being faced by the congregation

Option 2: Employ a full-time or part-time certified coach as a coach for the staff, leaders and congregation rather than a program promoter or one just responsible for a segment of the ministry.  A coach would work from a systemic view seeking to coach toward action and unity of mission. 

Option 3: Partner with another agency, network, association, convention, judicatory or denominational group to contract with a certified coach

 Imagine…

Can you imagine what it would be like if your church had a Congregational Coach in Residence?  Churches, like any individual or organization, get tunnel vision at times.  They can’t see the forest for the trees.  They get stuck in dysfunctional congregation, leadership, relationship and personal issues.

 But, what if your church had a coach on staff who kept leaders on their toes by asking them powerful questions (questions no one else is asking), by helping them focus forward and brainstorm options?  What if your church had a coach who could help its leaders balance powerful leadership with compassionate shepherding?  All church staffs could benefit from a professional change agent in house.

 So, why not shoot for the stars and talk to your church about the benefits of a Congregational Coach in Residence?  Maybe you’ll have to start out somewhat short of that vision, but keep your sights set on a high-impact role for coaching.

 If you would like to communicate with Eddie Hammett, he can be reached at edwardhhammett@mchsi.com or 1-800-578-9730.

 Russ Rainey, Ph.D., Courageous Growth Coaching, russr@courageousgrowth.com, 817-479-3231